Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lumpkin.
Jessica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m the owner of Refined Leisure, an online reselling company. I’ve loved fashion and clothing since I was a little girl. Experimenting with different styles and trends became a staple throughout my life. Thrift stores afforded me the luxury of having an ever-changing wardrobe. I was amazed at all the treasures I could find for less than the price of one shirt at the mall. Thrifting would remain a shopping staple throughout my life.
Fast forward to 2017 when I discovered reselling. I had just finished planning my wedding and found myself with a lot of free time on my hands. I realized that my closet was full of clothes, shoes and handbags that I hadn’t used in years. A quick google search on how to sell your stuff online showed me the app Poshmark, an online buying and selling marketplace. I listed my first item immediately (a Coach wallet) and when it sold within 5 minutes of listing it, I was hooked. Now I’m a full-time reseller and have my own business. I sell on multiple platforms and also offer consignment. Reselling is a dream job for me because I’m able to express my creativity while utilizing my love of fashion. There’s nothing better than being your own boss! I’m also active in the reselling community and host multiple events a year.
Has it been a smooth road?
There was definitely a learning curve when I first started reselling. When I sold my first item, I had no idea how to pack and ship it. There’s a lot that goes into selling clothing – from sourcing to learning brands and pricing, to inventory management and storage to packing and shipping. I was learning as I went along and that posed some unique challenges. For example, when I first started sourcing I’d buy things without thoroughly checking for damages. That resulted in a fair amount of unusable inventory. I learned pretty quickly what to look for when shopping so I wasn’t losing money.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Refined Leisure – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company Refined Leisure sells new and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for a fraction of the retail price. I specialize in finding designer items for my clients who also enjoy a comfortable, sophisticated style. Refined Leisure’s motto is, “Sophisticate your style without sacrificing comfort”. My brand stays true to that. When you shop with Refined Leisure you know that you’ll find a carefully curated collection of items. This is what I’m most proud of as a company and what sets me apart from others.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’ve lived in Houston the majority of my life and love that we have so many amazing art and entertainment options. When I’m not reselling, I love going to concerts, visiting the MFAH, enjoying a play at the Wortham theater or going to see the Houston Symphony. I’m also surrounded by thrift stores in my area so that’s something I definitely love! What I like least about Houston is the weather. I’m originally from upstate New York so I enjoy the changing of the seasons and cooler weather.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://poshmark.com/closet/refinedleisure
- Email: refinedleisureco@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refinedleisureco
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/refinedleisureco
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