Bettie Business Bureau: Ashley Tiesman
The Bettie Business Bureau
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The Bettie Business Bureau |
Hey Betties! This is Ashley Tiesman!
Give us the Tiese!
I run a vintage clothing resale and styling business called Cherry Baby Vintage. I have always loved and been a collector of vintage fashion, and one day it just kind of hit me that I should start a little side gig! I had been collecting for several years at that point and had so many pieces varying in styles and sizes, so I figured I'd give it a go and start a business Instagram to sell clothes on.
““People will stare. Make it worth their while.””
I knew vintage clothes were a passion of mine when I could finallyyyyy fit into some of my grandma's old dresses around the age of 15. She had custom pieces made for her back in the 60s and 70s and from the time I was a little girl I knew I wanted to wear them one day!! What is the most rewarding for me as a reseller however is when I see my customers' eyes light up when they find the perfect piece when they're shopping my booth, or when I get an eager message from a customer wanting to purchase an item they saw on my feed. I just love being the person who can provide that experience for someone through clothes.
I feel like most, if not all, of the people reading this would agree with this statement:
We need more feminine energy and influence in this world!! Not only in positions of power, but anywhere where important decisions are being made. And that my Betties, is self-explanatory!
What’s your recipe for the perfect day?
To be super transparent, a good thrift haul just gets me goin' LOL. Knowing that I get to quite literally wake up, grab a coffee, and hit the thrift store is the recipe for my perfect day. There is no greater feeling than sifting through racks and scoring the perfect piece for my shop.
What's the best advice you could give someone looking to move into your field of work?
Supply clothing for your brand that YOU like. I know that may seem like a given, but it's very easy to get "lost in the shuffle", if you will, of what's trendy, what's selling, what's popular among other resellers, etc. I for sure have fallen victim to the little voice in my head telling me to change up the type of inventory I carry to cater to the masses, and in the end, it came back to bite me. The best thing to do is supply pieces that you would wear. Pieces that stop you in your tracks. Pieces that are weird and may even be a little ugly! Whatever you love and are confident in will sell! I always stay true to myself and my personal style, and I will overdress 'til the day I die!
Who’s your inspiration?
My inspiration is 100% my grandma. If it weren't for her giving me pieces from her collection who knows if I would be as passionate as I am today about vintage fashion. She was so glamorous - she literally looked like a movie star in all of the old pictures I have of her! She taught me the value in the stories, and the uniqueness these vintage gems hold.
