March Madness Feature: My Dear Vintage

My Dear Vintage serves as a one stop shop for trendy yet affordable men and women vintage fashion. This online boutique offers creative, eclectic, and diverse jewelry, clothes, and accessories for all vintage lovers.

IP: Start by telling us more about yourself and your business (educational background, hometown, age you started your business, how business came about, etc.) 

Hello My Dear’s. I am Brandi Foster, owner of My Dear Vintage. My Dear Vintage is an online vintage clothing, accessory and blog site that caters to fashion-forward taste makers who love the diverse, creative, and unique nature of vintage clothing and accessories. People have always asked where I shopped and how I put my looks together. After being asked the same question for years and years, I decided to share my style with the world. From my vision, My Dear Vintage was born in May, 2010. Now one year old, the successful online consignment shop has caught the eyes of local and international fashion lovers who appreciate the quality, style, and unique flair that My Dear Vintage has to offer. My grandmother was a beautiful, strong queen in my eyes and the inspiration behind My Dear Vintage. She was My Dear, a nick name I had given her years before. Her constant encouragement is what drove me to start MDV.

IP: Quote that keeps you motivated?

I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.

IP: What has been your biggest obstacle being a young entrepreneur and how did you overcome it? 

I opened MDV with extremely high expectations. I wasn’t aware of the difficulties of opening, owning an operating and online store. I wasn’t quite sure how to let the world know I existed.  I really had to learn to use social media to my advantage. I had to put a lot of things that young women enjoy doing aside to focus on MDV.

IP: How has age factored into your success? 

Being a 24 year old business owner has its ups and downs. I connect with younger women easily, more mature women are a little unsure of my capabilities to provide the services that they are in need of. Overall I’d say, most people are impressed with my ambition.

IP: Describe a day in the life of (company name)? 

A day in the life of My Dear Vintage, where to start? My day usually starts around 6 am. I am at the post office by 8 am, sending out orders all over the world. Tons of emails to respond to, hours upon hours of social media, styling for the many boutiques that carry My Dear Vintage and nonstop blog posts.

IP: Where do you see your company in the next 5 years?

In the next five years My Dear Vintage will be soaring. MDV will be a major vintage clothing distributor and voted top vintage clothing, accessory and home store on the east coast.

IP: What advice would you give up and coming entrepreneurs?

Do exactly what you want to do. Do whatever it takes to get to your dream. Yes, you will have to make sacrifices but they will all be well worth it. Do NOT give up on your happiness!

IP: What blogs and publications do you read to get guidance as an entrepreneur?

Ideal Publicity, for awesome PR tips. Serachenginewatch.com and www.blackenterprise.com are just a few of my favorites.

IP: If you could pick a celebrity to be the spokesperson for your company/brand who would it be and why?

I have always been a major fan of Rihanna’s style. She is so brave, eclectic and her style exudes confidence.

IP: Outside of your business, what are your other interests?

I am a major love of nature and the outdoors. I am so excited for spring, fishing, hiking and. I’m always looking for a way to give back, volunteering at women shelters as often as possible. My beautiful family and friend also keep me busy.