Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Octavia Turner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Octavia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

One of the best things I’ve done to show a customer I appreciated them as a stylist was surprising a long-time client with a personalized style package for her birthday. I took time outside of our scheduled appointments to curate a set of pieces that matched her style evolution, including items from my own clothing brand and thrifted gems I knew she would love. I also handwrote a thank-you card expressing how much I valued her loyalty and trust in my work. She was so moved she cried, saying no stylist had ever taken the time to make her feel that special. That moment reminded me how impactful it is to genuinely see and celebrate the people we serve.

Octavia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Octavia, and I’m the founder of OCHELLA — a fashion-forward thrift and resale brand that celebrates individuality, sustainability, and self-expression. The name OCHELLA stands for:

Organic, Confident, Humble, Effortless, Luxurious, Legendary, and Authentic — all values that represent not only my personal style philosophy but the experience I aim to give every customer.

My love for fashion began early, evolving into a passion for curating bold, affordable looks that help people feel seen and empowered. Through OCHELLA, I offer hand-selected thrifted finds, resale fashion, and exclusive pieces from my own clothing line. I also work as a local stylist, helping clients discover their unique style while staying true to who they are.

What sets OCHELLA apart is the intentionality behind every piece. I don’t just sell clothes — I curate a vibe that blends vintage soul with modern edge. Whether it’s a reworked denim jacket or a signature look for an event, everything I create is guided by authenticity and love.

I’m most proud of how OCHELLA helps people express themselves confidently while embracing sustainable style. When you shop or collaborate with OCHELLA, you’re not just getting fashion — you’re joining a movement rooted in purpose, style, and self-worth.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Absolutely. One of the biggest pivots in my journey was during the early stages of launching OCHELLA. I originally started by just reselling thrifted items on social media for fun. But as the demand and love for my curated pieces grew, I realized there was a real opportunity to turn this passion into a brand. I pivoted from treating it as a side hustle to building a full business — investing in a website, creating a logo, learning about branding, and launching my own clothing line. It wasn’t easy balancing everything as a single mom and working full time, but that pivot taught me resilience and the power of believing in your gift.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with my clients by making every interaction feel personal. Whether it’s a handwritten thank-you note in their package, a birthday shout-out, or early access to exclusive drops, I make sure they know they’re appreciated. I also stay active on social media, sharing styling tips, behind-the-scenes content, and responding to every comment and DM. Loyalty grows when customers feel seen, valued, and connected to the heart behind the brand — and that’s what OCHELLA is all about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ochellathrift.com
• Instagram: @ochellathriftsandstyles
• Facebook: @OchellaThrifts
• Other: TikTok- @ochellathrift22