Words by Carol Wright | Photos by Mary McCall
We got the chance to chat with Abby about her interest in fashion and the hard work that went into starting her own business, STATUS. You can shop her online store here.
You’re 17 and already have your own business. As a kid were you very interested in dress-up and creating things?
Yes! When I was little I used to love dressing up my barbies. I’m not kidding when I say that I had a bin full of over 100 outfits for my barbies. I used to have fashion shows and style all of their outfits from head to toe. Also, I just found these labels that I had printed off when I was younger for my “clothing line” that I always wanted to design.
What made you want to start an online boutique versus a clothing line?
Eventually, I would love to have my own clothing line, I just don’t know if I’m quite ready to take that on just yet. Once Status grows enough, I’ve even thought about selling my own clothing line through the boutique. However, through the boutique, I’m constantly learning more about fashion and what kind of clothes my customers really like, which I feel will put me at an advantage when/if I decide to start my own clothing line.
What were some of the challenges you faced when you first were creating STATUS?
Something that is really hard about opening a boutique online is promoting it. I say this because you don’t have a storefront that people can just walk by and see, so you’re constantly having to advertise your clothing. It’s a really competitive market because the fashion industry is huge, but I always have to remind myself that everything doesn’t happen overnight, and it takes time to grow.
What have you learned from creating STATUS boutique?
I’ve learned a lot about responsibility. My parents both work, and they made it clear before I started this journey that they were not taking on my job too. So whether it’s filling orders, responding to emails, or contacting vendors, I know that if I don’t do it it won’t get done. Also, I am constantly learning new things about the fashion industry and how to run a business.
Through your boutique, you hope to empower other young women. Does the name STATUS fit into that mission?
STATUS’ mission is to help women create their own type of status through fashion. I hope that our clothes can empower and make all women feel good about themselves in any style they want to express themselves without feeling like they have to spend a lot of money.
What advice do you have for girls who want to start their own business?
Go for it, and don’t let anyone hold you back! You’re always going to regret what you didn’t do! I recently found this quote that I love that states, “A girl who is going to do big things cannot let the small things get to her.” I always find myself getting so overwhelmed with the little things like a piece from a vendor not arriving on time or writing descriptions for my products, but in the end that’s not what matters. What matters is reaching your goals all while making a change in others’ lives.