HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO THE ORIGINAL CONSIGN COUTURE MUSE!
CC Muses: In Greek mythology, the muses were Zeus’ daughters and the goddesses of the arts, sciences, and literature. Today, in fashion and beyond, a muse is a source of inspiration. Next up in our “Consign Couture Muses” series, we are so pleased to introduce our community to the original CC Muse, Tamara’s mom (and mentor in business!) Laurie Young.
From Tamara: Happy Mother’s Day to all – and especially to my mom!
I wanted to take a moment to thank my mom for everything she’s ever done and also to remind everybody here that Consign Couture is a culmination of what I’ve learned from watching my mom run her own business and have her own store since I was born.
A little over 13 years ago, my mom and I were having lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory. I told her that I was planning to quit my job and wasn’t sure what to do next. Without skipping a beat, she said: “Why don’t you open up a resale store?”
After lunch, we went around and checked out storefronts and within a couple of weeks Consign Couture had a sign duct-taped to the window and 12 consignors.
My mom has a huge heart and will take the time to help anyone who comes into her orbit. She’s fearless, has an incredible work ethic and will. not. give. up. She has a never ending drive to make things happen. She’s a riot and brings curiosity and childlike innocence to everyone she meets.
We’re excited to introduce you to Laurie Young!
What’s your name, and what do you do in life? Tell us about yourself!
My name is Laurie Young – I’m Retired.
You ran multiple businesses. What inspired you to start them and what was meaningful to you about them?
I started my first shop in Half Moon Bay in 1979. It lasted 8 years until my husband got transferred to east bay. I was the Oregon state sales rep for a giftware company for 25 years- I put on and attended trade shows in Seattle.All of my business were such a challenge to be the best at being creative and the top of my game. Owning a business brings such personal fulfillment as you can be your own boss and make it as great as you want it to be with a lot of hard work.
Tell us about a milestone in your business or something you’re especially proud of.
I opened 3 different stores in Depoe Bay over 16 years and expanded several times. I was proud to have people from all over come shop at my store.
Being an entrepreneur and building a business has been compared to raising a child. Does that feel like a reasonable comparison?
Owning a store is similar to raising a child as it is 24/7: all encompassing and rewarding at the same time.
Tamara credits you not just with her entrepreneurial spirit but with the inspiration to start Consign Couture. How did the idea come about? Are you a big secondhand shopper?
Consign Couture came about when [Tamara] was back on her own and did not want to go back into the corporate world. The goal was to find a business that she would not have to invest a lot of money in upfront. We started with the idea of a children’s store- but after visiting some and watching kids run amok- we changed that idea fast.I have not been a big second hand shopper but I am a big sale shopper. Spending six months in the desert recently has changed that and I have become a secondhand shopper.
What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration?
I am inspired by other great business with their displays and creativity.
What keeps you going on tough days?
What keeps me going is the drive to be the best I can be on all levels and make a difference to someones life.
Tell us your favorite secondhand shopping story
My favorite secondhand shops are in California- my last favorite item was a very large bra that I got to toss on the stage to a great guitar player during a performance by a 13-piece band. Currently my favorite are tops from Johnny Was (brand that Tam introduced me to) because of the comfort and fit.
Tell us about your favorite outfit- what makes you feel your best, or the most “you”?
My favorite outfits are anything comfortable- probably pajamas. I currently do not shop much as I live the retired life in shorts and bathing suits and in the process of downsizing my wardrobe.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I like to garden- I love flowers – I go to the gym, travel the world and cruise.
Three things: favorite book, favorite movie, and favorite thing to eat?
Book: I am not a reader, but I like to listen to audible (audio books). My favorites are biographies like Oprah Winfrey’s or Sally Field’s.
Snack: I won homemade ice cream for year- and gave it up as I watched the pounds come on but frozen yogurt has always been my favorite treat – and also bran muffins from Tim Hortons in Canada.Movie: My favorite movie is Pretty Woman.
Favorite places to shop?
Probably my favorite local business are Costco and Trader Joes. I love their flowers.
