Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivette Pinilla
Hi Ivette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My love story with fashion begins back in my homeland. I was born in Cali, Colombia, the salsa capital of the world. Hot weather, bright colors, and sexy rhythms were my first fashion influences. Growing up in Colombia was different in many ways, but fashion-wise, as kids, we always wore uniforms to school, so there wasn’t a lot of room for self-expression through your outfits. Unlike here in the US, where you wear a different outfit every day.
My earliest fashion memories are of playing dress-up. I loved to wear my mom’s heels, jewelry, and makeup. My absolute favorite outfit to wear, which I inherited from my sister (four years older), was a red and white polka dot flamenco costume. It was fitted, with big sleeves, a nice train, and a lace head covering. The shoes were black with a little heel that made a lot of noise (which I loved). To complete the outfit, I would put on all of my mother’s jewelry and red lipstick. Every time I wore it, it made me feel like Esmeralda from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (my favorite Disney character growing up). The power of transformation through fashion is amazing; that’s why Halloween is still one of my favorite holidays.
I have been in love with fashion for as long as I can remember. It has always been my favorite tool for self-expression and to feel confident in my own skin. Up until my teenage years, my biggest fashion influences were my mom (she always matched her purse and shoes to her clothes), latin soap operas, and the MTV channel.
In 2002, right before my 15th birthday, my life took a big turn when our family had to move to Costa Rica because of the civil conflict that Colombia was experiencing at that time. My father was a politician, and his life was in danger, so we had to leave our country to live as refugees in Costa Rica.
Starting from scratch in a new country is not easy. Our family went through some tough times, but my parents always taught us to work hard and be there for each other. At 15, I got my first job, not because I needed it, but because I wanted to be able to buy my own things without having to ask my parents for money. In my mind, if I bought my own clothes and stuff, my parents couldn’t really say much about what I wore. It didn’t really work that way!
My most memorable fashion moment during my five years there was my 15th birthday. In Latin culture, a Quinceañera is a big deal, but I had just moved to a new country, and I didn’t know anyone, so a party wasn’t an option. I had to work with what I had, which was a bigger budget for clothes. I picked out this awesome outfit: a black layered top with open shoulders and long pointy sleeves, white tight jeans, and a cool pair of black strappy sandals with heels. It was my take on a “gothic cool girl” during my rebel era. A lot of fashion experimentation happened after that; shopping for unique, cool pieces was my favorite hobby. It was then that I knew I wanted to own a boutique someday. In Costa Rica, I was introduced to secondhand fashion for the first time—a life-changing experience for a fashionista on a budget!
At age 19 my life took a second big turn. My father was found by the people that were after him back in Colombia and our family had to move countries for a second time, we became refugees of Atlanta, Georgia in 2007.
Another chance to start new, but this time it was a little bit more difficult because we didn’t speak the language. We were together though, which was the most important thing so we did what we knew to do best, work hard. I got my first job with Marriott 3 months after arriving. In 2012 I became a citizen of the United States (one of the happiest days of my life). Worked taking care of 2 beautiful kids for 6 years while I got my degree in Business Administration.
In 2016 I met the love of my life and started working and growing with a newly founded company up until 2022 when life changed again, my mom was diagnosed and cured of breast cancer, and I lost my father 5 months before my wedding. It was that year that with my fiancé’s support I made the decision to quit my 9-5 job, use my savings, and follow my dream to start my own business.
With the secondhand clothing market taking off again, and consumers making a shift towards more sustainable fashion practices, my dream of owning a boutique became more achievable and meaningful. Not only could I follow my passion, but also help slow down fashion pollution while doing it. A win, win situation for me.
In 2023 ChicCoutureCloset.com was born, our mission is to empower women to embrace their unique beauty and confidence by offering stunning, pre-owned occasion wear that makes them feel sexy and feminine. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable fashion by giving high-quality, stylish pieces a second life, all while ensuring affordability for our customers.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. The challenges I’ve faced have made every accomplishment special to me. The bumps in the road have been valuable lessons that have helped me grow. My biggest struggle is being a one-woman shop, as there aren’t enough hours in the day to handle everything, including getting inventory, taking pictures of the clothing, modeling it, and marketing. All while being a wife and trying to keep a balance social life.
My main focus now is to continue expanding my inventory to appeal to a wider range of customers.
We’ve been impressed with Chic Couture Closet ATL, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What should we know?
Chic Couture Closet ATL is a pre-owned online boutique that focuses on offering sexy and feminine occasion wear for women. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality fashion pieces that promote sustainability and affordability.
What do you do?
We specialize in curating and selling pre-owned clothing, specifically designed for various special occasions. Our collection includes accessories, jumpsuits, gowns, and other stylish pieces perfect for events such as weddings, birthdays, and formal gatherings.
What are you known for?
We are known for our commitment to sustainability by offering pre-owned clothing that allows our customers to look fabulous without contributing to the fast fashion industry’s waste. Our pieces are carefully selected to ensure they are in excellent condition and in line with current fashion trends.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets us apart is our unique combination of sustainability, affordability, and fashion-forward pieces. We make it possible for women to find stunning occasion wear at a fraction of the original price, all while supporting a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.
What are you most proud brand-wise?
We are most proud of our role in promoting sustainable fashion. By encouraging the purchase of pre-owned clothing, we help reduce waste and the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Our customers can feel good about their fashion choices, knowing they are making a positive impact.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, and services?
We want the readers to know that Chic Couture Closet ATL is their go-to destination for elegant, sexy, and feminine occasion wear that is both affordable and eco-friendly. Our curated collection of pre-owned clothing ensures that every piece meets our high standards for quality and style. By choosing us, customers not only get to enjoy stunning outfits but also contribute to a more sustainable future in fashion.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned to trust the process and to be more patient. Success takes time, so I focus on long-term goals rather than immediate results. I have also learned not to be too hard on myself and to adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, I strive to stay resilient while respecting my own boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ChicCoutureCloset.com
- Instagram: Chiccoutureclosetatl
- Facebook: Chic Couture Closet ATL
