After successfully launching an online boutique, Vestique , just over a year ago, Morgan Genty and Caroline King have expanded their business to a storefront on Oberlin Road. As their business continues to grow, these young women are enthusiastic about their futures in the fashion industry.
While their business began as an online venture, Genty and King made the decision to invest in a store due to an increasing number of clientele and a lack of space for their merchandise.
“Basically we just ran out of room,” Genty explained. “Between having inventory and shipping supplies and everything else in our home, it was no longer conducive for a growing business.”
Aside from their shared appreciation for fashion and shopping, Genty and King are both N.C . State alumnae. With a background in communications, Genty is able to manage advertising for Vestique . Meanwhile, King’s degree in business education allows her to handle the marketing aspect.
“Caroline [King] knows about the business side of running our store,” Genty said, “and I’ve been able to generate lots of positive, unpaid advertising for us with my PR background, so we’ve really done well.”
As their business grows, King and Genty find themselves dedicating countless hours to Vestique in an effort to insure its continued success.
“It’s been quite a journey,” Genty said. “Everyone associates owning a clothing boutique with the glitz and glam of the fashion world, but it is a lot of work. It’s more work than we ever anticipated, but it’s something we love to do. Not everyone can say that they love their job, but we can say that hands down.”
With the opening of Vestique’s boutique and the ongoing revenue generated online, Genty and King are attracting plenty of business.
“We want our customers to know we’re here to offer them trendy clothing and accessory items at affordable prices,” Genty said. “The best prices they’ll find in Raleigh. We don’t want to break the bank. We want everyone to look fashionable.”
Since Genty and King are both avid shoppers themselves, they are able to relate to their customers’ desires.
“We both love to shop, but we didn’t want to pay your typical boutique prices,” Genty said.
Genty and King developed Vestique’s collection to fit their standards. Vestique’s prices assure that every item is marked under $100. This allows customers to shop for trendy looks without having to splurge.
The chic assortment of clothing and accessories at Vestique is compiled from a wide range of designers, primarily located on the west coast. The store has everything from decorative jewelry to elegant party dresses, all at an affordable price.
A particular collection, Vestique’s “Gameday” collection, is made for students, as Genty and King recognize the demand for stylish game day outfits.
“We heavily support N.C . State in any way we can,” Genty said.
However, the Gameday collection is not limited to the Pack’s red and white. Other schools, including UNC , Duke, and Clemson, are among the universities featured in this exclusive collection.
During the month of November, Vestique is also offering customers the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. November marks the month of pancreatic cancer awareness.
“Pancreatic cancer is a disease that people really don’t know about until they have been affected by it,” Genty said. “We didn’t, at least. So we really just wanted to raise awareness.”
After their friend’s father lost his battle to pancreatic cancer in January of 2009, Genty and King have helped to raise more than $35,000 for PanCam , a national organization for pancreatic cancer research. This month, a portion of the proceeds on all purple purchases will be donated to PanCan .
As Vestique continues to thrive, Genty and King look forward to further expansion in the future. With the hopes of opening more boutiques and generating a sister website, these businesswomen aim to take the fashion world by storm.
