Shanae Simon’s Closet of Classè specializes in clothing for women getting ready for a fun night out or looking for something trendy for their long-awaited vacation for a fraction of the price.
BY KARIN DAVIS-THOMPSON, Staff Writer
TAMPA — Shanae Simon loves a good sale. Finding a great, gently used garment at a fraction of what you would pay new was always exciting for her.
Simon thinks her love of a good bargain started when she was just a girl. She loved to dress her Barbies, and she couldn’t wait for older relatives to share their clothes so she could dress up in something new.
“Growing up, I would get clothes from older cousins,” she said. “Any time I would get hand-me-downs, I was super excited. It felt no different than it would have if I had gone shopping. It was still something new to me, something I didn’t have before.”
That feeling continued into adulthood, but even though she enjoyed visiting thrift shops and searching for great finds, there was a common theme that wasn’t as much fun.
Closet of Classè recently celebrated its three-year anniversary earlier this month with a live fashion show.
“I realized there weren’t many stores in the market that catered to minorities or provided quality clothing at a lower price point,” she said.
Simon gave it a lot of thought and realized that to find what was missing in the market, she would have to create it herself. Once she made up her mind, she was determined to get her new store, Closet of Classè, open and ready for business. Nothing was going to stand in her way, not even a pandemic.
So, in August 2020, she opened for business. She aimed to keep items reasonably priced at about $20 or less while providing quality service and great fashion for underserved communities.
Simon talked with potential clients and considered her own experience to decide what price point made the most sense for her ideal customer.
“I just thought about the price that makes me pause before I buy,” she said. “When it’s under $20, it means you can get more of what you like.”
Her store specializes in clothes for women getting ready for a fun night out or looking for something trendy for their long-awaited vacation. While she said she does have items for everyday wear, she enjoys finding pieces for a great date night or special event.
“Most women shop for our everyday clothes maybe twice a year,” Simon said. “Most of the time when we go shopping, it’s because we are going on vacation or somewhere special.”
Her shop is full of choices, from tops to jumpsuits, dresses, shoes, and accessories.
Simon’s goal is to ensure her customers can get quality items at a reasonable price, especially now when prices are increasing and people are looking for a good deal.
“I think more people are going toward the thrift market,” she said. “I think they are more open to it. They see they can get really nice items, often things someone wore only once.”
While Simon said she has enjoyed owning her own business, she would tell someone considering stepping into entrepreneurship to research before they start.
“I would say do at least six months of research, if not more,” she advised. “And be prepared that it may be a while before you make any money. Your business might make money, but you must put that money back into the business.”
And she said you must be prepared to do whatever you have to so your business has time to take off.
“You may have to work another job,” she said. “It doesn’t matter that you are an entrepreneur. You have to do what you have to do.”
To learn more about Closet of Classè, visit www.closetofclasse.com or stop by and find that perfect outfit at 13112 N. Florida Ave. Suite E, Tampa.
This highlight is a part of the Green Book of Tampa Bay business owner spotlight. The Green Book is a local directory connecting Black-owned businesses with the broader community.
