I met Michelle and Kristen last year and convinced them to exhibit at last year’s Nanette Lepore red Ingrid dress and several other designer pieces taking up space in my closet. The outcome? A check arrived in the mail and I went shopping for more clothes! These ladies are the complete package. They’re entrepreneurs, fashionistas, can work a red carpet, moms and really,really nice. You meet them and want to be their friend immediately.
Name: Michelle Magee Elfvin & Kristen Pizzolato
Kids: Michelle: Max 3.5 & Alex 2 months & Kristen: Keira 3
Occupation: Owners at ShopMagStyle.com
About Michelle & Kristen: Michelle and sister-in-law Kristen, started the designer consignment website ShopMagStyle.com after years of casually selling their own high-end designer items on eBay. After clearing out the excess in their own closets, they started selling high-end clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry for their mom’s, friends, and beyond. The feedback of their test markets were unanimous, and all vowed they’d never go back to traditional consignment selling again.
SMITC Interview with Michelle & Kristen:
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
We are both jocks! We played soccer growing up.
What or who inspired you to launch your business?
Where do all the best ideas come from- Mom!
What should moms know about your business and the services you offer? How is Shop Mag Style different?
No one knows how dramatic the body can change in the matter of months like a mother. Bodies and lifestyles can change seemingly overnight. 5” designer heels, halter tops & clutches are simply not part of my normal mommy wear! But a lot of our customers can easily relate to us, there’s nothing intimidating about how we do business.
What’s has been the biggest challenge balancing a business and motherhood?
As businesswomen, we could be doing research on ebay, editing photos, launching listings, and posting on our social media outlets around the clock. As mom’s, we have learned when to shut the computer and enjoy our kids!
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
The creative outlet and meeting fabulous new mom’s- it’s an even “love tie.”
What’s your “secret” to being Sassy?
Being friendly and honest in business. We love to bring our clients coffee, and have fun conversations about their designer goodies. Everything has a story!
What is your guilty pleasure when you get a little coveted ‘me’ time?
Coffee and chocolate. We always work with a cup o’joe.
Sassy Facts about You….
I never leave home without…. a cross-body bag. Hands-free is a mommy must-have
My biggest fashion influence is…. My mom! She always told me, “All you need is a fresh, clean face.” Bless her for thinking that’s all it takes to make me beautiful.
My favorite place to shop in Chicago is…. eBay… and anywhere I can shop in jammies. I’d much rather sell to be honest!
My guilty pleasure is…… Dark Chocolate. It’s somehow incorporated in every meal, no matter how much I try to eat it in moderation.
My Must-Have beauty product is…. We both have a ton of freckles, so tinted-sunscreen helps minimize sun exposure and even the skin-tone.
Connect with Michelle and Kristen on @ShopMagStyle . And definitely shop and sell at Shop Mag Style!
