Welcome to the first Sunday Spotlight! Each week I am going to interview inspiring local people who are living their passions! This week’s Sunday Spotlight is Macie Malone of Mostly Macie’s!
What inspired you to open?
Beginning at age three my mom told me I wouldn’t let anyone dress me/pick out my outfits besides myself. I have had a love for fashion and “cute” clothes/accessories since I was little. As I got older and started trying to really figure out what I wanted my career to be my mother said I always said when I was a little girl that I wanted to have a clothing store. I have always been around business because of my father’s business and I didn’t allow the word “business” to scare me. I had the knowledge and experience thanks to my father and was ready to apply it. I began thinking about how I could do this and which direction I wanted to take the clothing business. The economy that we are in presently is not a great one and I realized a consignment business would be a great ticket. The town I live in ( Hattiesburg) did not have many and by the time I opened I was the only one for adults in Hattiesburg. I also was able to open the store and name the store “Mostly Macie’s” by beginning with “mostly” my things. Now I have 150 consignors and rapidly growing!
How does the consignment work?
I take clothes in by the current season and by appointment. I have a 60/40 policy where the consignor receives 40%. I do 50% off retail price on items that are brand new and 60% off on used items. I allow the consignor 90 days for their items on the floor and at the end of their 90 days they either donate their items to the store or take them back. If they are donated to the store I decide if the items are something I want to keep in the store for a longer amount of time. If not, I will donate to Christian services. I pay the consignors at the beginning of each month.
What do you love about fashion?
What I love about fashion is that it is the perfect way to show your personality and characteristics about yourself. Fashion is the perfect way to show your own style, taste, and be exactly who you are as well as what you are feeling. Fashion is creative and fun! I love to continue to watch the ideas designers are coming up with. There is nothing better than walking around in an outfit that is perfect for you. It can make your whole day a brighter day if you love what you have on!
What is the best part of owning your own store?
The best part of owning your own store is mingling with the customers and helping the customers to find what they are looking for. I get so excited when someone finds an expensive item in the store and they are so happy about getting a deal on the item. I would say the best part is the fulfillment you get from making the customers happy.
What is the worst or hardest thing about owning your own store?
Resale is a hardworking, time consuming, long hours job but definitely worth it. You have to be dedicated and passionate about what you are doing! At times people want to bargain prices with you and you have to decide if they are right or if you are right about the price. Picking the perfect price for an item can be time consuming at times and might require lots of research to find the original retail price.
Do you have a favorite item in the store?
The handbags and shoes have become my most favorite items in the store and they also have done the best in the store! I love the metallic PRADA handbag that was recently brought in. The COACH handbags have sold the best in the store! I love the PRADA shoes, Christian Louboutin shoes, Jimmy Choo, J. Crew etc. shoes!!
What are some future goals for the store?
Expansion. More stores in different locations. I also would love to go to market at some point and have a mixture of the gently used consignment items as well as hot, new, trendy items in the store! A goal is to continue to keep it upscale and organized! A major goal is to continue to keep the consignors happy and for the consignors to continue to make money!
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