Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Young.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story?
I moved to Texas from Illinois in 1985 to start a new career in fashion, with no job, no home, a high school education and a few hundred dollars. I’d owned a floral/gift store in Illinois from age 23-30 and wanted to still work with color, pretty things and women, but in a different context. I worked doing temporary secretarial jobs, to bring in immediate income and learn my way around the metroplex. After a few months, I started selling a limited edition, handmade line of jewelry at offices and parties, which I did for 3 years.
The company added clothing to match the jewelry and it became too much to transport, so I started selling this line in my apartment, by appointment and open house, which I did for 15 years. I outgrew 5 apts with my inventory and clients were telling me I need a store. I moved to a 100 sq ft room at a Hair and nail salon that had 50 rooms and doubled my income. I outgrew that in a year and moved to a 1,400 Sqft store in Carrollton TX. I was there 8 years until I moved to my Plano location, to a 1,600 sq ft store and stayed there 6 years, where my income doubled… I then moved to my current location in Frisco, where I have been for 2 years.
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?
No, it has not been a smooth road at all. I’d never been to Texas when I moved here, so finding a way to start in the field of fashion took a lot of determination, lack of fear, finding the funds and connections. After I signed the lease for my first large store, that I took a chance on the large rent, the 9/11 tragedy occurred. People stopped spending from fear, loss of jobs and many longtime retail stores closed. I wrote a hardship letter to my landlord and that lowered my rent 40%, which allowed me to stay there 8 years. I had 4 burglaries, so I had to move to a safer location. I moved 7 miles away to Plano to a 1,600 sq ft store and my rent tripled.
I took a chance on my income increasing to merit that increases, but my sales increased 25%? Whereas rent had 150%, so it was a struggle to stay there for 6 years. I was on a ninth to month lease and my rent was to increase another 25%, so I couldn’t afford to stay, they leased my space and gave m30 days to move. I’m single, I was down to 10 days of needing to move, my income was ending, when I found my current location in Frisco., a smaller more affordable space, but no foot traffic like I’d had in the 2 previous stores it’s been a challenge to start over rebuilding my clientele, many have followed, some have not to a designation location instead of a convenient one with many more things they can do while in the same center.
Dressed To The Nines – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I own a small boutique that specializes in unique, quality, colorful, trendy fashions that are handpicked weekly, in limited quantities, that you don’t find anywhere else. Clients like that the displays are done in sections by color, with the size on the hanger, with accessories, for easy boutique shopping. I have a vast selection for most ages and sizes, and the apparel, jewelry, purses, hats and sunglasses can all be purchased at one convenient location you’ll find old-fashioned helpful, friendly personal service that rate to find these days.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment is staying in business for 32 years, by word of mouth, and growing this business in baby steps. I’m fortunate that so many clients have followed me to so many locations because they appreciate my unique product and personal service. I have weathered the loss of sales from people living in fear through the wars and sickness that have occurred in 32 years (Ebola, bird flu, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan etc.) I am proud to provide unique, colorful, quality garments that the majority of are made in the USA, I’m proud of my vast selection of fashions and accessories for all ages and sizes and the way they’re displayed.
I display all fashions but color in sections, in complete outfits, with jewelry. My fashions are unique, colorful and tendu and are handpicked weekly in limited quantity, I give my clients personal friendly helpful service you don’t find anymore and remember them by names I suggest their best colors to wear according to their hair, eye and skin tone, and which garments are the most flattering for them according to their body type and wardrobe personality. This consultation is free, and I’ve educated myself through fashion classes given by my first Jewelry and clothing company, each year at a convention, those same principles apply, with updating along the way. I’m proud I’ve been in business for 32 years by word of mouth and that my clients have trusted me to dress them for that length of time
Pricing:
- Apparel $29.95-$149.99
- Purses $37.99-$79.99
- Costume jewelry $7.99-$68.99
- Scarves $13.99-39.99
- Sunglasses $11.99-29.95
- Ballcaps $15.99-$29.95
Contact Info:
- Address: 1701 Legacy Dr., St. 180 Frisco Tx 75034
- Website: dressedtothenines.net
- Phone: (972) 398-8900
- Email: dressedtothenines53@yahoo.com
- Facebook: Dressed To The Nines, Frisco TX
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
