Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Sabatino.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My background is actually in theater, I grew up as an actress performing on various stages in and outside of Chicago. I have my acting background to thank for my confidence and strong work ethic – I don’t think I would be where I am today without that upbringing.
A few years out of college, I wandered into a furniture consignment shop looking for a job… fast forward a bit, add a whole bunch of trial and error… and Trends was born. I managed the store for 6 years, worked closely with the previous owner (she is still a very dear friend of mine) and eventually bought it from her! I feel like all you hear lately is “this is closing”, “so and so last her job”, etc… I refused to be a part of that. I’m proof that you can start from the ground up and climb to the top… if you work your butt off! Hard work pays off and you can accomplish your dreams, you just have to have the passion and dedication to go with it.
I’ve now owned the store for almost a year and could not be happier. It is a dream come true, I absolutely love walking into my store and having a completely different experience from the day before – with resale, you never know what your day is going to be like or who/what is going to come in through those doors. It’s an exciting experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
I’ve been with this business from day one (7 years), molded it into the consignment boutique it is today and I feel like the adventure is just beginning. I am due with my first child in August, which means a whole nother piece to the puzzle is being added. I’m excited for what the future holds and seeing my store grow with my family.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anyone that tells you being a business owner is easy, is a liar. It is the most rewarding job but it’s full of long nights and early mornings. There is no such thing as a 9-5 in this industry. I’ll be at my store a few times a week, but when I’m not there It’s all meetings, brainstorming, networking, etc. The hardest part is not being able to shut off my brain. I can never really “take a break” from it all… even on vacation, I’ll be jotting down ideas for the store.
On the plus side, I’m my own boss… but on the negative side, I’m my own boss… there’s no one to hold me accountable except myself and if something doesn’t go right It will ultimately always fall on my shoulders. That’s a lot of pressure and as a business grows it gets worse – but along the way, you learn how to deal with it and not let it affect you as much. If a business idea fails, you have to be able to pick yourself back up right away and keep going. You have to be positive in this industry and constantly remind yourself of your ultimate goal – otherwise, the business will eat you up.
I think my biggest obstacle at the moment is being 6 months pregnant and running a business at the same time. Both are equally rewarding but at the end of the day, I have to put myself and my baby first. I’m used to putting the business first, so it’s been a complete mind shift for me. I can’t have late nights at the store anymore or even be on my feet all day… I have to constantly remind myself to take a step back and relax – actually try to shut my brain off. Luckily, I have the most amazing, supportive staff and husband to help run the store efficiently when I’m not feeling my absolute best. If it wasn’t for them I don’t know how I would do it!
Please tell us about Trends Consignment Boutique.
Trends is a 3,500 sq. foot women’s consignment boutique in Oak Park. We consign like new, gently used clothing and accessories for the fashion conscious – a spendy savvy woman! With over 7,000 consignors, our inventory is updated daily. Along with our store, We have a Facebook group where you can shop our favorite New Arrivals and a recently added online Designer store. We post our Designer items on our website, where our customers can shop from the comfort of their home and have items shipped to them! In a store, you’ll find brands like J Crew, Anthropologie, Zara, and more.
Resale is not only important for the environment, but for our bank accounts too! I recently had a consignor purchase a designer bag (for 75% off its original retail price) AND have enough in her account to pay off a phone bill. The money she made in my store is what gave her the ability to pay off her bills and afford a designer bag that she wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. The sheer joy on her face at that moment, makes me love what I do even more. By owning a consignment shop, I give women the confidence to manage their finances and afford a fashionable wardrobe – that’s a major win in my book!
Any unsold items we donate to local charities or host sales and donate the proceeds to deserving charities in our area. When women drop off their clothing and accessories, they know exactly where their items are going. I take pride in the fact that we don’t just throw out unsold items or toss them at a big box donation center. We do our research with charities and make sure the pieces aren’t ending up in landfills… but, in deserving hands.
It’s things like paying people when their items sell and donating to local charities that makes me feel like I’m doing something bigger than myself and giving back to the community that has been so supportive of our growth the past 7 years.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
This sounds so cliche, but I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I am where I am today because of all the decisions I made and paths I took (bad & good). If I did something different, who knows where I would be right now. Maybe more successful, or maybe not. I don’t like to look at the past, what’s done is done and there is no changing it. I’m very happy with my life right now. I’m at the stage in business and life where there is so much possibility still, that you can only look ahead to the future.
Contact Info:
- Address: Trends Consignment Boutique
810 North Blvd.
Oak Park, IL 60301 - Website: www.trendsoakpark.com
- Phone: 708-434-0801
- Email: info@trendsoakpark.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/TrendsOakPark
- Facebook: Facebook.com/TrendsOakPark
- Other: facebook.com/groups/trendsfirstlook
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