Today we’d like to introduce you to Stella Compiseno
Hi Stella, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
**From Wall Street to Boutique Owner: The Evolution of Stella’s Chic Journey**
In the fast-paced, cutthroat world of Wall Street, few would expect a finance executive to one day trade spreadsheets and boardrooms for fashion blogs and boutique ownership. Yet, that’s exactly what Stella did, transitioning from a successful 12 year Wall Street career to becoming a beloved fashion blogger, stylist, and ultimately the proud owner of THD Shoppe. This is the story of how one woman’s passion for style turned into an empire built on creativity, resilience, and, of course, a love for all things chic.
The Corporate Grind Meets Creative Cravings
Stella’s journey began in the corporate world of New York City, where she thrived in Institutional Equity Sales & Trading. A place known for its stern suits, high-pressure deals, and relentless pace, the environment was far from the creative space Stella had secretly longed for. Beneath the suits and ties, she had a passion for fashion—something that often felt stifled in a world that valued numbers over nuance.
“Yes, I’m addicted to all things modern, chic, and stylish,” Stella admits. “In addition to filling my closet, these things fill my heart. Some may say, they’re my heart’s delight.” Fashion wasn’t just a hobby; it was a calling—a way for Stella to express herself in a world where she was expected to hide her individuality beneath a well-tailored suit.
A Sudden Shift: From Executive to Stay-at-Home Mom
Life took a dramatic turn when Stella’s family moved from New York to Cleveland in 2012. With two young children under the age of three, Stella found herself suddenly jobless and at home, seeking meaning beyond the corporate grind. In her quest for purpose, she turned to the one thing that always sparked joy—fashion.
The creation of *The Heart’s Delight* blog in 2013 marked the beginning of her reinvention. “I took a chance and turned to the one thing that has always brought me joy—fashion,” she shares. With a passion for stylish pieces and a keen eye for what worked on different body types, Stella began to build an online presence that was refreshingly authentic and deeply personal. Her blog was more than just another fashion diary; it became a space where she could talk style, share her passion, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Turning Passion Into Profession
What began as a small outlet for creative expression soon blossomed into a full-fledged career. Stella’s blog garnered attention, attracting brand partnerships and styling opportunities. What started as a personal journey quickly grew into a thriving business as she began offering personal styling services and collaborating with brands that shared her vision.
“I was constantly juggling my professional, social, and personal life,” Stella recalls, “but one thing remained clear—I never wanted to look like a hot mess.” This mentality became the foundation of her styling work. Whether helping clients create effortless chic looks for their busy lives or advising them on how to balance style with everyday commitments, Stella’s approach to fashion was rooted in practicality and timeless elegance.
But it wasn’t just about helping others look good; it was about feeling good, too. “Like my styling clients, I found myself constantly doing the juggle between my professional, social, and personal life obligations,” she explains. “But I never wanted to look like I was struggling with it.”
The Birth of THD Shoppe
As Stella’s reputation as a stylist grew, so did her desire to offer something more tangible to her audience—something that reflected her aesthetic and helped women like her find pieces that were both chic and foundational to their daily wardrobe . THD Shoppe was born out of this desire: a curated retail space designed to bring timeless, chic, and unique pieces into the wardrobes of women everywhere.
“THD Shoppe is a retail destination for any woman to browse, shop, and get inspired,” Stella says. “The pieces selected for the THD Shoppe are stylist-approved, timeless classics with a modern twist. On trend, but never trendy. These are the unique finds that ensure you always stand out in a crowd, no matter where you’re going.”
With a focus on quality, style, and versatility, THD Shoppe quickly became more than just a store—it became a brand that embodied Stella’s philosophy of blending modern flair with classic elegance. Every piece in the boutique is handpicked with care, designed to make women feel confident, stylish, and ready to take on the world.
A Dream Realized
Today, THD Shoppe is a testament to Stella’s unwavering commitment to her passions and her ability to evolve with the changing tides of her life. From a corporate executive in New York City to a boutique owner in Cleveland, Stella’s journey is proof that with determination, creativity, and a love for what you do, it’s possible to turn a passion into a career and a career into a thriving business.
For Stella, the road has been anything but predictable, but it’s been one filled with purpose. “Fashion has clearly played such an important role in my life, and I hope that through THD Shoppe, I can inspire other women to embrace their own sense of style, confidence, and joy.” When browsing the boutique’s latest collection, women everywhere can find a piece of Stella’s story—and a little bit of her heart’s delight—in every item she curates.
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Stella’s journey is a powerful reminder that when you follow your passion, the possibilities are endless. THD Shoppe isn’t just a store—it’s the embodiment of a dream come true, built on years of dedication to fashion, style, and the pursuit of something that simply fills the heart.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Fashion is a dynamic and fast-paced industry, often influenced by socio-economic factors beyond our control. As a small business owner, these unexpected shifts can be especially challenging. Take, for example, the launch of THD SHOPPE on 02.22.20—just two weeks later, the world went into lockdown due to COVID. Plans were disrupted, entire designer collections were canceled, and the focus quickly shifted from workwear and event dressing to loungewear and home life. However, it was my ability to adapt and pivot swiftly, combined with my digital marketing and social media expertise (honed through years of blogging), that allowed THD SHOPPE to not only survive but THRIVE in an online-only capacity.
It was through this COVID retail experience that I realized that successful businesses do not necessarily all take the same form. While a brick and mortar boutique was part of the initial business strategy, shifting to an only-only retail model (with local pop-up events to maintain community connection) was for me the ideal realization of my dream.
As you know, we’re big fans of THD SHOPPE. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
THD SHOPPE is your ultimate online destination for discovering stylish, timeless pieces that inspire. Curated by expert stylists, our collection blends classic sophistication with a modern edge. Effortlessly chic, minimalist, and neutrally-toned—yet far from ordinary—each item is carefully selected to help you stand out, wherever life takes you.
We offer a unique shopping experience that combines the convenience of a continuously updated online store (www.thdshoppe.com) with free shipping and returns across the USA, plus the chance for our local community to shop in person. Join us for regular monthly events and exclusive “Pop-Up Shoppes” across NE Ohio to experience our collections up close.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Cleveland is one of the few cities that truly embodies that “gritty entrepreneurial spirit”. It’s a small town vibe, where everyone seems to be inexplicably connected, yet it’s a city that’s on the forefront of a major breakthrough in terms of national influence. That Cleveland spirit runs deep and people in this city are INVESTED in you, your business and your success. Coming from a big city like NY, which can be intense and cut throat, I think that’s something really special and unique to CLE.
If only the Cleveland winters were not so long, frigid and GREY… The weather here makes getting dressed a challenge, even for a boutique owner!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thdshoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thdshoppe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THDshoppe
- Other: https://pin.it/4MlWKTxFx
