Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Dawson.
Elise, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Fashion has always been a huge part of my life. Incorporating my mood into my outfits and even helping others express themselves through fashion has always come easy to me. It wasn’t too long ago that I got into sustainability, but when I did, I was absolutely sure I wanted to make a bigger impact that just packing lunches and using a metal straw (don’t get me wrong those are amazing starts!). These two industries aren’t always copasetic, so I knew I needed to be tactical in my approach. The thought of a sustainable vintage store pondered around my head for about two years until I was fully confident in the birth of “Almond Vintage.” I launched by hosting a pop-up shop in my local town of Conyers, GA at Awake Community Coffee. I got so much support that we almost sold out of stock on the first day! I knew from the connections that I had made that day and since, that the store is successful not because of the clothes, it is because of the why.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As you can imagine, in today’s climate, that being a young, female entrepreneur is difficult. Although, because there is so much awareness around this hot topic, I think I am starting at a great time. Living near a lively city such as Atlanta has been a huge benefit. I have had more support than I could ever imagine, from my family, friends, and even people I don’t know! This is such a key factor for success, and I count my lucky stars.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Almond Vintage – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Almond Vintage is a sustainable and ethically wear curated thrift store! My mission is to help create a bridge for the sustainable/zero waste community and the fashion industry so that we can be fashionable but also being environmentally aware. All the clothes that are sold are handpicked, by me, to ensure that what we stand for as a team can be assured. To top it all off, all the clothes are either 100% eco-friendly and at least 90% biodegradable! What makes clothes biodegradable…? For example, cotton, hemp, wool, all fabrics we can make from this earth, that can go back into the earth, in due time, are biodegradable. Community is also a very important part of Almond Vintage, so I encourage my patrons to feel free to reach out with any questions or ideas.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Like I mentioned before, I do pop up shops every so often. I’m planning on doing at least two pop-up shops every month starting 2020, to get the word about my business, and sustainability of course. When it comes to big plans in the future, you will have to stick around to see what’s happening! Follow Almond Vintage on Facebook and Instagram to stay current and be part of this new conversion on industries in the fashion world.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@almondvintage.com
- Instagram: almond.vintage
- Facebook: almondvintage
Image Credit:
Roman Denson
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