Etcetera Clothing Line proves luxury fashion can be big business

20 Jan '10

6 min read

While Lawson was attracted to the flexibility of running her own business, she was concerned about the start-up costs of building a business. Etcetera was a great choice, she says. "It gives me the safety net of not holding inventory—Etcetera corporate absorbs that risk. I'm only billed for sales when they ship, and the start-up costs are minimal. Moreover, the generous cash flow terms and accurate account receivable tracking has allowed me to sell over $150,000 this year —great numbers for a part-time, flexible, home-based business."

Loving Their New Looks

Lawson finds her success stimulating and validating. "My Etcetera business allows me to stay connected to the business world, yet gives me the ability to creatively manage and market according to my own strategy and desires. Further, it gives me the relationship with ambitious working women that I miss from not being in a regular corporate environment."

Lawson's not the only one with this level of commitment to her direct sales business. Hamilton Northcutt was a well-known news anchor in Atlanta when she joined two friends as an associate in opening an Etcetera home boutique business.

"For the first year, it was just a part-time business that I fit in around my full-time television career," she says. "Then, about a year later, Etcetera approached me about the possibility of becoming a manager. I had been yearning for a break from the long and irregular hours of my job. I wanted more flexibility in my life and was excited by the thought of being my own boss and creating and managing a team of fantastic women. So, in November of 2005, my little hobby turned into a career change. Today, I wear two hats as an Area Development Manager and as a Sales Representative for Etcetera. My business partner is a lawyer and partner in a local law firm, and she brings in a segment of corporate women that she's in touch with daily. It's a match made in heaven."

Peterson points out, "Starting my own small business did seem intimidating at first, especially with no experience. But for consultants, the Etcetera infrastructure is invaluable – the incredibly reasonable initial investment belies the huge amount of support actually provided. Online order entry, our internal and external websites, online accounts payable, full and complete sample sets, inventory tracking, consultant support reps and so much more… is all included. My career transition was much easier knowing that I didn't have to worry about these crucial details. I could focus on helping women buy these gorgeous clothes!"

Good Looks Start with the Right Support

Etcetera president Mary Alice Heape says the company's high level of support allows sales consultants to pass that same level of support to their own clients. "Our wardrobe stylists are women who are passionate about helping others look their best. They are active in their communities. These are women who enjoy being up-to-date on all of the latest fashion trends. They know what works best for each body type and how to build a wardrobe that will stand the test of time. We're very proud of the level of service we're able to provide to our clients."

When:January 24 through March 28, by appointment only

Where:Trunk shows take place in the private homes or personally owned venues of our trained, professional wardrobe consultants. Shows occur four times a year, in over 660 cities and suburbs across the U.S.

Etcetera

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