When It Comes to Her Customers, the Key Is Being Genuine
Written By: Jody Miller
Photographed By: Diane Lombardi Korner Kloset’s Ashley Vance
Expert: Ashley Vance
Credentials: Owner, Korner Kloset
Q: What is your fashion background?
Ashley Vance: I wouldn’t know where to even start because personally and professionally fashion is my background! I can’t pinpoint if it started with the pristine outfits that my mom dressed me in, the moment I started dressing myself or my first retail position at the local mall. I have been totally submerged in the culture for as long as I can remember. My message to every girl who is passionate and inspired by clothing is to be okay with starting at the bottom because this industry always has room for another rebellious mind.
Q: What designers will you be featuring this spring and summer?
AV: Obviously my favorites, One Teaspoon and Kaohs swim, because they are consistently evolving season after season. The rest you will have to come in to see.
Q: What are the must-have pieces for spring and summer?
AV: Serious necklines, crazy bralettes and stud earrings that don’t match at all!
Q: Do you carry items for women of all sizes?
AV: Our sizes generally come extra small to large, but we do carry a great selection of one size fits all items so that nobody leaves empty handed!
Q: What are some fashion mistakes you’ve seen?
AV: The biggest fashion mistakes I see women make in the store are rooted from fear of trying something new. The girls and myself want our customers to take some chances, nothing too scary, but we encourage them to step out of their comfort zone. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard ‘I would have never picked this,’ while they are walking out of the store with a huge smile on their face.
Q: What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your business so far?
AV: Great product is just the surface. A true relationship with a ‘client’ (a word I would never use to describe one of these amazing women) is worth a thousand times more. I have developed some unbreakable bonds and gained lifelong friends while owning Korner Kloset. Before owning a boutique I would use the phrase ‘retail therapy’ when I had an annoying day and ended it with something shiny and expensive. Now I understand I didn’t need new shoes, I needed someone rad to chat with about shoes!
Q: How do you blow off steam in stressful situations?
AV: I picture my Cocker Spaniel’s perfect face.
Korner Kloset
1617 Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310.863.8607
Korner Kloset’s Ashley Vance Talks Fashion and Lasting Relationships
