Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Tran
Hi Andrea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is a story of determination and hard work, I came to the US when I was 3 years old, this has always been home to me but I knew early on that I was not the same as everyone else and I would have to work twice as hard to achieve my goals, like many immigrants in this country, I lived in the shadows for many years, I was still able to to obtain scholarships and attend school but I was not able to have a drivers license or get a job. It wasn’t until DACA was introduced that doors started opening for me and I was able to work and finish my degree. I’ve always worked for small business owners and part of what I know came from them, in particular my first boss who showed me strong work ethic and perseverance. I’ve always dreamed of having my own resale store and honestly I did not think it would happen but God has a way of putting all the pieces together at the right time. When the opportunity presented itself I knew this was what I was waiting for all my life!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been rewarding but not easy, the struggles are difficult to deal with at times. My first year was the hardest and I did not think I would make it past the first year; extremely long hours at night, software issue, understaffed and technology issues are a few to name that at times had me questioning my decision of owning a business. I owe a lot to my husband for being my biggest supporter and my rock, as wife and mother having a husband who supports and roots you on will make a huge difference in your success, like it did to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cotton Closet ?
I come from humble beginnings, my family did not have the income to buy us new clothes or shoes, we always had hand-me-downs. I think that’s where the love for fashion and style begins for me, I would day dream of dressing up — so I think I’ve always had that in me to look nice. I’m a firm believer that when you look good, you feel good and that’s what I want for other women whether it’s fashionably cute or athletic chic. My store is set apart that we will always greet you with a smile and we will get to know you by name, it feels like a big family and I never want that to change. You will feel like a million dollars for a fraction of the cost, we sort every item to make sure that everything you browse is the best of the best, you don’t need to break the bank to look amazing. I want every woman who comes in to go out with something affordable, at a time in my life I was not able to buy nice things and I wish a store like mine was around, I remember being bullied in school for wearing ripped or stained clothes – I don’t want anyone to ever feel that way. I’ve been blessed with amazing consigners who support me as a small business owner and who are truly the engine that keeps this store going; they bring in their high quality items to sell that others find as treasures. Lastly one of the things I’m most proud of that my business has been able to offer is to help and support our veterans by donating items that do not sell monthly. It always feels good to support our community!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think nothing grows where you are comfortable and risks are important. Having my own store was a huge risk I had never owned a business and not knowing the ins and out of running a business was really scary but sometimes you just need to take that leap of faith and having people who support you will really make you even stronger in the long run.
Pricing:
- 50%-75% off retail
Contact Info:
