Last weekend was the Grand opening of Showroom which is a storefront I know carry my line at. I am so excited to be apart of this new concept which showcases some truly amazing local talent. The store was started by two local designers (Kimberly Jurek and Jen Chilstrom) who design for the local label Kjurek. "The idea grew out of a desire to secure a sustainable future for Kjurek. Their strategy, and goal, became to elevate the Twin Cities independent design community as a whole. This was going to be a place where designers and artists can meet with clients, have a retail storefront, potentially produce their work, and cross promote." Quoted from an article by the American Craft Council. The store features around 15 local designers who showcase their fashion, accessory, art and even furniture designs. To learn more about Showroom check out this great interview with the owners here.
The reason this is such an exciting opportunity for me is that I can finally start selling my pieces. I have collected over the past 5 years about 50 pieces that I have created from local fashion shows. For a while I was very attached to the pieces since they were one of a kind and had my blood, sweat and tears put into them. (I guess as a designer you can only really understand that attachment). It was time for me to let go and Showroom was the perfect opportunity for that.
In the past I have been approached by stores to carry my line, but with working full time it was too hard to be able to produce multiple pieces in different sizes and be able to keep up with orders. I guess I felt like I was in over my head and couldn't put in the effort that I would hope to. Showroom was exactly what I needed to use a store front as a place for people to find my past collections. Now at the moment they are only one of a kinds but I am able to take orders if a client needs a piece in a different size. It has also given me the opportunity to find out what my clients love, what fits, what doesn't and the ability to improve. I am now step by step putting the missing pieces together from finding the right designs that flatters different women's body types, being able to get the right fit in size runs, sourcing fabrics, understanding costing, and having a consistent seamstress to produce my line. It is also a great opportunity to network with other business women who have already gone through the growing pains that I am experiencing now. All the Designers in Showroom are at different points in their business's and we all have so much to learn from each other.
The Grand opening itself was a great event. It was a packed house for all of the 5 hours it went on. The excitement and support from the community was so encouraging. I think the best part was seeing people grabbing and trying my clothes on (even better when they purchased them!). I have sold several pieces so far which makes me just want to go home and make more designs. It has only been open for a month and I feel like I have gotten out so much already. Can't wait to see what the next year has in store!
Check out some photos from the new space and Grand Opening event below:
The reason this is such an exciting opportunity for me is that I can finally start selling my pieces. I have collected over the past 5 years about 50 pieces that I have created from local fashion shows. For a while I was very attached to the pieces since they were one of a kind and had my blood, sweat and tears put into them. (I guess as a designer you can only really understand that attachment). It was time for me to let go and Showroom was the perfect opportunity for that.
In the past I have been approached by stores to carry my line, but with working full time it was too hard to be able to produce multiple pieces in different sizes and be able to keep up with orders. I guess I felt like I was in over my head and couldn't put in the effort that I would hope to. Showroom was exactly what I needed to use a store front as a place for people to find my past collections. Now at the moment they are only one of a kinds but I am able to take orders if a client needs a piece in a different size. It has also given me the opportunity to find out what my clients love, what fits, what doesn't and the ability to improve. I am now step by step putting the missing pieces together from finding the right designs that flatters different women's body types, being able to get the right fit in size runs, sourcing fabrics, understanding costing, and having a consistent seamstress to produce my line. It is also a great opportunity to network with other business women who have already gone through the growing pains that I am experiencing now. All the Designers in Showroom are at different points in their business's and we all have so much to learn from each other.
The Grand opening itself was a great event. It was a packed house for all of the 5 hours it went on. The excitement and support from the community was so encouraging. I think the best part was seeing people grabbing and trying my clothes on (even better when they purchased them!). I have sold several pieces so far which makes me just want to go home and make more designs. It has only been open for a month and I feel like I have gotten out so much already. Can't wait to see what the next year has in store!
Check out some photos from the new space and Grand Opening event below:
MB ready to find new homes
View from back of the store
A few of my pieces featured in window display
Packed house for the Grand Opening
Owners Jen and Kim in the middle with the rest of the Showroom Designers
Thank you to everyone who made it out to support the opening of Showroom. If you haven't been in to check it out yet, the store is located at 615 West Lake Street in Minneapolis. Also, I am always open to feedback so if you have been to the store and tried on some of my pieces, I would love to know your thoughts.
xo,
Marissa
xo,
Marissa
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