Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Portalatin.
Erica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a kid, I would go to the thrift store with my mom after school every day. At the time, I used to be so embarrassed because people associated shopping at thrift stores with being poor. I starting embracing it once I noticed I was always getting compliments on my outfits. Growing up, I always had a passion for Hip-Hop & Fashion. After graduating from high school, I tried attending Johnson & Wales to study Fashion Merchandising. Unfortunately, my mother couldn’t afford the tuition. I was sad but always managed to stay motivated. I eventually started pursuing music. It was going great but the money wasn’t coming in fast enough to support my daughter. I ended up moving from Miami to Atlanta. Once I got here, my best friend, who’s a Fashion Designer, got me a gig as her Wardrobe Assistant on La Voz Kids (The Voice Kids). I loved everything about it! I worked the show for two seasons and also worked for an independent film. After the gigs slowed down, I started thinking to myself, “I’m not a fashion designer, but I have a great eye for fashion. What can I offer the industry?’ That’s when it all dawned on me.
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?
Not at all! As a parent, anything you pursue outside of that is never easy. After not getting gigs for a while, I had to go back to bartending. While the money was great, the stress, long hours, and lack of passion weren’t worth it. When I first started my business, I wasn’t selling fast enough or even selling anything at all. It made me doubt myself and question whether I was good enough. Honestly, I’m not a religious person but more of a spiritual one. One day I just got on my knees and started praying out loud. I’ve prayed in the past before, but it was either under my breath or in my head. But that day, I asked whoever was listening to guide me and help give me clarity. I promise you that everything for me changed after that day. It is the only thing I did in my routine that was different.
Mad Thrifty – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Mad Thrifty is an Urban Vintage Store. We specialize in vintage ensembles & wardrobe styling services. I believe that sustainability & style merged creates timeless, unforgettable fashion. Some people don’t have that vision & see vintage pieces as nothing more than old clothing. I love those people because I will take that same piece, style it up with a modern approach and instantly make them a believer. Especially my teenage clientele! Knowing that the vintage clothing in my collection appeals to a younger audience is so rewarding. I feel my brand has a unique aesthetic. Its a nostalgic yet fresh take on urban vintage fashion. Being that Hip-Hop is another passion of mine, I also try to incorporate it as much as I can. The fact that we provide wardrobe styling for movies, television, photoshoots, videos, etc. is something you don’t see too many stores doing as well.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment so far is saying to myself around Christmas time last year that by the same time the following year, I would have Mad Thrifty inside a store. Less than a month later, I received a random message from my now business partner, offering me space inside his store. I spoke on it and manifested it almost immediately. It felt like magic to me.
Pricing:
- 1 styled look & photoshoot $50 (includes 3 edited photos)
- 2 styled looks & photoshoot $75 (includes 6 edited photos)
- 3 styled looks & photoshoot $100 (includes 10 edited photos)
- 50 or more package Free photoshoot with 3 edited photos when you purchase $50 or more from the store. *Must wear purchased items.
- Styling on set $50 an hour + your budget
- Personal Shopping $100 + your budget
Contact Info:
- Address: 680 Murphy Ave SW
Building 4 Suite #4008
Atlanta, GA 30310 - Website: www.madthrifty.com
- Phone: 3055024026
- Email: madthriftyshop@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madthriftyshop/
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/madthrifty/?business_id=654728684985594
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/madthrifty?s=09
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/pJHFgR/
Image Credit:
Models: Charity Calderon, Corey Dionte and Andrianna Price
Photographers: Erica Portalatin, Mussolini Threatt
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