Meet Xen Gray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Xen Gray.

Xen, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved shopping for others and anyone that knows me can tell you when I’m shopping it’s hardly ever for myself. Well, one day in conversation someone told me about online thrift stores and I figured it would be a great way to monetize what I was already doing. So, in Jan 2017, I originally started Xen & Thrifty as an online thrift store where I’d re-sell high end thrifted items. I had a lot of support initially but it was a lot more work than I anticipated and as a single mom working full time I simply did not have the time to shop, take measurements, photograph, edit photographs and post consistently. So accessories has always been a big part of who I am. I love a bold lipstick and a big earring so I decided to do a test run and did a limited run of jewelry. The items sold out so fast and I exceeded my own expectations. The rest as they say is history, I phased the clothing out and focused on jewelry and accessories and allowed Xen & Thrifty to morph into what it is today!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say it’s been relatively smooth. The well-known quote “Comparison is the thief of joy” is so accurate because I have been guilty of comparing myself to other online jewelry boutiques and in doing so, I’ve sometimes robbed myself of my own joy. I was not able to see and celebrate my victories and upward progress because I was too focused on what other boutiques seemingly did better than me. That was really my biggest struggle.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Xen & Thrifty – what should we know?
Xen & Thrifty is a small online boutique that offers unique hand curated jewelry and accessories at affordable prices. Many people are surprised by the quality because my prices are so reasonable. I am very proud of my retention rate. I would say 80% of my customers base are repeat customers. It’s one thing to have someone buy an item or two from you, but it’s another to have them come back time and time again. What sets X&T apart aside from my dynamic personality (lol). I’m very interactive with my customers and I have some form of relationship with the majority of them. I’m commenting on their stories and their posts, we’re chatting in DMs and I’m just really engaging with them. You’re not going to get that from a big box retailer. I think that is a niche only a small business can fill and that is what I love about being a small business owner.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My close friends and family have been very supportive. Also, I have clients still with me today that have been with me since day one. So, a big shout-out to my loyal customers. and to my friends and family for encouraging me to keep going. And in the past year I’ve been part of a business group chat and although some of these ladies I’ve never met in person and only know online we’ve formed great friendships. It’s been a great source to safely bounce business ideas around in or just to talk through business issues and exchange advice and encouragement.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.xenandthrifty.com
• Phone: 9809990936
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/xen_and_thrifty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XenAndThrifty/

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