We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tess Elizabeth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tess thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s one of the most important lessons you learned in school?
I went to college in Washington State, and my school leaned into interdisciplinary studies. Through this, I saw how seemingly opposite ends of study can connect. I think internalizing this heavily factored into my thinking of photography, styling, history studies, and vintage curation as part of the same world.
Tess, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a photographer, a stylist, and a vintage curator. I’ve been collecting for a long time, but I started working as a freelance photographer, and still shoot for brands, artists, publications, etc. I now shoot everything for Tess Elizabeth Vintage, where I curate timeless vintage and antique pieces that blend history with modern use and wearability. I run the shop online, but I also see people by appointment for fittings, and personal sourcing.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I am a big fan of newsletters. I send one through TEV, which contains first look at new inventory, as well as discounts exclusive to subscribers. Through my portfolio site, I have just started a second newsletter which is more personal, containing behind-the-scenes of photoshoots and projects, historical insights, current inspirations, discounted offerings, writings on moments of life and updates, rambling thoughts, and more.
This way of communicating with clients feels the most gratifying. There’s something about communicating via email that feels nostalgic and exciting.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
Along with the online shop, TEV offers Personal Sourcing and Styling (Event Styling, Editorial Styling, Personal Styling) services, along with At-Home Fittings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tesselizabethvintage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tesselizabethvintage/
- Other: Photo: tesselizabeth.com | https://www.instagram.com/tesselizabethw/
Image Credits
All photos by Tess Elizabeth