Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin 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 am a local Miami girl, born and raised. I started my career in fashion after graduating from Florida State University. Initially, after graduating, I had an opportunity to work in sales at Intermix in South Beach. I was then given the opportunity to train as a buyer with my former mentor Barbara Hinterkopf. Barbara had been the designer-buyer for Burdines for many years before she opened the locally-loved women’s clothing boutique, Kristine Michael, along with her partner Jeanie Bonner. Working with her gave me the opportunity to take regular trips to New York where I learned all about trade shows, show rooms, deliveries, and open-to-buy planning. The trips to New York were always inspiring, fun, and hard work. It was like Christmas morning every time deliveries of our buys arrived in the months following each trip. I loved putting on my music playlist and merchandising the floor. The best things about at this high-end boutique were the clients. Our clients became like family and we were their therapy. Retail therapy is a real concept! It’s amazing what a great wardrobe or look can do for someone’s confidence. After an amazing 25 years in business, Kristine Michael decided to close during the rapidly changing retail environment. I then went on to be the first personal shopper hired outside of Saks Fifth Avenue to join the exclusive Fifth Avenue Club, which was Saks’ private shopping department. Each personal shopper gets their own office/closet space and works by appointment with their clients. The thing I loved about Saks was the team I was working with and the product training I received during my time there. From training in men’s fashion to selling Cartier, I learned a lot. I made lots of great connections with designer boutiques and fine jewelry. The thing that inspired me the most to start my own business as an independent stylist were my daughters. As a mom of two girls, Stella, 6 and Mila, 4, I craved flexibility. Having my independent business also allows me to fully focus on my clients’ fashion needs as I am not tied to one store. Interacting with my clients and seeing them happy after locating the merchandise they want is the thing I am the most passionate about. With my new flexibility and the ability to shop at a variety of stores (i.e. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Intermix), it is a breeze not just to dress the moms but the whole family as well. My family life inspires me daily. With the chaos of family life, I love that I get to make the tedious shopping task of my clients’ lives effortless and fun. Making them look and feel great is all the motivation I need.
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?
Life is never a smooth road. I believe the struggles are our lessons. There were plenty of stressful low moments in my career but that is a part of growth and change. Many people were very devastated by the news of the boutique’s closing. However, as sad as it was to close its doors, you realize that change is the only constant in life. And that was a very great part of my life with some of the best memories. The way we shop has changed drastically over the last 20 years but our relationships with each other are still the same. That’s why the rapport with clients is so special and important. Clients keep coming back because they trust and value your opinion.
Please tell us about Erin Young LLC.
Having my own company allows me to work with as many stores and vendors as I would like. What I am known mostly for is my eye for style, which serves two purposes. One, I can look at a person and tell what is going to look great on them and what will not. Second, I’ve been known to spot emerging designers that end up becoming the next big thing. The point of my company is to broaden my spectrum. I can outfit entire families, give fashion seminars, and style photo shoots. I offer different services like, personal shopping, event hosting, closet cleaning, and consigning. What sets me apart are my years of experience in the retail and styling industry. I know when the biggest seasonal deliveries arrive and when the big sales drop in most of the department stores and boutiques. I love being able to work and support amazing local stores, such as Riviera Jewelers, Capretto Shoes, and Jenna White to name a few. What I am most proud of is the compliments and referrals I get from my clients and having the ability to utilize all my great relationships with different companies.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I could not have had a better childhood. I am who I am today because of my amazing family. Picking a favorite memory is impossible, I grew up riding my horse behind Monkey Jungle over to Dairy Queen, going to Vail on ski trips, exploring the woods in my backyard and boating to Elliot Key. I spent most of it outdoors, biking, rollerblading, playing tennis or swimming. My childhood was pretty magical and I love my city. Miami was a giant playground for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erinyoungllc.com
- Phone: 305-206-3175
- Email: erin@erinyoungllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinyoung_styleme/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinyoungstyleme/
Image Credit:
Santy Martinez
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