You may be familiar with websites that allow users to sell their own clothing, handbags, and even makeup products for a chunk of cash back. Entrepreneur Alex Shadrow, a senior at Boston University, founded her own spin on resale websites and geared it toward college students like herself. UNItiques.com was born as an option for her to resell her own pieces because she was unhappy with the results she received from competitors. I interviewed Alex and found out so much more about her life with the company she created.
Amanda: Can you describe UNItiques for our audience to get to know your brand?
Alex: UNItiques is the first college-focused fashion marketplace - we're on over 500 campuses. Anyone can use it though - we just say college focused because it's "not your mama's marketplace." You won't find tired old thrifts - you will find vibrant vintage, and fashionable brands - even stuff that's new with tags. 85% of every purchase goes back to students who need the money to pay tuition! Use code: AFFORDABLE at checkout for a special discount.
Amanda: That sounds awesome! Have you always wanted to start your own company before?
Alex: Definitely not, haha. I started UNItiques as an option for ME to sell clothes since I found my competitors to be extremely problematic. Did you know only 7.5% of items on Poshmark sells? On UNItiques 33% sells! A couple months later, thousands of girls were using my platform (UNItiques) to sell and buy clothes. To be honest it took me by surprise at first.
Amanda: I can't believe how unpredictable Poshmark can be. Sometimes your items sell while other times they sit there for months! As an entrepreneur, what do you feel are an entrepreneur's strengths and weaknesses?
Alex: Your number 1 weakness is trying to do it all. You can do really well, but without a team you can't scale. What I mean by that is, let's say you make 100 sales. You will need to hire someone else to make more. Everyone reaches their maximum capacity at some point and you will need a team.
Your number 1 strength should be resilience. You will have haters, doubters, naysayers. Listen to them, learn from them, and then forget them. You will be exhausted, you will be fed up, you will be miserable some days. There is no such thing as an overnight success and if you want to be a success you must be resilient.
Amanda: I totally agree with you on the 'trying to do it all' path. It's so hard to find a balance! I have to ask if anyone in particular helped mentor you through the process of building your brand?
Alex: My newest mentor is Rebecca Minkoff whom I met while filming UNItiques' episode of Project Runway Startup. I also have the two heads of entrepreneurship at my alma mater, Boston University as mentors. Mentors are everything - if you don't have one, get one (start by searching LinkedIn for people you know with amazing jobs or passions and ask if you can buy them coffee).
Amanda: No way, Rebecca Minkoff?! That's huge! She is such a great designer and businesswoman. As you continue to grow and expand, are there any upcoming projects you have for 2017 with UNItiques?
Alex: Yes, Mobile Application! We're going to make shopping into a game.
What I've taken from talking to Alex and creating my own UNItiques account is that it is a college girl's dream closet at her fingertips. The items are priced affordably and ship easily around the country. 85% of every purchase helps students who need $ for tuition, so make sure to check out their website here: www.UNItiques.com for more details. You can also use the code: AFFORDABLE for a surprise discount!
