Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingrid Irons.
Hi Ingrid, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Having worked for over 20 years for the most iconic luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue, Swarovski, and White House Black Market, I have curated style for the occasion. Retail was necessary during and after college, earning a B.S. and M.A.T while doing so mostly part-time. Actually, my passion for fashion began with my great-aunts and mother always dressing with class and grace. Before the pandemic, I enjoyed safeguarding my passengers as a cheerful commercial flight attendant for 3 years. In my free time, I love to volunteer my time with non-profit organizations and enjoy meeting new individuals on the social scene in metro Atlanta, GA and Manhattan. Therefore, with such a large market, my primary focus is on women’s vacation clothing and accessories, items hard to find year-round and affordable. It’s really fun!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am determined to stay the course, and business is cyclical; therefore, different adjustments are needed. A few challenges have been that, even though more women are doing most of the shopping, my business sometimes has not been taken seriously. Most entrepreneurs, even within fashion, are men, and they design the collections, order the inventory, and lease the retail spaces. But with my experience with different stores that cater to certain demographics of customers, I have an eye on what the market trends are. With many similar e-commerce concepts popping up daily, there is fierce competition, so it is important to keep a fresh sense of what’s in and consistently seek new customers, mostly through social media platforms. The ultimate mission for Alive Store and More is to practice persistency and consistency, take failures as a lesson, stay open to change, and communicate well, staying on course with our goals.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Alive Store and More (https://alive-store-and-more.myshopify.com/) is a lifestyle brand that focuses on active, fit women ranging in age from 30 to 50. But with fashion, there is something for all age groups, including college students. Established in 2021, my online store has a spirit of chic, trendy, and affordable women’s vacation/resort wear and accessories, including swimwear, sundresses, sunglasses, and jumpsuits. My store is for those dynamic women who want to look phenomenal while traveling to, i.e., Italy, the French Polynesia, Argentina, Los Angeles, or Miami, with affordable, easy-to-pack clothing. We take pride in going above and beyond expectations in customer service and shipping! There are viable methods of communication available via email and telephone. Ingrid, as the owner and buyer, looks forward to suggestions and comments to better improve all phases of business.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
So far, while enduring the pandemic, which has subsided, I have been prepared through personal experience and previous company perils. The very nature of retail is to sell an experience that lends itself to a lifestyle and a sense of exclusivity. Consumers want quality that gives them the feeling of luxury goods. My team is great and has been able to handle pitfalls. It is extremely important to stay positive and not overextend your finances. As a small business entrepreneur, I stay inspired by seeing other women thrive and succeed. I am not shy and call out to experts in my corner for professional advice to keep things going in the right direction. It was a balance that kept me faithful; business would be steady. I want your business to build a following that will last for decades. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram. Come right this way, let’s shop! Thanks so much for the support.
Pricing:
- $32.99 2-Blues knotted color block bikini
- $48.99 Trippin’ to Palm Beach Maxi Print Sundress
- $48.99 St. Kitts Oversized sunhat, $44 Orange O-ring swimsuit
- $44 Rasta Caribbean bikini, $55 Always on Vacay sunhat
- $72.99 Leopard Dress, $29.99 Milly Black Round sunglasses, $79.99 White Cayao Largo bikini
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alive-store-and-more.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: @alivestoreandmore
Image Credits
Ingrid Irons
Bella Wholesale
Shein
