July Member of the Month Adele Witt of Zilker Vintage

Date: June 22, 2017

by Sarah Tober, NFIB/Texas Communications Director

It was that time of year when the Young Entrepreneur Foundation (YEF) finalists were announced and everyone at the state offices eagerly reviews those budding businesses representing our respective states. Adele Witt, owner of Zilker Vintage, jumped out at me as she is located in Austin, Texas and makes vintage clothing her business. After checking out her Etsy store and even purchasing a black classic jumper, I reached out Adele to speak to her about being a young entrepreneur, what inspired her business model and here is what she had to say:

How long have you been in business and when do you graduate? 
I have been in business for more than one year and I am a graduating senior in high school.

Where are you going to college and what are you majoring in?
University of North Texas and majoring in fashion merchandising.

What inspired you to own your own business?
I have always loved clothing and wanted to sell clothes online versus making clothes. Although I do make my own clothes too. Growing up my grandma and I would sew together a lot and she was a big source of inspiration. My grandma was an excellent seamstress and a successful realtor in the 1980’s. I remember going through her clothing patterns and old clothes, and she was big reason for me pursuing this business. Fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and the early 1960’s and 1970’s styles also influence my work. 

What is the best part about owning your own business?
I get to ship to customers all over (including Australia) and from a global perspective I am getting to buy in Austin and send out all over the world, also sharing a little bit about what makes Austin special.

Where do you see yourself and your business in the next few years?
Well, I think online has room for growth, but someday owning a brick and mortar vintage store, like Buffalo Exchange in Austin, would be my goal. 

Adele models vintage dress for her online store.

Adele does all of the work for her online store from sourcing and packaging to shipment and follow-up.

Adele, constantly keeps her inventory moving and looks for a varied customer base recognizing that not everyone can afford to pay for designer dresses. She looks for solid vintage pieces at good price points to pass on the savings and the stellar finds to her customers. When it comes to the online store and fulfillment, Adele does it all, sourcing the clothing, typically modeling the clothing herself, packaging and shipping the clothing, and following up with customers. Through her work she is also supporting locally owned businesses and charities. She also wanted NFIB members to enjoy 10% off at her Etsy store, Zilker Vintage, with the code: WELCOMETOZV

Another inspired young entrepreneur, leaving her mark on the world of business, one fashion find at a time.

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