Today we’d like to introduce you to Narda Ferris-Meeks.
Narda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Looking back 20 years ago, I was a “30 something” wife and a mother of two young children. I had taken time off from working as a dental office appointment coordinator to stay at home for our children. I had frequented a local Women’s Consignment store and the owner of that shop offered a job in sales.to me and I gladly accepted.
I loved helping women find their style and save money. Down deep in my heart I championed those who could not afford the new things at full price in the mall stores. I worked feverishly to help certain customers feel like equals in a demographic of extreme wealth and extreme poverty. I dressed the shop like the NY windows you see and tried to create a “Boutique” vibe for the customers as well.
I was encouraged to go to Interior Design school. I showed some talent in design, and so I did! However, it took about 12 months of school for me to realize that I liked dressing people better than dressing walls and windows.
Creating an image of beauty with a woman who feels she has no beautiful qualities is my own reward. I wanted to dress people full time! I opened My Secret Closet Consignment Boutique in July of 2006 with a business partner who shared my vision of affordable and fabulous style for everyone. We opened the shop with $10,000.00 of our own money and everything in our shop from the clothing to the flooring was used or previously owned.
We had lofty goals and tight purse strings and we knew the meaning of getting a bargain. I love to share the secrets of Thrifty Spending with everyone!! (In that area I have a big mouth).
This July I will begin a 13th year in business. My partner retired at year #5 and I have continued on alone with a lot of help from retired friends and high school interns. This little shop has helped sell clothing for more than 3,000 consignors and our shop has been successfully serving our community for 12 years. I insist on the commitment to a high level of customer service for our customers… We offer fair prices and impeccable clothes because I am one of the fussiest people you will ever meet when it comes to pleasing my customers. (I’m fussy since birth and I had to find some way to make it a plus!!).
Every customer is my “life-size Barbie” and who wouldn’t love to play Barbie all day?
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?
Believe it or not, it HAS been a very easy journey thus far. I’m not saying I haven’t hit my knees a time or two or worked when I should have been home in bed after a hysterectomy because we needed to make the rent, but overall this has been a most enjoyable career!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with My Secret Closet Consignment Boutique – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My Secret Closet is a consignment boutique for women. I offer premium brand clothing, shoes, purses and accessories that are currently in style and fashion for about 1/3 of the original cost. I tell people that we have everything one would need to walk down the aisle or walk down the beach! Our store sells gently used and new clothing consigned from families in and around Forsyth County, Hall County, Dawson County, Pickens County and beyond. We profit share with our consignors 50/50.
Once a customer enters the shop she is attended to! We welcome her in and help her with finding all of the things she wants, I am compassionate and caring. I have old fashioned customer service here and I will assist ladies with style and design advice to help them dress for their particular needs. I’m honest about how much one should spend and what style is best suited for their figure, coloring, height etc. i.e. She will have her own stylist.
My love of vintage clothing and my appreciation for all styles has resulted in a very special room of Vintage pieces that I have collected over the years. One might say that the “Secret” here is my back room of costumes. I rent most of the clothing to a local theater for plays, but I have been known to whip up a Halloween costume for a customer on short notice too.
I am most proud of providing affordable formal gowns for my teens! I love to make every girl look their very best no matter what the situation may be… Most of our formal wear is new and I personally pay out of pocket for stock that allows a young lady to wear a gown that is equal to her peers…
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I dream big, yet I know that the balance between work life and family life is important. My biggest challenge is balancing my time so that I enjoy every day. I would like to franchise the shop someday.
Pricing:
- Formal wear and Bridal Gowns under $200.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 4910 Brown’s Bridge Rd. Cumming, GA 30041
- Phone: 678-648-6777
- Email: mysecretcloset@ainweb.net
- Facebook: mysecretclosetconsignment
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
