We recently connected with Jessica Schuyler and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Thanks for having me!
I found purpose from heartbreak (initially). About eight years ago, I ended a long term relationship that a home and pet were tied into. I had always worked in retail, and worked primarily for small businesses ranging from consignment to high-end luxury boutiques. This formed the foundation of what is now Ditto Vintage.
Around the end of that relationship, I started heavily channeling my creativity and quirky sense of style into actual styling gigs around the Philadelphia region. While working with photographers and models who inspired me, I built my portfolio and created content that helped me market my strengths. Always having an interest in vintage, thrifted, and secondhand clothes, and with inventory pulled mostly from my own archives and bought from friends, I officially started Ditto Vintage in 2017.
This was a source of extra income at the time, as I just scraped by working my full-time job. As Ditto started growing and evolving, I pivoted into heavily channeling my efforts towards pop up markets which became one of my favorite means in expanding my brand, my passion and my purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have my B.S. from the Art Institute of Philadelphia and was always immersed in that local scene around 2004-2017. I used to intern for a cutting edge boutique and celebrity stylist in Center City and would freelance style assist for Urban Outfitters which is headquartered in South Philly. I’ve been in retail sales and management for almost 20 years.
Just this past May 2023 I took a leap of faith, cashed in my life’s savings and opened a brick-and-mortar officially going into business for myself. I work six to seven days a week and couldn’t be happier since it’s for me and no one else. The pandemic taught me that I’m content woking four to five days a week for someone else who provided security and benefits, but I always wanted more.
In every job I held leading up to my self-employment, I would “climb the ladder” to a point, but having always worked for small businesses, I would plateau. Now, my days consist of inventory sourcing, promoting and hosting events to spotlight other local businesses, photographing items and maintaining my online presence, and curating web content by directing photoshoots with friends that I style in clothing from the shop. I also sew and do small repair work, which is therapeutic for me.
My favorite thing about operating Ditto Vintage and aligning with my purpose is working with the public. Meeting customers that wonder in. Listening to their stories, learning where they’re from, and helping cultivate an experience that leaves them feeling like they found the treasure they either did or didn’t know they were looking for. In this field I also get to educate people about the importance of prolonging the life cycle of a garment, and of thoughtful consumption (as I like to refer to it), which is equally fulfilling.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Ever since graduating college in 2009 in my industry, just keeping relevant with how to treat and style a garment has always been a top priority. I strongly dislike the term “trend”; however I do believe in having an eye and maintaining a grasp on what’s cool and looks good so I can be a tastemaker for my audience.
Staying relevant also pertains to social media. I tend to be meticulous about what I post to promote my business, and I’m always scrolling for Instagram and TikTok inspo. Not to mention I’m always messing around with all the capabilities the apps have to offer and picking the brains of younger pals to keep up with that ever-changing realm.
Lastly, with my education, past work experience, and general knowledge of and interest in the fashion industry, I just have an intuitive sense of what to grab and look for when I’m on buying trips. One of my greatest thrift flips (that I made into a TikTok) was a belt by a fantastic yet not-well-known-to-the-masses designer, that I thrifted for $1.99 and sold online for $495.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
There’s honestly too many impactful things that my parents have done over the course of my life to mention, but one thing that stands out is that they have always just told me to “do what makes you happy”, and that they support me in whatever way they can. My parents are such hard-working individuals and hold such a strong bond between each other. I can honestly say that I have no childhood trauma. They’ve done nothing but lead by example and lend sweat equity to help Ditto thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dittovintage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditto_vintage/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-schuyler-2918ab197/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ditto_vintage
Image Credits
