In 2011, I was immersed in my jewelry line, Owlita. The feather jewelry trend was soaring, and demand had outpaced the supply of the premium feathers we used. Seeking new horizons, I ventured into the fashion wholesale industry.

My bestie @tarapesta.atl was working for a Los Angeles showroom, which coincidentally needed another wholesale rep. Without hesitation, I packed up and moved to LA. Over the next decade, I fell in love with the industry. It involved extensive travel, relationship-building, and, my personal favorite, working with clothing & accessories. I mean, what more could one ask for?

Fast forward a few years, and Tara and I had our own showroom. We spent our days immersed in the vibrant industry. When life led us to opposite coasts, we embarked on our next adventures, and unsurprisingly - we both chose real estate. 🔑

The real estate world shares many similarities with fashion wholesale. We help people make significant decisions, solve problems, and navigate the sales process. An open house mirrors a fashion tradeshow, and both involve emotional decisions rather than just logic. A brand can capture your heart, much like a home. You can lose out on a home to a better offer, just as you can miss out on carrying a brand because another boutique beat you to it.

Though I've been in real estate for 3 years now, I recently had the opportunity to rejoin the fashion industry for the weekend. My old boss needed help at the Spring/Summer New York Tradeshows, and I jumped at the chance. Boarding that plane allowed me to shift perspectives, and New York did not disappoint. It felt as vibrant as ever, and the streets were SO clean! I reconnected with buyers and agents I'd spent a decade working with, enjoyed new Chelsea hotspots, caught a Broadway show, and stayed at an incredible hotel.

Revisiting a job I once loved reminded me of the growth it facilitated. It reinforced that I am where I'm supposed to be. That chapter has closed, and a new door has opened. I'm grateful for my old boss and the adventure she offered. Now, I'm thankful to be back home, working with my clients in an adjacent industry I love. Thank you, NYC – you looked amazing in 2023. ✨

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Prairie Underground | Olivia Dar | Maelu | Cats with a Heart | Loess | Beaumont Organics