Inspiring Conversations with Tone’ Griffin of 3rd Flr Fashion

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tone’ Griffin.

Hi Tone’, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Tone’ Griffin, and my journey started in college with the goal of becoming a fashion buyer. Along the way, I realized that path might not offer the stability I was looking for, so I shifted my focus to business and finance. Years later, everything clicked when my best friend, Deeja Raines, invited me to a garage sale he was hosting with his mom. Seeing the turnout—and learning they made $600 in a single weekend—opened my eyes to the potential of resale.
That experience led me to explore a local vintage market filled with unique vendors, and I was instantly hooked. I knew I wanted to be part of that world, but in my own way. I shared the idea with Deeja and initially planned for him to lead while I kept my 9-to-5. Although that didn’t happen right away, I used that time to start sourcing vintage women’s apparel and accessories.
Deeja, who has a strong background in fashion and experience in New York’s industry, brought valuable insight and perspective. I took everything I learned and eventually decided to fully invest in the business, confident in what we were building together.
We officially launched in 2022, choosing to stand out by operating as a mobile vintage experience at metropolitan pop-up events rather than a traditional storefront or online shop. Our approach is rooted in hands-on styling and genuine, five-star customer service. We aim to create a personalized experience where customers not only find pieces they love, but often leave wearing them. That connection and attention to detail have helped us build a loyal, repeat customer base, and we’re always working to elevate the experience even further.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Like the saying goes, experience is your best teacher—and I’ve learned a lot along the way. At one point, Deeja took on a full-time job, which limited how much he could be involved day-to-day. Still, he continued to guide and support me from a distance, and by then I was fully committed.

I remember setting up at a flea market against his advice, thinking it would be a good opportunity. It wasn’t—most shoppers were looking for bargain-bin prices, and I barely made my booth fee back. But not long after, I got a call from a movie set asking if I could bring my booth within 14 hours. I said yes without hesitation. That day required breaking down and setting up twice, all on my own. It was exhausting, but it led to great exposure and opened the door to better bookings.

Later, I found out my job was being sold and was offered a severance package with a bonus to stay through the transition. When a new opportunity didn’t align with my salary expectations, I made the decision to bet on myself and pursue 3rd Flr Fashion full-time.

Things were going well until September 2023, when I received the call that changed everything—Deeja had suddenly passed away. We spoke every day, built this vision together, and spent so much time working side by side. Losing him felt like losing a part of myself, and for a moment, I questioned whether I could continue something that meant so much to both of us.

But deep down, I knew what he would say—that I should keep going. So I did. It hasn’t been easy, and it still isn’t, but I carry that with me every day as I continue building what we started.

We’ve been impressed with 3rd Flr Fashion, 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?
We’re a women’s mobile boutique specializing in vintage apparel and accessories, bringing a curated shopping experience directly to our customers through pop-ups and events. As the owner and buyer, I stay closely tuned into trends within the vintage space, with a strong focus on quality, detail, and intentional curation. Every piece is selected to feel unique, timeless, and wearable.

What truly sets us apart is the experience. We don’t just sell clothing—we offer a hands-on, stylist-driven approach that makes every interaction personal. We take the time to help each client find pieces that genuinely fit their style and confidence. If something doesn’t look right or feel right, we won’t sell it—that honesty is a big part of our brand.
What I’m most proud of is the connection we build with our customers. There’s nothing better than seeing someone fall in love with a piece and walk out wearing it, or hearing them come back and share how much they’ve enjoyed it. That level of trust and excitement is what keeps people coming back and is at the core of everything we do.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I’m glad I stepped into this space when I did, because the vintage and resale industry continues to grow year over year. It’s already a multi-billion-dollar market and is projected to expand significantly in the coming years. With the rise of social media, personal style is more visible than ever, and people want pieces that stand out. Vintage has really become the new “gold” in that sense—something unique, expressive, and often higher quality than fast fashion.

One of the biggest shifts I see is a deeper appreciation from younger generations. They’re more conscious about sustainability and are drawn to the craftsmanship and individuality that vintage offers, especially in contrast to mass-produced clothing.

Looking ahead, I think the industry will keep evolving toward more curated, experience-driven shopping rather than just transactions. That’s where we naturally align—3rd Flr Fashion has always been about the experience first. The goal is to create moments people remember, and everything else follows from that.

We do have some exciting projects in the works, but it’s a bit early to share details. As for a traditional storefront, it’s something I approach carefully. Retail can be unpredictable, and right now, our mobile model allows us to stay flexible, connect directly with our audience, and grow in a way that feels authentic to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.3rdflrfashion.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3rdflrfashion/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3rdFlrFashion/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@3rdFlrFashion