Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Lane.
Ariel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started The Style Museum, formerly known as Ariel’s Treasure Chest two years ago on my mother’s birthday, June 16th. My first thrifting memories were with my mother and sister. Although I didn’t really appreciate the act of thrifting then, I loved the memories we created laughing at the vintage/funky designs we would discover. I revisited thrifting as a young adult, always curating pieces for myself and others, even though there weren’t exactly any others at that time. When I started teaching ten years ago my colleagues would always compliment me on my outfits and would make comments such as, “I’d never think of that” or “How did you put that together?” Finally about eight years later, I got the courage to create an IG page and start selling my pieces. From there I ventured into local pop-up shops and most recently into personal styling and providing fashion advice. Last May, I left the classroom and decided to focus on The Style Museum full-time.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m a mother to a 13 years old young prince and was a full-time science teacher when starting The Style Museum. It was challenging to fulfill all of my responsibilities as a mother, working full-time and still find time for my passion of fashion. At first, I was only able to commit to weekends, curating and posting items to my IG page. I eventually got into a rhythm, but still was only able to post an additional 1-2 times a week. Still yet learning about social media platforms, such as IG, I also had to research the ins and outs of having a successful presence. And am still continuing to learn as the platform continues to change.
The building of my website has also been a labor of love. I just recently launched TheStyleMuseum.com in August. As a one woman army (sometimes my sun takes pictures), it was challenging doing everything: curating, taking pictures, measuring items and finally actually getting them on the website.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Style Museum – what should we know?
The Style Museum is a vintage modern boutique featuring pieces of versatility, eccentricity, culture and boldness. Additionally The Style Museum also educates and supports women on discovering their “style potential” or their capacity to find the pieces for their wardrobe that make them feel confident. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful and the clothing we wear is often the impetus for this feeling.
The Style Museum is best known for its Exhibits (formerly known as 2 A Days). Twice a month, five days of outfits are featured based on a theme. Besides being aligned with a theme, the pieces also reveal versatility. Each outfit models two different ways in which it can be worn. I have a lot of fun creating these various looks! If I can show you two different ways to wear one piece, I have not only doubled your wardrobe but saved you money and the environment!
The Style Museum is more than an online boutique. Traditionally, a museum’s purpose is to collect objects of importance, educate and provide an enjoying experience to its visitors. The Style Museum is no different, curating especial pieces and providing fashion advice and style tips through a variety of avenues. Most recently, I created a September Style Guide that highlighted an outfit a day based on current fashion trends, wardrobe essentials and National Holidays. In addition, the website provides tidbits of information on the origin or designer of certain pieces. Edutainment is provided through Fashion Masterclasses where I have demonstrated how to style a men’s button-up, make 3-D Sunflower Earrings, convert a (men’s) necktie into a bow-tie and how to use handbag straps as belts! As a former traditional teacher, I find myself always learning and disseminating that knowledge. I love thinking outside the box and sharing my creativity with others!
I am most proud of The Style Museum’s evolution. At its inception only vintage pieces were offered. Now, two years later services added include personal styling, “Dress-Up” parties and I’m currently learning how to sew, with hopes of adding some vintage-inspired items to the shop!
Ten years ago, I had no thoughts of venturing into the fashion arena! I’m excited about The Style Museum’s evolution ten years from now!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The quality I feel that has been most important to my success is having a growth mindset. I don’t really believe in good or bad luck, only growth and opportunities for growth. As an entrepreneur and business owner you have to keep it moving; you can’t dwell on the so-called good or bad that may occur. Every experience, whether a challenge or triumph, I learn from. For example there have been 1 or 2 pop-up shops where I have not made a profit. Instead of being upset and discouraged, I used the opportunity to build relationships and reflected after the event was over. I thought about the timing of the event, the crowd, the venue, etc. and then adjusted accordingly the next time. I have been blessed with the opportunity of being a woman business owner and don’t take it for granted. Because of this, I am constantly trying new things and learning from those situations. I am determined to succeed…by any means necessary!
And of course, I can definitely say I have been blessed with the ability to curate some awesome vintage/thrifted pieces.
Pricing:
- Vintage/Thrifted Pieces (available on site or pop-up shops) – $15-40
- Dress-Up Parties – $50/hr, including 22% discount on pieces purchased
- Personal Styling Guides – $20/week
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thestylemuseum.com/
- Email: the1stylemuseum@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_stylemuseum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The1StyleMuseum/shop/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/museum_style
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