Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystell Theisen Escobar
Hi Krystell, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came to MN from the state of Tabasco in southern Mexico at the age of 8 with my mother. We never thought we’d stay, but after growing up here, I have never wanted to leave. I went to the U of MN’s Carlson School of Management where I studied marketing and international business and really fell in love with the Twin Cities. The opportunities I encountered there were phenomenal, and included a four year internship in sales management with Procter & Gamble though an amazing professional formation program, Inroads. I also expanded my horizons by studying management of fashion companies at Universita Bocconi in Milan, Italy. I feel incredibly fortunate for my education, but also for the coming up amongst the Twin Cities’ strong business climate and culture of philanthropy. I also really loved to see the diversity in Minnesota grow during my lifetime, and I have always hoped to be a catalyst for successful integration and progress of other immigrants from Latin America. For this reason, I started my first tiny business on Lake St, Multi Servicios Hispanos, and later, my second and business in insurance and financial services, the Theisen Escobar Agency on Robert St. The world of insurance taught me about climate change and the very real risks we are facing on a global scale. A massive destructive flood in my own home town in 2007 and the destruction of many other towns along the Gulf of Mexico from a rapid rise in sea level impacted me greatly. These events showed me first hand how the climate statistics are actually playing out in the lives of real human beings. As I grew up, married my husband Benjamin and became mother to three beautiful boys, it was hard not to feel like the extremely comfortable lives we were living in MN were part of the problem. Our busy lifestyle was requiring more and more consumption and so much of it seemed contradictory to the type of change I craved to see in the world. My husband and I reassessed every aspect of our consumption lives and began adopting more sustainable ways. After meeting almost 100% of my kids needs second-hand, I started selling some second-hand kids items on Facebook Marketplace as a homeschooling project with my kids. I learned that more and more people were opting for higher quality second hand rather than the cheap fast-fashion clothing that had been flooding the market in recent years. I remember my professors at Bocconi warning passionately about the downsides of fast-fashion, as it was emerging just when I was studying there. It was a full circle moment and I knew I wanted to take the plunge into the resale business in a more substantial way. After vetting a locally-owned industry leading franchise, my husband and I decided instead to build our own sustainability-centered operational system and brand: Eco Chico Kid’s Resale Boutique. We opened in 2023 in West Saint Paul and are amazed at the appetite for this model and the growth we have seen. We are truly building a community around this reimagined resale model that puts sustainability first, but delivers it beautifully in a first-class second-hand boutique experience. The feedback we are getting has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are working diligently to expand awareness and give access to more families with future locations planned across the Twin Cities. I currently operate our first location in West Saint Paul alongside a fabulous team who believes deeply in our mission and delivering sustainability in a way that delights eco-conscious parents. I live in Mendota Heights with my husband Benjamin and my three sons Benjamin (12), Santiago (7) and Jonas (8).
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are challenges in all businesses, but by focusing on a clear mission, empowering my team, and being a determined fund-raiser and passionate promoter of this project, we have overcome every challenge and are on track to enter the next stage of growth. I am constantly trying new things to enhance the sustainability of the operation and our connections and contributions to the community around us, and I sincerely enjoy tackling every new challenge that arises. I really believe that is the role of a business professional and it is a gift to serve in this way. I often talk about Eco Chico as my “love note” to my community and its future generations.
As you know, we’re big fans of Eco Chico Kid’s Resale Boutique. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our brand, Eco Chico, is all about helping families live more sustainably though a reimagined resale experience that is not only convenient, but delights and even inspires! Our store was designed using innovative retail principles, beautiful art by local artists, and great care and attention to the needs of families while buying and selling us their items. Our selection includes children’s apparel and accessories in sizes from NB to Junior’s as well as portable baby equipment and a great assortment of maternity items not commonly found at resale. We buy and sell all brands and all seasons Monday-Saturday 9AM to 7PM with no appointments required and aside from cleanliness, no strict requirements on how items are brought to us. Because of our simplified and transparent payment system, we are able to buy efficiently and more items per load. Our store features a convenient lounge area with books to keep little ones entertained while waiting, kid sized shopping carts for those who love to help, and pristinely clean and joyful environment for the whole family. We also sell locally produced artisan gifts and eco-friendly convenience items which our customers love. Some of our artisan vendors are also kids, and its important to us to support kids in every way. We’ve developed a network to sustainably donate and collaborate with local schools and non profits that serve children to make sure all kids in our community have access to the apparel they need for every season. We are closed on Sundays to provide our hard working staff with ample balance and rest, and we pride ourselves in paying our staff competitive wages and offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where team members can learn and grow. We have been featured in countless media articles, most recently on WCCO news where we were interviewed about the rising trends in conscious consumption, especially amongst parents.
How do you think about happiness?
My happy place is most definitely enjoying nature with family and friends, especially around a campfire, in the woods/jungle or on a beach anywhere! Recently I also began snowboarding, to join my husband and three boys who are ski and snow board enthusiasts. I have had the time of my life on several hills in the area and I intend to continue to enjoy nature more and more in the winter time with my loved ones.
Pricing:
- Avg 70% OFF Retail
- Avg Item price $4.50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ecochicoresale.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecochicokidsresale/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecochicoresale
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystellescobar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EcoChicoResale
