One of the best things about the internet is the democrisation of retail - which basically enables anyone with enough passion and patience to be able to set up an e-store, big or small, where they can sell clothes of their fancy. (Interjection: if you want to offload old togs, try Swedish start-up Tictail - it takes no commission.) One such e-store entrepreneur is 26-year-old Brightonian, Jade Golding - founder of supercute vintage and indie label store The Little Deer, which stocks affordable and unique clothes and accessories, all with that perfect nod to the 90s.
We love the handmade tropical co-ords £35, the Panda Pocket T-Shirt, £14 and the super kitsch but ultra cheap Leather Swan Necklace £13 (we told you it was affordable.) So we decided to catch up with Jade to find out why she decided to jump into retail:
When did you start The Little Deer?
It began really slowly. I started it in 2008, when I was in my second year of uni. For 4 years I ran The Little Deer part time, while studying. I started with a very simple website and bought about 10 vintage item from eBay to list. Every time I sold an item I bought 3 or 4 more with the money and it grew from there. I went into the business full time in October last year.
And why did you start your own e-store? What gap did you see in the market?
I had enjoyed working for independent retailers for 6 years, but I really felt I was ready and needed to create a fashion outlet of my own with brands that I had found. I live in Brighton and I find the grunge/laid-back fashion scene here really inspiring. Anything goes in Brighton - and I love that!
Is it difficult to get brands involved when you're a young, brand new business?
Yes, it really was difficult at the beginning. I made just a few sales per month... so getting brands on board was quite a challenge! But as the shop has grown it has become easier for me to approach brands - and most of our newest brands actually contacted me.
**Where do you find brands to stock? I love the mixture of vintage and 90s renewal. **
I find most of the brands I stock on Etsy, blogs and whilst trading at festivals and markets. I work closely with The Little Magpie, What Olivia Did and What's New Pussycatt as their readers are very much our audience. At the moment our customers are loving the Nikki Strange collection of iPhone cases and notebooks and Wolf and Moon Jewellery is a definite favourite for everyone.
And what's your top tip for spring?
An absolute wardrobe staple this year for us is dungarees. Easy to wear and easy to match with whatever you wish! We have plenty online at the moment in our Vintage section and we're constantly adding to the collection. So come check it out!
PS: Love this? You can also find The Little Deer's pieces at Hackney's Netil Market every Saturday - and on Instagram @thelittledeer
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.