Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebekka Adams
Hi Rebekka, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Creating Community and Connection Through Vintage Clothes Having called Austin home now for 11 years, I have realized that the characteristics that make Austin such a unique place, the reason we are “weird,” are that we historically have supported the arts, local businesses, and allow people the freedom to be themselves, no matter their background or lifestyle. We also believe in the connection of social capital and building each other up to be successful in all areas of life. I have lived in several other cities internationally, and believe Austin is unique in these core values, ones I hope continue to get passed to future generations of Austinites. These are values that I also incorporate in my business. My previous work with the Austin Independent Business Alliance helped districts full of locally owned businesses market and promote themselves, hold events, and inspired Austinites to continue shopping local, keeping their money circulating in the local economy. It was in working with over 800 other local business owners that I was inspired to open my own business, and thus Bloomers and Frocks was born 8 years ago. Having been established on South First street for five years now, Bloomers and Frocks is one of a handful of unique and “weird” shops left in Old South Austin. We specialize in women’s vintage clothes and accessories from the 1900s-1980s and have one of the best selections of vintage costume jewelry in town. We pack a lot in our small boutique yet make it accessible and easy to shop. I can chat forever about fashion, clothing, history, and sustainability. And that is the main reason why I love my job, I get to connect with other women daily on these topics. However, the boutique is more than a retail shop. We strive to make women feel empowered and connected through sustainable fashion and connect them to other people and community resources to grow and thrive. When you shop in the boutique, I want you to feel like you are shopping with your best friend who is helping to style you. We measure you, teach you how to shop for vintage (it is a bit different from modern clothing), and how to style it in your modern wardrobe so you don’t feel like you are wearing a costume. We also aim to cultivate community by hosting events such as our annual Galentine’s Party, vintage meetups, and the South First Sip and Stroll (to come back post-pandemic). We have channeled some of our events and connection building through our Instagram these days (@BloomersandFrocks) until we can all meet safely in person again. Austin is a vintage mecca with close to 30 other vintage shops. I co-produce the Vintage Around Town Guide which showcases all of the vintage shops in Austin in one place. While we all may be “competitors,” we are all locally owned small businesses and we are stronger together. I love that entrepreneurs in this niche come together to support and cross-promote each other. #AustinValues Come visit us at Bloomers and Frocks, and chat us up while you are perusing vintage clothes in the shop. Hopefully you will feel like you have gained new friends and become part of our vintage community. P.S. Have vintage clothes to sell? We are always buying. See bloomersandfrocks.com for specifics.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My path to business ownership has been long-winding and a lot of work. I’ve worked harder for myself than any position I have previously held. My boss is demanding! All entrepreneurs can tell you of the long hours, the ups and downs, the self-doubt, and the pressure to succeed. I am no exception. I wear many hats from customer service, to clothing laundress, to historian, to e-commerce, to social media, to accounting, to human resources. I have survived construction all around the shop, the changing environment of South Austin, and now the pandemic. It hasn’t always been easy, but I always go back to our values and why we sell vintage clothes, and our customers all make it worth it. Through my experience, both success stories and failure, I now also coach other women on working in retail, resale, and small business development. So many skills can only be learned from experience and I want to share my experiences so that other women can grow and thrive for generations to come.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Owner, Retail Boutique
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Customer Service, E-Commerce, Social Media, Email Marketing, Vintage Clothing Product Knowledge
Pricing:
- Jewelry $5-$500
- Vintage Clothes $10-$500
- Vintage Accessories $10-$300
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@bloomersandfrocks.com
- Website: BloomersandFrocks.com
- Instagram: @bloomersandfrocks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloomersAndFrocks/
Image Credits
Rebekka Adams
