Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Ferrari.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Valhalla is a brick and mortar that provides women a hassle-free unlimited wardrobe that they can feel good updating each week. Members can rent clothing and accessories with unlimited exchanges, starting at only $39/month. Eco-friendly laundry, personal styling, and member exclusive events are some of the perks available to those that want a more sustainable way to keep up with fashion’s breakneck speed. We also sell used clothing.
I started Valhalla because I saw an opportunity to eliminate the massive amounts of waste women generate with their never-ending, constantly expanding wardrobes while also solving a pain point women face: ironically, never having anything to wear.
Women feel increasing pressure to wear something different more than ever before. Social media posting has encouraged women do not want to wear an item that they’ve been photographed in ever again.
Simultaneously, fast fashion brands have encouraged “throwaway fashion” that is produced by women in sweatshops. Essentially, this industry has gotten the market used to the idea of wearing an item only once because of cheap clothing produced by cheap labor.
I saw an opportunity to make fashion sustainable while still maintaining our consumerism values around fashion and once I had the vision, there was nothing that could stop me from achieving this vision.
The solution, Valhalla, is a store where members can rent clothing and accessories with unlimited exchanges starting at only $39/month. At the basic level, members can rent three items of clothing at a time, exchange them often as they like, we wash the items upon return, and if they decide to purchase an item, they receive 20% off.
Valhalla is dedicated to sustainable fashion which is why we source our inventory from the used market; our customers. Valhalla also buys and sells used clothing to customers without a membership.
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?
Starting a new business is never easy, but I started a business that has never been done before. A terrifying prospect. I spent a lot more time than most working on my business plan and mapping out operations. At the start, I had absolutely no idea how I could possibly keep track of the rentals but I was completely committed to the idea of revolutionizing the fashion industry and just kept at it until I had the problem solved. If I hadn’t been so passionate about the idea, I probably would have given up on the concept of membership and only focused on sales.
My number one piece of advice for anyone going into business is to write an in-depth business plan even if you’re not looking for investment. It’s an essential tool to get started.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Valhalla Resale story. Tell us more about the business.
Valhalla is the first and only brick and mortar clothing store that offers membership to unlimited rentals for everyday clothes. We are unique in how we put sustainability at the forefront of everything we do, from our circular business model, to where we source our inventory, down to the cleaning products we use in the store.
But what makes Valhalla truly special is how personal the experience is for members. Once we get to know our members’ style, which generally happens within the first couple of weeks, we start curating handpicked selections. Most of our members come in weekly so we really get to know who they are as a person, not just as a customer.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mother really inspired me to always be the best person I can be and to keep improving myself. She cultivated my passion for business by encouraging me as a young girl to play role-playing games like “store” or “restaurant.” As a teenager, she supported my decision to take electives like Business Law and Accounting. And finally, as a young adult, she supported my decision to study entrepreneurship. Many parents may have been disappointed in a degree in entrepreneurship because it really isn’t something employers are looking for – they want to be the boss… not you!
Contact Info:
- Address: 6112 N Central Ave
Tampa, FL 33604 - Website: www.valhallaresale.com
- Phone: 8132313344
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/valhallatampa
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/valhallaresale
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