Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Plummer.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’d like to say I’ve had a passion for fashion my entire life. Growing up among a group
of six fashionable siblings and parents, I always knew I was destined to be doing something in the fashion industry. I majored in Home Economics, (as it was called back in the late 70‘s), at Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio. My Home Ec degree, now more aptly termed Retailing, provided me with many career choices. I have been a Buyer for a major department store, a Merchandise Coordinator, a Sales Representative for major fashion vendors, (Levis Strauss & Co., GAP, and Ellen Tracy), an Image Consultant, Personal Stylist, Fashion Blogger, Program Chair of a Fashion Design Department at a career academy, Entrepreneur, and Image Management Textbook Author – Your Personal Style. It’s been over 20 years of fabulous fashion living, learning, and paying it forward to the curious fashion masses.
Always eager to learn more and meeting new people I achieved a Masters Degree in Training & Development in 2006 from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. I’ve been able to utilize my graduate degree in my image consulting firm, Fine Threads established in 1999. I developed courses on appearance, behavior, and communication skills, and often called upon as a frequent public speaker on the topic of dress in the work place and beyond.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. There were, and sometimes still are, plenty of obstacles that I have to overcome. The main struggle has been financial as in most businesses – circulating profit right back in the business. Trying to make the business 100% of my income is difficult at times. A service business, like image consulting, that is still perceived from some as not being a necessity, makes for difficult marketing when so many individuals truly think they can do it themselves. The growing decline of shopping and the closing of popular retail stores in favor of online hasn’t helped either. Persistence, even in difficult times, will eventually prevail when there is passion, education, and experience.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fine Threads – what should we know?
My consulting firm, Fine Threads, has assisted individuals express their personality through their clothing by offering one-on-one fashion analysis, closet consultations, and personal shopping. Additionally, Fine Threads, supports schools, corporations, and non-profit organizations by offering corporate workshops and seminars ranging from Color Analysis to Wardrobe Planning.
I specialize in the appearance aspect of image consulting. I make and teach people how to look their very best based on their lifestyle, budget, and personality.
My thorough knowledge of the fashion industry sets me apart from most consultants and stylists. I have the answers, the reasons why we should dress one way or the other. I am known as the “Connector” the “Net-worker”, someone who knows the answers or where to find the answer when it comes to style. I’ve written a textbook used at fashion schools in the merchandising departments titled, Your Personal Style.
I’m a relationship person. Getting to know someone is crucial in this business, and I’m good with communicating with people and forming what I call a true “fashion bond.”
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes, of course, there has been people that have, and still are, supporters and mentors.
Fine Threads started as a sewing business in the early 90’s. I couldn’t have done all the sewing work without the assistance of two of the best fashion designers in Chicago, Susy Madrigal and Antoine Alexander. They both have helped Fine Threads move from a sewing company to the consulting firm that it is today.
Financially, family has helped in times of need; especially assistance from my sister Debbie, and brother-in-law Mike. My entire family has believed and supported me, even at times when I haven’t even believed in myself. The continued encouragement and support from family is one of the main reasons I still do what I do. They know me best and keep me going in this crazy business.
Also, I had a desire to learn more about image consulting when I transitioned the business from sewing to consulting. I wanted to learn more about the appearance, self-improvement industry. This knowledge came from all the learning I received from a multitude of individuals who were part of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). I was active in this organization and utilized the textbooks written by numerous AICI image professionals. Their experience and knowledge have only helped me to propel my business, Fine Threads, to move forward for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.finethreadschicago.com
- Email: nancy@finethreadschicago.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finethreads/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FineThreadsStyle/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nplumm
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/nancy_plummer3/pins/
Image Credit:
Cathy Carmody – Encore and More Event photos
Stephen Sullivan for Fairchild Books, Inc. – Your Personal Style photos
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
