Photographed by Cesca Janece Waterfield
My Closet-Your Treasures is a designer consignment shop located at 5224 Lakeside Ave. Owner Vanita Baugh opened the boutique in Oct. 2007 with the vision of establishing a “bargain hunter’s dream.” It offers women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, many of which feature distinctive labels such as Gucci, Prada, BCBG, Bebe, Fendi and more. Prices are between 30 and 60 percent reductions from retail prices.
Originally from Brooklyn, Vanita earned a degree in Human Services and worked in case management in New York. But she always worked retail and says, “Retail was my back up plan. Fashion is my passion, but I love doing both.” When her mother relocated to Richmond a little more than six years ago, Vanita came soon after.
When she decided to become an entrepreneur, she looked for proven assistance. “I started out with the Small Business Administration, who kind of gave me that boost that I needed,” she says. “I went through them to complete my business plan. It took me about two years to do that. All the resources and connections, I got through the Small Business Administration.”
Two years ago, she opened the doors on My Closet-Your Treasures. On a sunny Tuesday morning, business is brisk. Vanita says she likes the neighborhood and believes that recent developments like the Farmer’s Market down the street at 6110 Lakeside Ave. show its potential for becoming a destination shopping district.
Vanita has a clear sense of her store’s niche: “I get trendy items but I try to stick to more classic items, pieces that will carry you a long way that you can mix and match with trendy pieces,” Vanita says. “In these economic times, people want more of the bargains. They want good quality designer, name brand things, but at a good price.” On the first Saturday of each month, she has a $5 sidewalk sale, and donates a portion of her profits to an area charity. Past gifts have gone to St. Joseph’s Villa, Rubicon and more.
Even with the responsibility of being sole owner, Vanita loves what she does. “It’s a fun store to come into. I have a lot of fun doing this. I love making women feel good about themselves. A lot of women come in and have no idea what colors would look nice on them, what kind of pants or tops. I just have fun helping them figure out what looks good on them, helping them figure out their body type.”
Debra Baugh
May 21, 2009
This is a great piece they done on the store….hope it brings you even more success than you are already experiencing…..I always knew you would be a success in any endeavor that set your mind to embark on….Keep up the good work baby sis…..Love Peace & Harmony…..Don’t let any obstacle get in your path….always put your best foot forward…You Go Girl!!!!!!!!!!!
Ashley Acker
May 21, 2009
Vanita– I am so happy that your store is getting the exposure it deserves! I remember when you first invited me in to see the place- you had just signed the lease & the store was completely empty(it’s hard to believe that was almost a year ago). You shared with me how you planned on setting up and I must say the space looks fantastic! I am so proud of what you have accomplished this year. You are an inspiration to me. The store is and will continue to be a great success because of the amazing woman behind it!
P.S. You look just GORGEOUS in the picture featured above! (Soooo facebook profile pic worthy!)
natalie cutkelvin
May 22, 2009
Vanita-I am so proud of you. I knew you could do it and yes you had it in you all along. This achievement comes to no suprise to me, just keep on trusting and believing in god and everything your hearts desire will come.
P.S. You are FABULOUS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Herbert Jones, Jr.
May 22, 2009
You are an amazing person and friend!! You work very hard and it is paying off…keep doing what you are doing!!!! I love you.
Ebony
May 26, 2009
I absolutely love this article…I am so proud of you and your dream!…You definetely love fashion and it shows…I wish you much success and many blessings to come…Luv you more!!!
size 14
June 11, 2009
keep up the good posts