Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Erickson.
Hi Jill, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve loved clothes and putting outfits together since childhood. I’ve always been interested in opening my own shop and assumed I would one day, even while I lacked experience, money, and a stand-out idea.
In my teens and twenties, fast fashion shopping became an ongoing habit, though it never landed me with many items I LOVED. In fact, the items I cherished most were shopped second-hand and vintage. Fast forward to working for a high(er) end chain store followed by two local boutiques, my mindset began to shift about quality over quantity.
Through the wonders of social media, I was introduced to several brands that had great style AND ethics and sustainability in mind. This quickly became the concept for my store. Once I made the decision, the rest (mostly) fell into place – literal place, as in, location. I was already invested in St. Paul’s Selby@Snelling neighborhood that would house a new Whole Foods (pre-Amazon) and I knew this was my target market. I was lucky to get a prime location just 2 doors away from Teeny Bee Boutique where I had been working the previous 3 years. The relationship between the owner of that shop and me would become a vital asset to the success and longevity of my business. They say it takes a village to raise kids – same goes for a new store, in my experience.
Having this shop has been brutally hard at times. I’ve had to swallow a lot of pride, put forth more energy and money than I knew was possible, and (Covid trigger word warning) PIVOT – many, many times. We’re in year 6 and you’d think I’d be able to take a breath, but not really. Navigating a small business through a pandemic has left me traumatized and tired, even though financially we’ve managed extremely well compared to so many others.
With all its challenges, I keep doing the work and am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve this community in this way. Awareness to the value of local businesses has increased since Covid, which gives me hope and the will to keep going.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth. Is there such a thing as a smooth road for a small business? I’m not aware of one. Struggles have included (but not limited to): debilitating debt, buying mistakes, accessibility issues due to neighborhood construction projects, COVID…
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My brick-and-mortar store is first and foremost a clothing store focusing on ethical and sustainable alternatives in the fashion industry. Most of the brands I source from are Fair Trade or USA-made with some global small batch brands in the mix as well. Here you’ll find a lot of Organic Cotton, and as much Hemp as I can get my hands on.
The curation of fun style paired with our ethical/sustainable values is what sets us apart. I’m NOT focused on minimalist style like much of the sustainable fashion community – though I love and respect that aesthetic, it’s not me and I don’t subscribe to the idea that sustainable fashion should look one certain way. If “sustainable fashion” doesn’t appeal to a wide range of styles and budgets IS IT actually “sustainable”? I’m proud of this attitude and outlook and the community that has rallied around this idea.
I want to encourage readers to support the small businesses in their communities. I believe this is the most effective way to create positive economic and social change. Small businesses are not beholden to stockholders! Our commitment is LOCAL and YOU IS LOCAL (that’s not a typo).
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Due to the Covid-19 Crisis, I’ve learned/confirmed….
That I can tap into a super-human level of hustle.
That community is everything.
That the ugly parts of business are also worth an occasional Instagram post.
That leadership is supporting others, not the other way around.
That small businesses are the backbone of our economy – that’s not just rhetoric.
That I could/should write a book someday.
Contact Info:
- Email: spoilsofwear@gmail.com
- Website: www.spoilsofwear.com
- Instagram: @spoilsofwear
- Facebook: /spoilsofwear
