Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Loyd.
Tina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up on a farm in a very small town in Southwest Missouri with a graduating class of less than 20. I then attended Missouri State University earning a degree in communication and a minor in theatre. During college I modeled and taught modeling classes and worked at a local Olive Garden, allowing me to graduate from college debt free. After college, I worked several jobs selling radio and headhunting for ER physicians. I also worked on a project with my modeling agency, putting a calendar together called “Women of Today,” always falling back on modeling as supplemental income. Then, in 1999, I was introduced to a wholesale bridal and Prom company called Precious Formals. One day in August of 1999 I was modeling for them and the showroom got extremely busy and I jumped in and started selling. They then asked me to join their team for a couple of months and two months turned into two years. During that process, I had the privilege of meeting Terry Costa, one of my clients.
Mrs. Costa offered me the opportunity to join her on the retail side so, about 18 years ago, I started at Terry Costa and began to develop it into the leading destination for formal-wear in Dallas that, I am proud to say, we are known for today. After six years with Mrs. Costa, I was able to earn a percentage of the business and twelve years ago I made the life-changing decision to buy Terry Costa, Inc., becoming the sole owner and CEO.
Since then, we’ve grown in every way imaginable–our sales have seen a steady and consistent increase, our team continues to grow every year and every department, from our full-service Bridal Salon and fashion-forward Prom division to our detail-oriented accessories collections, carefully curated Mother of the Occasion department and even our super-chic, in-house designed Couture division has enjoyed increased traffic. In the last twelve years, the Terry Costa Team has grown and the TC TEAM feels like family, I have been blessed with some amazing team members, including my original executive team of three members (Kristyn, Natasha, and Christina) to the three team members that have originally worked under Terry ~ Claudette, Leticia and Joey ~ for the last 20 plus years. This core team has built and persevered through many challenges and have given me the opportunity to have so many new young team members that have amazing potential and build the team to the 40 team members we have today. Every team member plays an important role at Terry Costa, my success is simply a reflection of the Terry Costa Team that we have been blessed build over the last twelve years, each member bring a special talent or skill to the team that has allowed Terry Costa Inc to become the progressive company it is today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely know that great achievement comes with hard work, integrity, a focus on your goals and common sense. The road to Terry Costa, Inc.’s success and my own personal fulfillment has included all the above along with seeing opportunity and knowing that opportunity does not come at your convenience. We will always face monumental, industry-changing challenges, whether that’s the advent of online retailing as we now know it (arguably 10 years ago) or acts of God like the fire that tore through our shopping center one year ago. Imagine literally watching your life’s work nearly go up in flames! And the “fire” wasn’t put out with the actual flames–thanks to the amazing first responders who saved our building we escaped the immediate threat but the smoke damage threatened our inventory and building nearly beyond repair. It took my team and me weeks to restore the store to our high standards. Saving our inventory required 24/7 attention for weeks (and a looooot of Gatorade and Starbucks!). I saw my team step up like never before, many of us putting 90 hour+ work weeks and it completely solidified my decision to make Terry Costa, Inc. an extension of my family. On a lighter note, I’ll never forget when our front entry was leaking water when I first purchased the business, pouring from our massive front window into our beautiful, concrete entry-way during a particularly rainy season. I called my dad, who raised me to never shy away from hard work, and asked him what I could possibly do?! Without hesitation, he advised, “You’re a business owner now! Buy a wet-vac and suck it up!” It was a no-nonsense, metaphorical response that I reference often.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Terry Costa – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
At Terry Costa, we bring “Dreams Within Reach” by providing fashion-forward, cost-effective merchandise with uncompromising service. We are perhaps best known for our Prom selection as we have become a destination shopping experience for in-the-know locals and fashionistas across the country. We pride ourselves in dressing the customer from head to toe, along with every member of the bridal party, quinceanera party or even making sure your prom date has a perfectly matched, custom designed bowtie. We truly are a one-stop shopping experience, providing customer service that is second to none. I know, from my own experience within the industry and without, that we will go farther than others and stop at nothing to satisfy our customers’ reasonable requests. So many of my team members and executive members have made this their life’s work. Over half of my Executive Team has been with me for over a decade. My top two sales associates have both celebrated over 20 years with the company. You simply do not see that level of commitment in this industry anymore. It makes us truly unique. In addition to our extremely seasoned team members, I am very proud of the internship and fashion ambassador programs we’ve implemented. Both are amazing opportunities for high school students and college students alike. This symbiotic relationship gives these students an exclusive look at real-world business situations, processes, and experiences while giving us one-on-one access to our target demographic–understanding trends, forecasting and really connecting with our current and future consumers. Several of my executive team members have actually come from our intern program and I hire from within whenever possible.
We offer glam for all of life’s most fabulous experiences. From your first formal dance to your wedding day, to your grandchildren’ wedding day, Terry Costa has everything you need to enhance the most magical moments of your life.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Ultimately, success will not be measured by how hard we tried but by the results we produce.
I always enjoy seeing my team members’ dreams become reality–watching their families grow and their lives become more enriched.
Every year, I meet new and amazing guests. I’ve been blessed to work with other inspiring men and women and I know the future will bring more prodigious opportunities. We will continue to provide “Dreams Within Reach” for both our Clients and the Terry Costa Team.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12817 Preston Road
Ste. 138
Dallas, Texas 75230 - Website: www.terrycosta.com
- Phone: 972-385-6100
- Email: tina@terrycosta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrycostadallas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrycostadallas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/terrycostaprom
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/terrycostabridal/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Sergio Armas, Eric Anugraham, Wondery Photography
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