Exploring Life & Business with Jocelyn Petron of 5:30 Fashion House

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Petron. 

Hi Jocelyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started working retail around 2016 as a manager at The Children’s Place. This sparked my interest in the retail industry and pushed me to keep climbing the ladder. I eventually found a sales position at a Men’s Luxury store in Akron and gained a lot of knowledge about the retail and fashion industry. Here is where I was introduced to higher-end brands. It was always my dream to work at Saks Fifth Avenue. So, after the pandemic situation died down, I was finally able to accomplish that goal. Although my run at Saks was short, I learned so much and was able to use my time there to strategize how to open my own physical store. I had really just had enough of making other big corporations richer with my time when I had been working for a few years to build my personal brand 5:30 Lingerie & Loungewear. Yes, I started my brand with pjs and panties! When I decided, I was going to pursue opening a physical store location, I knew it was time to expand to a full-service brand that offered everyday trending clothing for women. Opening my first store I am now able to house other local brands and have on-site Makeup Artists that even come in to service their clients at 5:30 Fashion House. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, the entrepreneurship road is hectic! Actually, nothing has been very easy. Every day you run into a different struggle even small things like running out of clothing hangers for the store or having a utility bill due. The beauty of it all is that every struggle you work through is just another benefit for your business. Also, when I picked my store location the space actually needed tons of renovations. Flooring, wall paint, fitting room build-out were just some of the upgrades we had to complete. This took months and I never could reach my opening deadline so I kind of stopped putting a time limit on myself and just continued to focus on making sure my store was going to be a place that was cute and comfortable and inviting. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 5:30 Fashion House?
5;30 Fashion House is the place to shop today’s trending clothing. You can shop in the front of the store or relax in the seating area I have created. This area is also perfect for makeup service setup, content creation, podcast shooting, etc. I have tried to create not just a store for shopping but a place that is open for the community to come together and create. Growing up in the same area my store is located there was never really any cool places like this around so it makes me proud to have pulled this all off! We often host events for shopping, art, and networking with a DJ and live performances. So local artists can showcase their talents. Coming to 5;30 Fashion House is always an experience and I think that’s what sets my store apart from traditional retail stores. 

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The store is always open to the community so if you would like to schedule a personal time slot to work on things like content creation or complete a service such as makeup you just have to reach out through social media – Instagram @530fashionhouse and I am able to get you set up to come in and join the 5:30 Fashion House family. 

Contact Info:

• Website:www.530fashionhouse.com
• Instagram: @530fashionhouse
• Other: Store Address 496 Canton Rd Akron, Oh 44312