26 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Fashion is a passion for many people, but it may be such a love that it becomes something a person wants to pursue more deeply. If you are looking to break into the business of fashion, we’ve curated a few tips and tricks to get you started from two ladies who have already found success. Mimi Striplin is the owner and operator of Tiny Tassel on Charleston’s famed King Street. In 2015, she decided to pursue a new craft hobby and her business grew from there. Her tassel earrings became a hit when she began selling them through social media, Etsy and pop-up shop events. Customers were always asking her about her outfits when they were purchasing inventory, and she felt that she’d found an untapped market. From there, she set out to create a brand that was comfortable, beautiful and affordable. STRIPLIN’S TIPS • If you are going to go into fashion, and plan to have your own design line, get someone on your team you trust. (Striplin is fortunate to have a mother who has a degree in fashion and was able to help her create her own pieces from scratch.) • Start with taking out a business loan, if possible, but pace yourself. Tiny Tassel was started through small Breaking into the Boutique Biz Learn from the best BY CARI LAWSON Charleston Women in Business Striplin (middle) with The Tiny Tassel Team.
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