Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Spearman.
Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Plush is the vintage brand for modern babes who love their clothes to be as fun as they are steeped in history!
Hi! I’m Michelle Spearman, lifelong student of the arts, and I started Plush as a blog in 2015 after graduating college to record and develop my own style. When my collection of thrifted clothes outgrew my wardrobe and my storage unit, Plush made its next reincarnation as an Instagram shop at the end of 2019. Since then, I’ve gotten two pop-ups under my belt, and I already can’t wait to see you at the next one!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growth rarely seems to resemble a smooth road, and the evolution of Plush is no exception. The biggest struggle I’ve encountered as a brand new business has been simply getting word out that I exist! The adage “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know” is absolutely true—I only started making “real” sales after I took my shop from its internet home into the real world and met vibrant, new people.
I have to add, though, that my supportive friends have made each struggle immeasurably easier to overcome. In fact, their insights and talents are often the solutions to many of my problems.
Shelbie Monkres (@lookitsshelbie) is a professional photographer and artist, and she takes my photos while offering up the timeliest marketing advice. Emily Segrest (@emily_segrest) brings invaluable knowledge from her work in wholesale apparel and she’ll also occasionally model—and always give emotional support. Kate Davis (@thistle.and.ore), personal stylist and jewelry designer extraordinaire, believed in me enough to sit me down and outline all the opportunities she saw at my fingertips. She then took it upon herself to hold my hand through my first pop-up experience. I love you incredible ladies!
Please tell us about Plush Vintage. What should we know?
Plush’s mission is dressing interesting women in unique vintage pieces that seamlessly work into a modern look. All great vintage brands do this, but Plush is unique in that it’s run by artists—and I think it shows in things like Shelbie’s artsy shots, looks built on aesthetics over wearability, playful copy, and my illustrations found peppered throughout the feed and pop-ups (check my personal account @michellespearmint for more cheeky art!)
Whenever possible, I outline the history of the piece listed for sale. I want my customers to know they’re not buying a piece of cloth—they’re buying a ticket to their favorite era.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Ultimately, I’m proud of each sale I make, because it means that I’ve connected with someone; that I was able to give them some physical token of joy.
Contact Info:
- Email: stylebyplush@gmail.com
- Instagram: @michellespearmint
Image Credit:
Shelbie Monkres
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