In an era where side hustles have become the norm, one Leeds Beckett graduate has taken the reselling world by storm. Chloe Francis, a 24-year-old from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, has turned her passion for vintage fashion into a full-time business, earning a staggering £2,000 per month. This is her inspiring story of how she transitioned from working at a fish and chip shop to building a thriving online empire.
The Journey Begins: From University to Entrepreneurship
Chloe Francis, who recently completed her undergraduate and master's degrees in fine art at Leeds Beckett University in 2023, always had a knack for fashion. Her love for "funky" clothing began at the age of eight, when she would accompany her family to charity shops and car boot sales. This early fascination with unique and eclectic styles laid the foundation for her future career.
During her time as a student, Chloe started selling clothes from her own wardrobe on Depop, a popular platform for reselling vintage and second-hand items. What began as a side hustle quickly gained momentum, and by the end of 2021, she was earning the same amount from her Depop shop as she was from her job at the fish and chip shop. This pivotal moment led her to make the bold decision to quit her "real job" and focus on her reselling business full-time.
Scaling the Business: From Depop to Multiple Platforms
After taking the leap to pursue her business full-time in 2024, Chloe expanded her reach beyond Depop. She now sells her curated collection of vintage and eclectic fashion on TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, leveraging these platforms' visual appeal to showcase her unique finds. Her shop, aptly named "Retro Chlo's," has become a go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts looking for one-of-a-kind pieces.
Chloe's success is not just about listing items online; it's about creating a brand that resonates with her audience. She meticulously sources her inventory, often scouring charity shops with her 74-year-old grandmother, Christine Smith. Additionally, she works with a vintage clothing wholesaler, Fleek, to ensure she always has a fresh and exciting selection of items to offer her customers.
The Secret to Her Success: Curated Collections and Niche Markets
One of the key factors contributing to Chloe's success is her ability to identify niche markets within the vintage fashion scene. She has developed a keen eye for items that are not only unique but also highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Among her best-selling items are Coogi jumpers, which she sources for £35 to £85 and sells for £100 to £200. These jumpers are particularly popular due to their rarity in the UK market.
"I mainly source eclectic vintage fashion. Although I am more drawn to brands like Harley Davidson, Coogi, and Levis or anything with a funky pattern," Chloe explains. Her ability to spot trends and cater to specific niches has allowed her to stand out in a competitive market.
Building a Brand: From Mood Boards to Video Calls
Chloe's approach to her business is both creative and strategic. She begins by creating mood boards using Canva, a graphic design tool, to visualize her collection and ensure a cohesive aesthetic. These mood boards help her communicate her vision to wholesalers, with whom she arranges video calls to select between 100 and 150 items for her shop. This meticulous process ensures that every piece she sells aligns with her brand's identity and appeals to her target audience.
Lessons from Chloe: Tips for Aspiring Resellers
Chloe's journey from a part-time seller to a full-time entrepreneur is a testament to the potential of the reselling industry. However, she is quick to remind aspiring resellers that success doesn't happen overnight. Here are some of her top tips for those looking to enter the world of reselling:
- Start Small: Don't feel pressured to invest a lot of money upfront. Begin with items you already own or can source cheaply.
- Be Prepared to Fail: Not every item will sell, and that's okay. Use these experiences as opportunities to learn and refine your strategy.
- Know the Trends: Stay informed about current fashion trends and what's in demand. This will help you make informed purchasing decisions.
By following these principles, aspiring resellers can build a solid foundation for their businesses and increase their chances of success.
A Future in Fashion: Chloe's Vision Beyond the Screen
While Chloe's online business continues to thrive, she has ambitious plans for the future. She hopes to open a physical shop in Cornwall, where she can connect with customers face-to-face. This desire to interact with her audience reflects her personality and the values she wants her brand to represent.
"I loved talking to people at the chippy, and I miss those real-life conversations," Chloe admits. Her vision for a physical store is not just about selling clothes but about creating a space where people can come together and celebrate their shared passion for fashion.
In the shorter term, Chloe is set to launch her own website for Retro Chlo's Shop on 10th April. This new platform will provide her customers with a seamless shopping experience while further establishing her brand's presence in the fashion industry.
Conclusion: The Power of Passion and Entrepreneurship
Chloe Francis's story is a powerful reminder of how passion and determination can lead to extraordinary success. From her early days scouring charity shops to building a £2,000-per-month business, Chloe has proven that with hard work and a clear vision, anything is possible.
As she continues to grow her brand and inspire others, Chloe remains committed to her belief that fashion is more than just clothing—it's a way to express identity and connect with others. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the endless possibilities available to those who dare to pursue their dreams.
