In the summer of 2005, Deborah Umunnabuike
(left) launched her own business (along with sister Jessica) and now, four years later, it has proven to be one wise decision made. At the time Deborah was a political science major at the University of Chicago and Jessica was an undergrad at Hofstra University.
Way to make the rest of the undergraduate world look like under acheivers, eh??Avant Gaudy offers vintage clothing for the modern guy and girl. With all things new again, the demand for vintage clothing over the years has risen and become something fashionistas everywhere crave. Your mother's old Bill Blass jacket is this year's key staple. And Deborah understands fully understands this concept and well known fashion truth. "Simply put, vintage is the only way to construct a truly one-of-a-kind look," says the young entreenuer. Read on to hear her story:
MissWhoever You Are: How and when did the idea come about to start Avant gaudy?Deborah Umunnabuike: My sister Jessica and I founded Avant Gaudy in the summer of 2005. Essentially, we wanted to find a way to occupy our time during the summer. We wanted to do so in a way that was meaningful and that allowed us to connect with people over something we were passionate about. Avant Gaudy was the perfect way to channel this enthusiasm.
MissWYA: As a current college student, I can imagine running a business isn't easy. Tell about the process of starting up and running Avant Gaudy?DU: Prior to starting Avant Gaudy, I wasn't sure what it took to run an online boutique. Learning HTML, CSS, and about shopping carts was the most difficult in starting up, but I think the little touches make the shopping experience fun for our customers.
MissWYA: How do you find the unique pieces you sell on your website?DU: All of our items are sourced from across the US. For our full-time buyers, research is most important. What we're looking for varies (one day it may be shoes, mens' clothing the next), yet I tell my buyers to look for the “wow” factor. My team is intuitive and knowledgeable – they know a great find when they see one. Some of their recent finds include a pair of collapsible shoes, an acid-washed denim dress, and a bag with collapsible handles.
MissWYA: Why sell vintage pieces?DU: Many online stores sell vintage because it's eco-friendly, and others still because vintage is a link to the past. Our approach is a bit different. So many retailers (TopShop, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel) are adding vintage pieces to their stores. Forever 21 and Urban are almost entirely comprised of vintage-inspired clothing. Why compromise? Our customers are true trendsetters, and prefer to stand out and purchase authentic vintage.
MissWYA: How has Avant Gaudy grown over the years?DU: The most notable changes involve our inventory and our internship program. This summer, we're adding 300+ items for men and women to the new store. Meanwhile, our business has grown from a two-person team and has added a group of seven interns. They experience all aspects of our business, from photo shoots to social media. It's been a wonderful experience and has provided a foundation for so many of them. One of our current interns is heading to New York to intern for
Christian Louboutin in the fall, and we couldn't be more thrilled.
MissWYA: What is your personal style philosophy?DU: Looking good does not equate with shopping at mainstream stores, nor with spending a lot of money. Creativity and inspiration matter.
MissWYA: What is it like being so young and running a business? What are some obstacles you face?DU: As a student, I'm continually reassessing my priorities in order to maintain balance. The most important question is:
“Am I still doing something that I am passionate about?” I consider anything that detracts from my vision and my passion an obstacle. Time is one. As with any entrepreneur, I've become more cognizant of time management, and have learned to not be my own worst critic.
MissWYA: One of your goals is to run a "socially responsible" business. How do you aim to do this?DU: We're involved with Global Entrepreneur Week, and will be mentoring future entrepreneurs via the Internet this fall. We're also looking to partner with the community by accepting donations of vintage items. For every donated item sold on our site, 10% of the revenue will go to Dress for Success, a non-profit that matches underprivileged women with appropriate careerwear and career resources. As far as fashion goes, vintage is a less wasteful choice than mass-produced, disposable clothing. Finally, we provide
free shipping and a no-questions-asked return policy. It's our way of showing respect for the customer and individual circumstances.
MissWYA: Can you share a little about what's in store for the future of Avant Gaudy?DU: Today, Avant Gaudy is in transition. We used to focus on the DIY aspect of vintage clothing and on underground fashion. Our new online boutique showcases fashion-forward looks with widespread appeal among urban fashionistas. Now, we'd like to encourage a wider variety of visitors to visit the boutique and
the blog, all while encouraging interactivity. By managing social media, we'd like to create a unique voice across a variety of social media platforms, making it easier than ever for our customers to connect with the looks they love.
The Avant Gaudy website was recently relaunched and are adding new items daily.
Check it out ladies!
If I could take a trip to any one of those cities, I would!
In the 60s, you dressed up. You looked good. The guys were quite dapper and the hair was serious. I'm truly convinced in finding a guy who sports a side part and side part à la George Peppard (aka Paul Varjak) in Breakfast at Tiffany's (natch).
Thankfully, now, Nexxus can help me in my quest for curls Tia and Tamera would be proud of. For this new school year and fall season update your look with a new 'do.
While washing Dailey, a stylist at Hair Rules, told me to start using a gentle, sulfate free shampoo on my relaxed hair. Shampoo with sulfates strip hair leaving it weak and susceptible to damage.
