Transcript
Transcript
Transcript
(upbeat dance music) Jennifer Kelly: I don’t
think there would be as much vibrance, at least in Chicago, if it
weren’t for these very unique, very individual, small
businesses on this block alone. My name is Jen. I’m the owner and
operator of Vintage Frills in Logan Square/Avondale
community here in Chicago. Things are so old and gorgeous and get to relive history
through these garments. Not only do I hand-pick each
piece that goes into the shop, but I curate it with care. Okay, come with me to the Red Room. It’s a color-coordinated shop. Customers come in and they’re like, “Ooh, the Red Room. Oh, the Blue Room!” You know, or, “Ooh, pink!” Just makes it easier,
and more fun, actually. We literally get international customers. I feel like we’re almost becoming sort of like a tourist destination. We have our Vintage Frills notebook. Even if you’re from out of town, now you have a permanent mark on our shop. (lively music) Oh, the fashion community in Chicago, it’s still a baby, I feel like. I really want to help grow us and make people realize that
you can be sustainable, too, and still be fashionable. Sustainability, it means
a world to Vintage Frills. All of our garments have
already passed the test of time. They’ve been here for
20, 30, 40, 50 years. That lets you know it’s sustained. By purchasing secondhand, I’m literally preventing these things from going into the landfill. Vintage is not just for dress up. It’s a way of life. It makes me so proud that I’ve created this incredible community around me. We’re constantly working together. We’re creating events,
fashion shows, karaoke events. We even invite our local community to be a part of the fashion shows. If you’ve never been a
model before, it’s okay! I didn’t want it to be just high fashion, you know, six-feet-tall models, because I want the community,
an everyday person, to know that you can wear this too. (calm lo-fi music) It’s important to support small businesses because we are the
backbone of the economy. American Express does the
Small Business Saturday event. Ever since I opened, I’ve
been participating in it. Our entire community has gotten involved. It’s a big deal because on this strip, there’s so many small businesses. I originally did not know
that this was something started by American Express, and I’m like, “Oh my God, this is genius.” You know, it really
helps us get the word out to people who may not
have known we existed. Thank you!
Customer: Thank you so much! Jen: Any small business owner
or upcoming entrepreneur, I would definitely
suggest they take a part in American Express’s resources, because they literally give
you the building blocks to help sustain your business. I took a leap of faith
and I did it on my own. And even though sometimes
it’s a tumultuous journey, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s the best decision I
could have made for myself. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. You’re not gonna have all the answers, but as you work through the
process of owning this business, they come to you, whether they fall into your lap
(group laughs) or you have someone like American Express who are giving you these resources to make you a better
business owner. (chuckles) (soft music)