We were lucky to catch up with Annette Torsarkissian recently and have shared our conversation below.
Annette, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I was motivated to start my own business because I had a passion for sustainable fashion. In the beginning, there weren’t a lot of sustainable clothing options other than thrift stores. However, going to thrift stores, I noticed the never-ending aisles of clothes and felt they could somehow be reinvented. I then took it upon myself to rework pieces by mixing items and adding a new flare. Before, I wasn’t too familiar with a sewing machine or had any prior knowledge of the fashion or clothing industry. I was just someone who allowed their creativity to run wild and experiment with items I saw potential in. Clothing, I believe, is a form of self-expression and sometimes it can be weird or cool but in the end, all that matters is how I feel when I try it on. When I started this journey, it was for fun and I never would have imagined the scale it would continue to grow. At the time, I created Urbnvtg, there was very little clothing that offered a similar style. It was a risk and I was unsure if people saw the same vision I had but thankfully through clothes, I have helped people find their style, build relationships, and see the growth in confidence.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Annette Torsarkissian, and I run a women-owned clothing brand called Urbnvtg. I’m from Los Angeles, California, and for as long as I’ve known I’ve been a creative person. Whether it be through drawing, photography, or now clothing, I tried experimenting and experiencing new things. When I first started my business, I was just someone taking a risk and trying something new. When I was younger, I loved spending my time at thrift stores just walking down the isles, however, the more I went the more I noticed the amount of clothes abandoned yet with so much potential. For example, yea this shirt may have a pit stain or a few rips but I knew there was some way I could reinvent it. I had little experience sewing but I knew the ideas I wanted to execute. By simply adding a few zippers, bleach, trim, or fabric, it became something both new and with a history. Here at Urbnvtg, our mission is to provide unique clothing in a wide variety of sizes and designs for all people. It is our customers who help shape our brand and it is our priority to provide them with what they’re looking for through our hand-selected clothing. Through my business, I am proud that there’s a little less clothing going to landfills and that I am able to bring a new profound appreciation out of something previously unwanted. I have always been a little unsure of my ideas but through the support of my customers, I can share my vision with others.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
When we first started, we found popups events to be very beneficial when meeting new clients because they allowed for a more personal connection and deeper explanation of the products. Customers would come from all over and explain how they haven’t seen something as unique as what we offer. We overall, were something new and different to those who were traveling or visiting. Now, we have transferred to online live-stream platforms. On these live streams, we create a fun experience with music, showcase the products, and have conversations with others in the comfort of our own homes.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When starting my business, I struggled with using social media. Through pop-up events, I was able to engage with customers in person and build relationships. If they enjoyed the product they would then go to our social media page to follow up on our new designs or be aware of our next appearances. With these new followers, we were encouraged to post behind the scene reels and styling content with the goal to be interactive and having their opinions be heard. Lastly, being consistent allows our audience to be up to date with what’s new and how to be involved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urbnvtg.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbnvtg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/URBNVTG/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@urbnvtg?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc