Today’s installment of Ferosh Female Fridays combines two of my favorite things: inspiring female entrepreneurs and super cute clothes/shoes/accessories.
The first time I got sucked into logged onto Alternative Outfitters, I had a love affair with a yellow purse and two clicks and a quick shipment later, it was mine!
As irony would have it, I was at a group dinner the following week and was having a great conversation with a woman who just got it. During the conversation, I got out my purse to give her my card, she took one look and said “Where did you get that purse?” Turns out my new friend was Jackie Horrick, the co-founder of Alternative Outfitters.
Jackie epitomizes the ferosh female because she made her dream job a reality and is incredibly passionate about what she does (did I mention her products are 100% cruelty-free?) And running a business is no easy feat.
Check out my interview with Jackie below, followed by a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Alternative Outfitters! Here are a couple items I am eyeing…it’s a good thing I am going to the showroom next weekend!
Me: What was the most challenging part about going into business for yourself?
Jackie: It was a little intimidating taking the leap since I was always used to having a stable job working for someone else. The idea that I wasn’t guaranteed a paycheck at the end of the week was really scary. But my partner and I took things slow, because we wanted to be cautious and didn’t want to get ourselves in over our heads. We had seen too many businesses fail in the past and we wanted to be successful. I would have to say the most challenging part was all of the “first steps”; registering our business name, pulling all the licenses and permits, meeting with vendors and sourcing products to sell, getting the website up and running, and then really getting the word out. It was a huge learning curve for us, but we figured it all out along the way. We have had our challenges, but we always make it through the rough patches and we always learn from our mistakes.
Me: What is the most rewarding part for you about what you do?
Jackie: I enjoy what I do because I am passionate about animal rights and I love that I can offer cruelty-free fashions to those who want to live a more compassionate lifestyle. It always feels so funny when people thank us for what we do here, since in a way, we are just selling shoes and accessories, but I get where they are coming from. It’s tough to find alternatives out there and ultimately, that is why I went into this business. I was one of those people who struggled shopping for shoes since I didn’t want to wear leather. Now we are making it easier and more convenient to shop with compassion and I love that.
Me: How would you describe your personal approach to fashion?
Jackie: I never considered myself a fashionista by any means. My business partner has always been much more fashion savvy. However, after being in this business for almost 7 years now, I definitely have more of a fashion sense. I know what I like and we definitely know what our customers like. We aim to carry the latest styles and fashions without being too trendy. We know that our customers want shoes that they can wear for more than a few months before they go out of style, but they still want what “everyone is wearing these days”. I am the same way. I tend to stick with shoes that I feel hot and sexy in, but that also wouldn’t be ridiculous to wear a few months down the road.
Me: What are non-vegan customers surprised to learn about your clothes?
Jackie: They are always surprised how much they look and feel like leather, wool or suede, etc. We love showing our customers that they could have the look and feel of leather without all the suffering that goes into making it. They are also surprised how fashionable all the styles are that we sell. Unfortunately, I think vegans got a bad rap a long time ago and people tend to think that vegans just like to wear Birkenstocks, but that is so not true! We want to have all the same stylish fashions that everyone else has, just without the animal materials.
Me: Three trends that will see some major mileage in fall/winter
Jackie:
- Riding Boots – These traditional boots are all the rage this season and they come in various heights and styles.
- Clogs – They’re back! These platform heels are everywhere right now and they are so comfy.
- Faux Leather Jackets – Everything from biker styles to jackets with faux shearling and studs.
Now I don’t know about you, but this interview has me jonesing for some new fashions/accessories. Fortunately, I have a $25 gift certificate to Alternative Outfitters for one lucky reader!
To enter the giveaway which ends on Thursday at 5pm PST, you can do one (or more to increase your chances) of the following:
1) Comment on this post about what item you would apply your gift certificate to.
2) Tweet “I want to win @dreamofgreenie ‘s giveaway to win a gift certificate to buy stylish togs at Alternative Outfitters” and link to this post
3) “Like” Alternative Outfitters on Facebook
4) Share this post on your FB wall
Posted by Dori on October 15, 2010 at 6:50 am
GREAT CONTEST!! Awesome website, everything is great, but I have been specifically wanting boots just like this:
http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/proceed-rust-brown-faux-leather-vegan-ankle-boot.aspx
YES!
tweeted!
Liked on FB!
Posted by msd on October 15, 2010 at 6:52 am
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s hard to believe that all these fashions and accessories are made without killing. No one could tell it from the look.
Posted by MelissaNibbles on October 15, 2010 at 6:59 am
Very cool! I want that purse!
Posted by Jaya Bhumitra on October 15, 2010 at 7:01 am
bess you completely crack me up – i have been eyeing those exact same grey riding boots, that exact same biker jacket, and the black clogs. we totally have the same taste! and jackie is a great choice to feature – she is amazing! and kindly donating a prize for the cok halloween party raffle on top of it all. she is a great role model for all of us.
Posted by idreamofgreenie on October 15, 2010 at 7:05 am
Jaya, what size shoes do you wear? We could go halfsies haha! Love that Jackie and her dedication to making cruelty free clothing so accessible.
Posted by shelby on October 15, 2010 at 7:20 am
I want these green peep toes. Adorable. http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/lime-green-bow-tie-peep-toe-vegan-wedge.aspx
Posted by idreamofgreenie on October 15, 2010 at 7:27 am
I hadn’t seen those yet but now I want em!!
Posted by Angela @ A Healthy Fit on October 15, 2010 at 7:31 am
Love this!!! I can’t decide between those grey boots and that fabulous purse. Maybe if I win I’ll have to get both!
Posted by Laura Georgina on October 15, 2010 at 8:19 am
You always have the coolest giveaway, Bess!! Great interview–it’s really awesome to read such an inspirational story, and I especially like that AC is current, not necessarily trendy.
I want those boots like HELLO, though I have no business wearing boots in tropical heat (other than they totally match my bikini)… I’m also coveting their Smokin’ Cat vegan sneakers–so girly and stripy and chic…’
I liked it on FB and Tweeted, too.
Posted by Alicia at Poise in Parma on October 15, 2010 at 8:47 am
awesome giveaway! I need a new wallet and love the ones on this site!
Posted by Tracey on October 15, 2010 at 8:56 am
I am SO in love with those boots. I would wear tham all the time!
Posted by Ashley Mauceri on October 15, 2010 at 9:13 am
If I win this, I think I will finally get a new purse! I’ve been rocking the same one for way too long.
Posted by Amber Shea @Almost Vegan on October 15, 2010 at 9:23 am
My favorite boots bit the dust a couple weeks ago, and I badly need new ones ASAP!
Posted by Amber Shea @Almost Vegan on October 15, 2010 at 9:23 am
I now “like” A.O. on FB
Posted by Elaine on October 15, 2010 at 9:31 am
I like Madden Girl Karlla Black Vegan Platform Pump.
Posted by Mandy on October 15, 2010 at 12:19 pm
The Gama-Go Tres Amigowls vegan zip wallet is so presh!!
Posted by Monica on October 15, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Love the boots!
Posted by Mandy on October 15, 2010 at 12:21 pm
I tweeted! And I already “liked” Alternative Outiftters on FB b/c they are super great!
Posted by sanae on October 15, 2010 at 12:40 pm
I’m thinking these are pretty me: http://ow.ly/2UhUA but AO has so many great things it’ll be hard to choose.
Posted by Kai on October 15, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I’ve got my eye on the Bronco Black Vegan Clogs (or maybe a Go Veg! tee shirt)
Posted by Kai on October 15, 2010 at 1:06 pm
tweeted! http://twitter.com/thecatinthetree/status/27478163358
Posted by Kai on October 15, 2010 at 1:07 pm
I like Alternative Outfitters on FB
Posted by Kai on October 15, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Shared on FB
Posted by Kai on October 15, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Your story about meeting Jackie is so funny! Thanks so much for the chances!
Posted by Hyacinth on October 15, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I would take the laptop case http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/espe-retro-black-vegan-laptop-bag.aspx
or a pair of boots… but I just ordered a pair of those
thanks!
Posted by Lilyflor on October 15, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Hi!! I would love to enter this contest! If i win would apply the gc to a new pleather jacket
Posted by karen on October 15, 2010 at 5:32 pm
i love the boots but i love it all!
Posted by Aj from QueerVeganRunner on October 16, 2010 at 7:24 am
I liked and tweeted and DESPERATELY need new shoes. I would put a gift certificate toward
ballet flats http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/afar-black-vegan-ballerina-flats.aspx but in like all the colors they offer (for work!)
and maybe (maybe) some faux uggs http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/clothing/vegan/womens-boots.aspx if I could be sure R wouldn’t totally break up with me.
I’m desperate for shoes!
Posted by AmandaBess on October 17, 2010 at 5:33 am
I would buy this amazing faux wool jacket!
http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/bb-dakota-romaine-black-faux-wool-vegan-coat.aspx
Posted by Aj from QueerVeganRunner on October 18, 2010 at 11:39 am
I think my other comment went to spam because of the multitude of links. I basically need all the ballet flats, and some heels, and (if R wouldn’t break up with me) the vegan uggs. NEED, not want.
FB’d and tweeted!
Posted by Sandy Flores on October 18, 2010 at 11:44 am
I REALLY covet those gray riding boots pictured above but I need new clogs. And a purse…or two. Hmmmmm hard to choose!
Tweeted and FB friended!