Today we’d like to introduce you to ShaRoya Hall.
Hi ShaRoya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thrifting was introduced to me by my grandmother, aunt, and mom when I was child. From Saturday garage sales to vintage shops and stinky hole in the wall consignment stores, bargain shopping and thrifting for them was a lifestyle, with no shame. Of course, at a young age, I didn’t appreciate thrifting or the value of repurposed or recycled clothing. My adolescent years were pretty tough being bullied, trying to fit in with the latest trends, buying name brand clothing, and avoiding, at all costs, to be named “the girl with the hand-me-down” outfits on. I remember having my first job in high school and literally breaking the bank to find the coolest and most relevant styles to wear to school. Fast forward to my adult years, I was reintroduced to thrifting by grandmother, who would often take me to her favorite vintage shop in Corpus Christi, TX. While she sped over to the antique furniture, I would find myself lost amongst the garments, old lady handbags, the sparkly to rustic brooches, and blazers with the high shoulder pads…definitely became my staple piece early on. My first purchase from there was a blouse I bought for 50 cents. I’ll never forget wearing it out to Houston on my 25th birthday and how the compliments came from every person I encountered. That was big for me, being that Houston is so fashion forward. I couldn’t wait to tell people where I found it and how much it was….I’m still never hesitant to share where I find items and how much I spent on it! I love to see the disbelief! lol
I fell in love with thrifting from that moment on. What some might call cheap shopping became an art for me. It gave me a space to feel trendless, it sparked originality and creativity, and I felt I could express my true self through fashion than ever before. All the while it also built my confidence; it didn’t matter what people thought, as long as I loved the clothes I was in, and most importantly loved the skin I was in, I could not be shaken.
Thrifting started off as a fun, relaxing hobby I would do on Saturdays. Before I knew it, I would become influential amongst my peers and even strangers. With the help of friends, I started a blog called Imprettythrifty. The mission in creating this blog was to focus on finding styles that were all $10 and under, post about them, and give helpful advice on how to shop, but it soon turned into an entire business venture that included personal shopping, style consulting, and closet makeovers. Doors were open that provided so many opportunities for me to be a featured stylist at fashion shows, model unique pieces from different vendors, and style more high-end fashion clients.
So what is the bottom line for why Imprettythrifty exists? It’s bigger than fashion and pictures for me. It tells a story, it serves, and impacts. On a day to day, I engage with so many people who say “they could never wear that”, or “I just couldn’t do that because of my body type”, and sometimes even body-shaming themselves. It bothers me so much to hear those things. I desire to understand their body types and style preferences so that I could use that information to find items that complement them well…helping them feel like they could wear anything and feel fabulous in it! I realized then that this brand represented confidence and self-love. One of my biggest passions is helping people, young and old, feel confident in what they wear without having to break the bank. Through Imprettythrifty, I am able to do just that!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I feel like one of the biggest challenges for me was consistency with posting, promoting, and sharing what was happening with Imprettythrifty. Especially during the early stages of the pandemic. Being a creative and juggling a full-time, work-life balance can sometimes leave you mentally exhausted and unintentionally putting your business on the back burner. At one point I thought my inconsistency would have a negative, detrimental affect on my blog and business, but it turned out to be the complete opposite; my followers continued to increase, I received so much business and referrals for my services (the highest I had ever had, actually), people liked and continued to like and share my content….it’s almost like I created a FOMO for this brand, and kept people at the edge of their seats wondering what was happening next. I felt that also exposed a level of trust. Even though they didn’t see it all happening, they still believed it was happening and believed in my product. It was also a reminder to give yourself grace and show up when you can…being a creative can be draining at times. It’s ok to reset. I am also grateful for my supporters because I know for certain none of this would be possible without them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Imprettythrifty provides a personal styling and shopping experience, style consulting, and closet reorganizing services. Based on the clients’ style profile, I am able to find items that will best compliment the client’s body shape and style preferences. The emphasis on finding unique, fashionable thrifted items for under $10 sets Imprettythrifty apart from the rest. But it doesn’t stop there, for Imprettythrifty also offers services for shopping at high-end fashion boutiques, malls, and online stores. Imprettythrifty is an experience from beginning to end. It inspires creativity, confidence, and an open-minded approach to shopping!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was being out in the country with my great-grandparents. I remember my great-grandmother dressing me up so we could sit outside on the porch with our straw sun hats, oversized dresses, and play tea party while watching my little brother and great-grandad play baseball with a stick.
Pricing:
- Guided Personal Styling – $30/hr.
- Shop For Client – $15/hr.
- Closet Organizing – $40/hr.
- Shop Your Closet – $20/hr.
- Style & Photo Package – starting at $175
Contact Info:
- Email: imprettythrifty@gmail.com
- Instagram: Imprettythrifty
- Facebook: Imprettythrifty
Image Credits
CargoPhotography
Meet the Bryants Photography
Brittney Welch Photography
