Plato's Closet Chic Magazine

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2023

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OWNING A SMALL BUSINESS Inside an e n t r e p r e n u e r ’s head

THE L AT E S T T R E N D S

W H AT ’ S H O T & W H AT ’ S N O T

All clothing and models supplied

by Plato’s Closet Tucson East

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one big pic

CHIC

2023

11 Welcome to The Closet

What is Plato’s Closet anyway?

14 Editor’s Letter 19 The Boss Lady Meet the womann in charge and how she came to be it

28 No Place Like Plato’s

What it’s like working in resale wnd with your best friends

35 Leading with Grace

Managing the beast of a store that is Plato’s

42 A New Madi

The passion for being a model and the steps to acheiving the dream

Desert Life Amelia and Madison in their homeland, the Tucson, Arizona Desert

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47 The Teen Entreprenuer

Pink Reef Boutique and the 19 year old face behind it

55 Treasure Hunts and Trends

Find out what trends the buyers at Plato’s Closet are deeming hot and those that are not so hot.

60 Last Look and Credits

Welcome To The Closet The teen resale franchise where sustainable meets affordable.

Plato’s Closet is a retail franchise that specializes in buying and selling gently used clothing and accessories, with a focus on trendy and fashionable items for young adults and teens. The store concept revolves around offering affordable and stylish clothing options in a resale format. They carry many well-known name brands and styles at up to 70% less than regular retail prices and customers are offered cash for their clothing on the spot. The store proces everything 50-70% off the full retail value of items and the seller receives 30-40% of what the store prices it. Pricing depends on three factors: condition, brand, and demand. All seasons are accepted all year round and no qppointment is needed to sell.

This populare franchise hs been around since 1998 and there are a total of 445 locations all about the US. Anyone is able to open up a Plato;s Closet of their own so long as it is in a power strip center or around a shopping mall. The space must be at least 3,500-4,000 square feet and the product should be about 98% used and 2% new.

Winmark has many other franchsie opportunities such as Once Upon a Child, Play it Again Sports, Style Encore, and Music Go Round. For more information, go to www. winmarkcorporation.com

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Letter From the

Editor

The Teenage Dream

GROWING UP SURROUNDED BY clothing is every fashion enthusiast’s dream and I was lucky to have called it my reality. However, having a role model like Shaughn West to look up to was the real jackpot.

As Plato’s Closet grew over the years, my siblings and I grew up with it. The four of us each have worked there at some point in time, some experiences as short-lived as a couple of weeks like my brother Ben. My brother Brandon has been working there for over five years and is currently one of the managers, my sister Anna has only just started her Plato’s journey, and I had my fair share of experience there with over seven years under my belt and having held the position of assistant manager before I moved on.

Other family, friends, and friends of friends have all also played their part in the Plato’s Closet history. It seems like the entire east side of Tucson has worked there at some point in time.

I watched my mom work her tail off for that store for over 11 years. I also watched her receive award after award for the store’s success and all of her hard work pay off. She taught me to persevere my goals no matter what comes my way and how to handle problems with a level head. I think she is why I have always been told that I act maturely for my age in the best way. She is the reason I hold myself to such a high standard and haven’t been afraid to pursue my dream of a career in the fashion industry.

Being around an abundance of clothing and styles for the majority of my life helped me realize at a young age that I wanted to work in the fashion industry and be in that kind of environment for the rest of my life.

This magazine is an ode to Plato’s Closet Tucson East, the lifelong friendships I have from working there, the fashion inspiration and trend analysis skills that will last me a lifetime, and Shaughn West, the woman none of this would have been possible without. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I enjoyed making it and re-getting to know Plato’s Closet Tucson East in 2023.

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SHAUGHN

The Boss Lady

From Styling Hair to Styling Success: Shaughn West's Inspirational Tale of Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, and Community Impact

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haughn West is, first and foremost, a mother of four and, secondly, a small business owner. Excelling in both roles, she stands as a testament to successful motherhood and entrepreneurship. Born in South Dakota and raised in Tucson, Arizona, her journey into a fulfilling career unfolded in ways she had always dreamt of but never anticipated.

Growing up on the east side and graduating from Sabino High School in 1988, Shaughn possessed an entrepreneurial mindset without a clear path ahead. Before owning Plato’s, Shaughn was an experienced hairdresser for over 20 years. After completing one year at Pima Community College after high school, she decided beauty school was a path that excited her more. She worked in a few different salons over the years, but most of her career was spent doing hair out of her house while she raised her four kids. “I was working out of the house so that I could raise the kids and be involved in their activities,” she noted. Scheduling her own hours made it possible for her to be a super mom and a super hairdresser all at once.

When she felt the hairdresser chapter of her life coming to an end and started to look for other career paths, her friend suggested the idea of opening a Plato’s Closet together. The two of them spent the beginning months of 2012 researching and training to become small business owners, as this was all brand new to them. They officially opened up for business in July of 2012, strictly only buying merchandise for a couple of months before they had enough stock to open up for purchases and trades. About three and a half years after opening, Shaughn bought out her partner and became the sole owner of Plato’s Closet.

“My partner wanted to do something else, and I felt I could handle the store on my own. It seemed like it was the right thing to do for the both of us,” Shaughn explained. It was around this time that she stopped doing hair completely and running the store was her singular work priority.

Before owning Plato’s, Shaughn knew nothing about owning a business. “It was a huge learning experience for sure. Learning how to manage people was probably the hardest part.”

Sittin’ Pretty Shaughn enjoys a crispy Diet Coke at the bar in between photoshoots

She did get the job quickly, however, because five years into owning the store, she got the opportunity to buy out the owner of the Plato’s Closet in Oro Valley. From 2017 to 2022 Shaughn was a two small business-owning workaholic who loved everything about her job. She learned a lot while emersed in this environment for such a long period of time. “I’ve learned a lot about people and hard work. I’ve learned a lot about sales, business, and fashion. It’s been a real eye-opener. It’s also changed me in a way that I will probably have a hard time working for somebody else after being a 19

business owner for so long,” Shaughn says reflecting on her experiences. . Under Shaughn’s ownership, her store(s) have received the Sales Growth reward many years in a row and also have been rewarded for hitting the Million Dollar Benchmark.

Working in fashion has been an exciting experience for Shaughn. She has most enjoyed seeing all of the new styles that come in the door and working with young people. “I love their outlook on life and how they are so open to learning new things,” she says regarding her employees.

On the contrary, the people have also been one of the most challenging aspects of the business.

“Learning to navigate all different types of personalities, managing people while keeping them happy, and making sure we’ve got all the tasks and responsibilities of the job handled has been challenging at times,”. The art of being a boss is something that has come naturally to Shaughn, while she has had her fair share of learning experiences.

Over the years, Plato’s Closet has given back to the

Horseplay Shaughn hangs out with her good friends horse, Simba. She has never owned a horse of her own, but it’s been a life long dream to.

Tucson community in more ways than one.

Any leftover clothing is donated to homeless shelters, young teens, and foster care children. The store has also given clothing to churches that donated to the homeless.

In the past, Plato has even done a “Prom Dress Drive” and a “Toys for Tots” drive. .

Furthermore, Shaughn worked with special needs students for a few months who were looking to get job experience and she helped them build their confidence and understand what having a real job was like by allowing them to work in the store a couple of times a week. “I am always looking for new ways to give back to the community,” she says. Plato’s Closet, the now over one-million-dollar business, has grown immensely over the years with Shaughn’s help. She wouldn’t trade the 20

last 11 years of expe riences, both good and bad, for the world. As someone who didn’t go to college and get a degree in a traditional sense, she mentions that a degree would come in handy when it comes to owning and opening a business, but she is proof that it is possible without one. “I think anybody with a hard work ethic and an openness to learn from people who can help you can do it just fine,” Shaughn stated. As for advice for anyone thinking about opening a small business of their own, she says “I would tell them to be very cautious and be prepared for double the amount of work that they are expecting.

I would also tell them to look forward to the satisfaction of growing something from the ground up. It is very rewarding to see a business thrive after years of hard work,”.

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Letting Loose A couple of employees head to a local pub, Murphy’s Public House, after work to play some pool and darts after a long days work.

There’s No Place Like Plato’s “Discovering Friendships, Wild Adventures, and Lifelong Skills in the Heart of a Resale Wonderland”

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orking at Plato’s Closet isn’t just a job; it’s a unique and unforgettable experience thatgoes beyond the norm of ordinary retail. The store, with its dynamic operations, provides employees with opportunities to engage in various tasks, from daily merchandise buying to tagging, customer interactions, visual displays, and the continuous hustle of social media advertising.

What sets Plato’s Closet apart is its diverse assortment of brands and styles. Unlike conventional stores, there’s an exciting lack of duplicates.

However, the endless stories and experiences from Plato’s Closet employees aren’t just about the merchandise; they’re about the wild and unexpected experiences that come with the job. From eccentric

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customers and daring shoplifters to unexpected critters in bags of clothes, the stories are as diverse as the inventory itself. One employee shared an experience where “this lady came in screaming about a man stealing her identity and how she was trying to convince him she wasn’t Beyoncé or Madonna,”. Stories such as this one where you can’t seem to make sense as to what is going on aren’t unusual to the workers. Despite the challenges, the employees share a unique bond, often finding humor and resilience in the face of difficulty.

One striking aspect is the sense of community within Plato’s Closet. Over 60% of employees emphasize the incredible bond they share with their coworkers when asked about their favorite part of the job. The store, attracting fashion enthusiasts and creative minds, is a hub for not only trendy individuals but also lifelong friendships. Employees express gratitude for the lasting connections they’ve made, with some describing their coworkers as some of their best friends.

Beyond the friendships, working at Plato’s Closet imparts valuable skills and perspectives. Employees speak of developing a business mindset they’ve opened their eyes to, learning the ins and outs of running a resale store. The experience sparks interest in the business aspects of small enterprises, with some even contemplating one day designing their own clothes. The daily exposure to clothing ignites a passion for recycling and creating, making the job not just a source of income but a source of personal and professional growth.

All in all, Plato’s Closet isn’t soley a place of employment; it’s a haven of experiences, friendships, and skills that leave a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of those lucky enough to be a part of its unique dynamic.

“Working at Plato’s, I’ve learned a lot about fashion and how although I could look horrid in something, someone else could look stunning in it. I love When people are able to pull off s omething that I initially thought was ugly” - Carlos Madrid

“I’ve gained a lot of fashion knowledge in my time at Plato’s Closet. I have learned a lot about what styles are trending and what isn’t. This job has also encouraged me to change my personal style.”

- Kiana Green

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Leading with Grace Navigating the Complexities of Retail Management, Friendship, and Growth in the Fast-Paced World of Fashion Resale

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sabel Skattie is a 23-year-old from Tucson, Arizona, and is the head manager at Plato’s Closet. She has been working at Plato’s for almost six years total, three of those years being assistant manager before her promotion to head manager last year. She is hard-working, passionate about the store’s success, and highly respected by the employees. Despite her amicable relationships with colleagues, Isabel maintains an unwavering focus on her managerial responsibilities. “I feel like I have a pretty good relationship with every employee and some I am friends with outside of work, as well,” she explains. She says that she is able to maintain this relationship because her employees respect the fact that her managing duties are her first priority and they understand the importance of her position. “I am a manager first and a friend second. I thankfully haven’t had an issue telling anyone what needs to be done,” she explains.

Seeing that this is Isabel’s first manager position, she had to form her management style without any prior experience to reference. She holds this position because she is good at her job and knows all of the moving parts of the store inside, out, and backward. “Isabel is able to execute every task I give her without complaint. It doesn’t matter how much I pile on her plate; she always gets the things I ask of her done.

She also sets a great example to employees with her work ethic and the way she conducts herself in the store.” Shaughn West, store owner, says about her. Her demeanor is not overly intense; instead, she exudes a composed, though firm, style of management. Holding the position of assistant to two different managers prior to being head manager helped her figure out what kind of leader she wanted to be. “I was able to see two completely different leadership styles

own. I feel like if I was too strict, and I didn’t see myself as one with the team, I would have no respect from the employees,” Isabel says.

She has helped the store run smoothly by figuring out a balance where she doesn’t get walked all over but is still listened to.

Being at Plato’s for a long duration, she has not only seen different managers come and go, and employees grow with the company and move onto their next jobs, but most importantly she has watched the store grow and become a higher volume store. “Sometimes we get so busy that it’s just pure chaos in there,” she says. With this increase in business over the years, she has had to adapt her management style. Giving direction and tasks on a priority basis during chaotic rushes is something her years of experience taught her. Being the rock for her employees is also something she deemed helpful to keep the team working smoothly. “If I show that I’m stressed and overwhelmed they’re definitely going to be stressed and overwhelmed which doesn’t help anyone”.

Working at Plato’s Closet and managing it is quite different than being at other retail stores. “At Plato’s, we do it all” Isabel says. The atmosphere is consistently charged with activity, as employees find themselves immersed in a plethora of tasks. From assessing purchases to inputing new inventory into the system, tagging and backstocking items, to addressing customer needs and beyond, every moment is filled with purpose and dynamism. Dullness is a rarity in this vibrant and multifaceted retail environment.With this in mind, Isabel mentioned the importance of delegating and helping her employees stay on task. This level of work can be hard for some employees to grasp because it isn’t your typical retail job. “It’s a very fast paced environment and that’s not something that I’ve seen at other retail stores,” Isabel says. continue on page >37 35

Given her many accomplishments as a manager, Isabel primarily encounters challenges pertaining to customers rather than internal staff.Being a resale store and giving customers cash for clothing on the spot comes with a lot of responsibility and, yes, complicated encounters. It can be tricky telling customers that the store can’t take more than one or two items from their bags and customers can often interpret this the wrong way. “When that happens, I like to reiterate the way our pricing works and the styles we take in,” she explains. More often than not, this helps her and the customer see eye-to-eye. “ I always try to do whatever I can to make a customer happy so long as the store’s policies allow it because I would never want to lose a customer if it can be avoided”. It can feel like a vulnerable experience allowing a stranger to dig through items from your closet and judge whether or not they will sell in the store and this makes it easy for business to get mixed with feelings. At the end of the day, Isabel sees to it that her employees are trained on what to look for, what not to take, and what transactions will benefit the store.

MADI

Small Town, Big dreams Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Madison Wilson has wanted something more than what Tucson has to offer.

She loves Los Angeles, California and dreams of a life where she has a modeling career that leads her there.

MADI

A ‘New Madi’ Madison Wilson’s Transition from Athlete to Aspiring Model, Striving for Paris Fashion Week and Beyond

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adison Wilson has wanted to be a model since she was just a little girl. Now that she is 21, she has decided to pursue this lifelong dream of hers. Madi didn’t get the chance to explore the modeling business sooner because volleyball got in the way. She played for 11 years and even spent some time playing for Pima Community College. However, now that she’s closed that chapter of her life, she wants to open a new one and finally dip her toe into modeling. “I want to start my career and go big and beyond,” Madi says. She is ready to run full speed ahead towards the life she knew she was always meant to live.

While Madi never questioned her desire and abilities to become a model, she has always had that constant reassurance from other people.

“I have been told I should be a model by so many people from a young age,” she says regarding the repeated comments she gets on her long model-like legs and natural beauty. While she hasn’t had any serious modeling experiences, she recently got to see what shooting in front of a professional digital camera looks like and was amazed by the results. “I am used to seeing pictures that my friends and mom have taken of me for my Instagram with an iPhone camera and this was a very different result,” she notes.

The ultimate goal for Madi is to go to fashion week in Paris and walk for Balenciaga, Gucci, or Prada. Her next steps in achieving her ultimate dream are to apply to local agencies and have more photoshoots to build her professional portfolio. “I would definitely consider going to either Los Angeles or New York for work, as well but I am open to any and every kind of work at the moment,” she says with excitement about the thought of getting her career started.

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Madi

A Teen Entrepreneur Making Waves

From Trendy TikToks to Fashion Events, Tatym Hawkins Journeys into the World of Online Fashion

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n the fast-paced world of fashion, standing out requires a unique vision and determination. Meet Tatym Hawkins, an ambitious 19-year-old entrepreneur who not only owns her business but opened Pink Reef Boutique at the ripe age of 18. Specializing in trendy clothing, with a spotlight on swimsuits, Tatym has successfully created a niche for herself in the competitive online fashion market.

Pink Reef Boutique, an online clothing store, holds an inventory curated by Tatym herself.

Juggling her business, academics, and a parttime job, Tatym keeps all her inventory in her college apartment, managing shipping and delivering, and enlisting the help of her younger sister when she’s back home.

Staying on top of the latest fashion trends is not a simple task, but Tatym has found her sources of inspiration. From TikTok to Pinterest and attending fashion events to scout new pieces, she remains dedicated to offering her customers unique, trendsetting items. In Tatym’s own words, “When I choose inventory, I try to reach for pieces that can’t be bought at other stores. Having different pieces is what makes people follow my brand.”

Despite the challenges of balancing school, work, and entrepreneurship, Tatym finds that rewarding feeling in the love she receives from her customers. Witnessing people proudly wearing her curated pieces and sharing them on social media brings a sense of connection, turning customers into a community. “It makes me feel like I have a ton of besties,” Tatym shares.

Pink Reef Boutique targets a demographic of females in their teens to early 20s, offering a carefully selected array of clothing that reflects Tatym’s personal style. The journey

began when Tatym started posting on TikTok during her senior year of high school. Her style gained attention, attracting followers and prompting brands to send her products for promotion. Inspired by this success, she decided to take the leap and start her own store.

Among Pink Reef Boutique’s infamous collection of swiwear, the Floral Bikini takes center stage. Even during fall and winter, Tatym receives messages about restocking this popular item, showcasing the brand’s enduring appeal.

Reflecting on her experience working at Plato’s, Tatym acknowledges the invaluable insights gained, stating, “I feel like I learn a lot working at Plato’s. I get to see clothes that are trending right now every day. I also see what people tend to reach for when they are shopping.”

Tatym Hawkins and Pink Reef Boutique represent the entrepreneurial spirit of the younger generation, proving that with passion, dedication, and a keen eye for trends, success can be achieved at any age.

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Treasure Hunts and Trends:

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The Insider’s Guide to Plato’s Closet Fashion

andering on a journey through the never fail to capture the attention and excitement racks of Plato’s Closet isn’t just about of buyers. While the buyers are to remain unbiased shopping; it’s a fasion treasure hunt when sorting through customer clothing, items where trends play a central role in the such as Uggs, vintage clothing, and coveted brands everyday lives of employees. For the buyers at Plato’s such as Skims, Aritzia, and Alo spark enthusiasm.

Closet, being in the know is not just a skill—it’s a Birkenstocks and 90s clothing also hold a spot in necessity. the hearts of the fashion professionals of Plato’s At the core of Plato’s Closet’s trend-tracking Closet. mechanism is the monthly ritual of “Mall visits.”

Yet, not every trend has the same effect on the Buyers immerse themselves in the local shopping employees’. Y2K fashion, animal print, and the malls, analyzing what’s gracing the shelves of other once-popular low-rise denim styles don’t receive retail stores. Complementing this practice are the the same warm embrace from the experts and their company’s “Stoplight sheets,” color-coded guides keen eyes. that dictate what items to welcome with open arms In the age of social media, where trends can sky(Green Light), approach with caution (Yellow rocket with the influence of a single viral video, Light), or bid farewell to (Red Light). These tools Plato’s Closet can be seen as a diverse hub that ensure that the store’s inventory is not just current seamlessly blends thrift charm with current trendbut finely selected to best suit the preferences of ing styles. It’s not just a store; it’s an ever-evolving fashion enthusiasts who love to shop the assortment. style icon. As Plato’s Closet weaves through the In the current fashion landscape, styles are a kaleicurrents of fashion, it remains a haven where doscope of influences. Flared leggings, wide-legged trends find new life and fashion enthusiasts find pants, and vintage clothing are some highly popular their second home. items at the moment. Platform shoes are making a return, adding height and flair to any outfit. Basic and neutral items are also standing high on the popularity charts, thanks to the widespread appeal of the “Clean Girl Aesthetic,” characterized by sleek hairstyles and crisp, understated outfits.

A new wave is sweeping through casual athletic wear, with jumpsuits and bodysuits paired elegantly with Ugg boots. Simultaneously, more conservative styles like longer shirts, vests, and long denim skirts are seeing an increase in demand, showcasing a diverse array of fashion preferences among avid Plato’s Closet customers.

As trends move forward, others slowly trickle out. Plato’s Closet buyers note the decline of maximalist patterns, skinny jeans, crop tops, and distressed denim styles. Pristine condition denim is holding the spotlight in the world of denim, correlating with the shift towards a more polished and refined aesthetic.

Among the excess amount of styles that pass through Plato’s Closet, certain treasures 55

Last Look

Roll The Credits Models Ailyne Chinchilla Amelia Sprotte Anna West Brandon West Carlos Madrid Haley Vangorder Kiana Green Madison Wilson Marisa Olvera Shaughn West Simba (The Horse) Tatym Hawkins

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Photoshoot Settings Amelia Sprotte’s House Plato’s Closet Jim West’s Galaxy Murphy’s Public House Shaughn West’s House Park Place Mall Staten Corral

Photography, Styling, Editing, and Writing done by Emma West

CHIC

2023