Young & Driven
OOH La Loft
Ooh La Loft Boutique & Exchange
Identical twin sisters Michelle & Cristina Wilson packed up their coffee cart business of 3 years to fulfill their lifelong dream of owning a clothing store in their hometown of Petaluma, CA. Concerned for the environment combined with a love for finding a good bargain, the twins wanted to create a store with primarily recycled clothing, shoes & accessories. Dreams came true on September 12, 2008 as Ooh La Loft Boutique & Exchange opened its doors in the heart of downtown Petaluma. Located upstairs in a loft space inside Copper Home & Garden, they offer several used & new high-end brands such as Seven Jeans, True Religion, Juicy, and Betsy Johnson, at a fraction of the regular price. No need for the consignment or Good Will hassle, Ooh La Loft buys unwanted clothes on the spot for a great percentage of what they would sell it for.
At Ooh La Loft you can find everything from designer jeans to sequined prom dresses to cowboy boots. They offer lots of new and used high end accessories like Coach and Versace handbags and shoes, again at way below traditional retail store prices. Ooh La Loft caters to almost all women’s shapes and sizes.
Michelle, How did it all start?
In junior high I became pretty aware of different types of fashion. I found a form of self-expression which communicates the way you feel about yourself. My sister & I were both into fashion and tried a lot of different styles ourselves, but then we realized you didn’t have to have one single type of style to express yourself. You can do whatever you want really. Ultimately we dreamed of creating a clothing store to fit our style as well as offering others affordable new and recycled pieces. I have always enjoyed shopping at clothing exchanges because one person’s “hand me down” is another’s “score.” It’s good for the environment to re-use things and creates less waste in landfills. It’s a win-win!
How would you describe yourself?
People have said that I march to the beat of my own drum. I like to laugh (as she laughs) and make people laugh. I try not to take things so seriously. I try to be open minded. I am ambitious & driven, but like to take time for myself.
What made you want to open a clothing store?
My dad had his own business [a motorcycle shop] ever since I was little. He was a role model for me as someone who worked for himself and could still be happy. I‘ve always wanted to own a clothing store with my twin sister, Christina.
Where did you get the idea to do this?
It was my love for fashion and not having to spend a fortune to look good.
How did you come up with the name Ooh La Loft?
We wanted to make it a light and airy name. And our location was in a loft, so there you go.
What’s your customer base like?
All women from various ages that like to dress “fun & hip,” say for example designer jeans & cute tank tops. A lot of younger women shop here as well because they can get top designer brands for a fraction of the normal price.
How long did it take you to get from idea to opening?
Well, we always wanted to open one [a clothing store]—so a long time! But really from when we started to buy clothing, it was about a year.
What’s your plan for growth?
We would like to open another store in a completely different place, like the city [S.F.] or Sausalito. We don’t really know until we find it, I guess, but that is the plan.
What thoughts or advice would you give to those who are thinking about starting their own business?
Do the research. Definitely have a solid business plan and be realistic about your goals with the business. And don’t let anyone hold you back! People will give you their opinion but it’s up to you to take it with a grain of salt.
Cristina, what advice would you give?
Make a business plan and stick to it, be positive and realize it takes a lot of work, but it will all pay off. Have an advertising and marketing plan. Do something you’ll enjoy for a long time, and be willing to stick to it. Don’t be afraid to do. Go ahead and try it if you’re really passionate and persistent, it will work out.
Tell Us…
What is the biggest fear you have faced?
Michelle: I don’t have many fears around the store because I believe it will succeed.
Cristina: The economy getting worse. I worry about people’s judgments of the store after we put so much work into it.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
M: Opening the store with my sister, creating an environment we have always envisioned, and working for ourselves.
C: Opening this store
What makes you laugh?
M: Everything! Being with my friends and family. My boyfriend makes me laugh a lot, that’s why we have such a good relationship.
C: Messing around with my friends.
Do you have a bucket list?
M: I want to go and see all the 7 wonders of the world!
C: Ditto to Michelle and to have the store become really successful and turn into a franchise.
If you love to look stylish but don’t want to pay full price, and don’t mind your jeans already broken in, why not shop by Ooh La Loft? As an added bonus the twins are there as complimentary stylists and love personal fashion shows.
/By Willow McDonough
Buy. Sell. Trade.
Ooh La Loft
145 Petaluma Blvd. N
Petaluma, Ca 94952
Hours 11-5pm 7 days/week
707-769-7787
www.oohlaloft.com
New Location photos
