Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Ferguson.
Heidi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve had an affinity for old things since I was very young. Thrifting and garage sales were a staple in my household growing up and I was always drawn to older clothing because it was really unique. Growing up in Portland, Oregon definitely had an impact on my taste as everyone there had a super unique vibe and it was acceptable to dress differently. When I got my first car, I would hit the thrifts after high school to shop and find clothing that I could re-do or that no one else had. Almost everything I wore back then was vintage or second hand. This continued through college and one day, I was home visiting my parents and got on the internet for the first time and discovered eBay. It was life changing. I decided then and there to start selling off pieces from my personal collection and that is how I started the selling side of my business in 1998.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but growing pains are what enable me to learn and grow. Without the bumps in the road, I would not be where I am today. There are different challenges with selling online than in the everyday brick and mortar operations. Selling online and having a rating system to abide by can be challenging. I learned long ago you could not please all of the people all of the time. I learned early on to adopt a very liberal return policy and not to take what a buyer says personally because ultimately, it is usually not a reflection on me as a person. I am very easy going and ultimately strive to make the customer happy with their purchase. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Opening a brick and mortar the first time around was eye opening as well. In your mind, it seems incredibly easy, but the sheer task of setting up, staging and stocking your store can be overwhelming. I was better prepared when I opened my second location but had forgotten how difficult getting those doors open in a timely manner can be. Having a background in customer service has been invaluable in my business and also truly have a passion and knowledge for what I do, I believe that shines through.
Please tell us about Stitches and Rust.
My business is a Vintage and Handmade Boutique. I specialize in affordable men’s and women’s vintage clothing, vintage household items and furniture and one of a kind handmade/upcycled items. We are known for our eclectic variety of wearable vintage, unique household items and handmade/ upcycled jackets that are truly one of a kind wearable pieces of art. I am proud that I am a single mom who built a successful business from scratch without loans or debt.
I think the main thing that sets us apart from other vintage shops both online and at our brick and mortar is the fact that we are very, very affordable. My philosophy has always been that if I am priced out of my own shop, then it’s not worth doing. I cater to a diverse selection of people and strive to keep my prices low. I tell my customers that I will price match any item. If someone can find a vintage item for less elsewhere, I’ll match the price. That is how confident I am in our affordability.
The other difference is the handmade side of my business. Each Jacket or item I make is truly unique and can’t be duplicated. It’s a large part of my business and sets us apart from any boutique in this area.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have opened a brick and mortar sooner. The decision not to was largely fear based. What if I fail? Was a question that went through my mind many times. The best decisions in my life have been those that I didn’t think too much about but just went with my gut. I would listen more to my gut and squash that doubt if I were to do it all over.
Contact Info:
- Address: 16 South J. Street
Lake Worth Beach, Florida 33460 - Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/princessntheflea
- Phone: 561-460-0977
- Email: stitchesandrust@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/stitchesandrust
- Facebook: Facebook.com/stitchesandrust
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