Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cassandra Goins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Cassandra, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
It’s in my DNA, my mother was a single mother with 5 kids, she was a serial entrepreneur, she insipired me to be self-sufficient, and instilled her work ethics and values in me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, our luxury consignment store was created as a safe and sustainable shopping destination for local residents. Recognizing the need for an eco-conscious approach to fashion, we provide a curated space where customers can buy and sell high-quality, designer, and luxury brand clothing and accessories. Our mission extends beyond resale—we aim to educate and inspire individuals to make more responsible fashion choices that benefit both their wallets and the planet.
Unlike fast fashion, which contributes significantly to overflowing landfills and environmental degradation, our shop is committed to extending the life cycle of well-crafted garments. We exclusively accept excellent-condition pieces made from sustainable, natural fabrics and vintage materials, ensuring that each item holds lasting value. By participating in luxury resale, our clients help reduce the carbon footprint associated with mass production while embracing a more thoughtful, circular fashion economy.
We encourage our community to rethink their shopping habits, particularly when it comes to synthetic fabrics that shed harmful microplastics into our environment. By investing in better-quality, timeless pieces, our customers not only contribute to sustainability but also have the opportunity to earn money from their well-maintained wardrobe. Our store is more than just a place to shop—it’s a movement toward conscious consumption, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As an entrepreneur in the luxury resale industry, three key qualities and skills that had the most impact on my journey include market knowledge, adaptability, and sustainability awareness.
Understanding the luxury resale market, brand values, pricing trends, and consumer demand has been crucial for my success. My ability to distinguish high-quality designer pieces, recognize their resale potential, and set competitive pricing has been instrumental in building a trusted brand.
My advice for others in this industry is to stay informed by continuously researching industry trends, attending fashion trade shows, networking with other resellers, and following luxury brand developments.
Starting a business during the COVID-19 pandemic required flexibility and creative problem-solving. Whether it was shifting to online sales, implementing safety measures, or adjusting to supply chain disruptions, being able to pivot quickly was essential.
It was very important for me to develop adaptability by embracing change and viewing challenges as opportunities. One has to be open to customer feedback, test new business models, and leverage technology to enhance your operations. Learning from setbacks and staying resilient will helped me navigate market shifts.
My store is built on the principle of reducing waste and promoting mindful consumption. Educating consumers on the benefits of quality fabrics, vintage fashion, and resale is a major differentiator in my business. It was very important for me to deepen my sustainability knowledge by studying ethical fashion reports, and industry best practices. We often partner with eco-conscious brands and organizations, and incorporate transparent messaging in our marketing to help drive awareness and trust.
For early entrepreneurs, I advise them to immerse themselves in their industry, build a strong network, and remain adaptable. Learning is ongoing, so seek mentorship, attend workshops, and experiment with strategies that align with your vision. Most importantly, stay patient—success in resale and sustainable fashion takes time but is incredibly rewarding.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Over the past five years, we have cultivated a dedicated customer base that values our commitment to luxury resale and sustainability. Our current location, while charming and unique, has required us to focus heavily on word-of-mouth marketing, customer loyalty, and online engagement to drive business. Despite these challenges, our strong reputation and personalized shopping experience have helped us thrive.
However, as we continue to grow, we recognize the importance of accessibility and visibility in the retail space. Our current location, while beloved, does not benefit from the high foot traffic that many retailers rely on for organic customer acquisition. This has reinforced our need to strategically position ourselves in a more commercial area where potential shoppers can discover us more easily.
In Spring 2025, we will be relocating to a new space in a prime commercial district of NYC, where we can leverage both our established customer base and a surge in walk-in traffic. This move will allow us to expand our reach, introduce our luxury resale concept to new shoppers, and ultimately scale our business in a way that aligns with our long-term vision. With this transition, we are excited to create an even more dynamic and accessible shopping experience for both our loyal patrons and new clientele.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: harlem creative collective
Image Credits
Not applicable, I took this photo with my Iphone on a tripod and timer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
