Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Wiggs
Hi Brooke, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Sometimes all it takes is a comment to spark an idea. The concept for origami styling all originated from a co-worker complimenting my style and saying she would like to go shopping with me. That’s nothing earth shaking, but it struck something within me that day. I started writing a business concept for personal styling, then designed and launched a website in early 2020.. After about six months, I added a passion of my own- vintage clothing. I began selling online, rented a booth in an antique mall and participated in pop up markets selling vintage clothing and accessories for men, women and kids. Interacting with customers face to face at markets started a little fire within me and I began exploring brick and mortar options. After many calls, emails and touring possible spaces, I was led to my current location right in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It took several market attempts for me to find the right fit- meaning, I prepped, loaded my car, unloaded my car, set up, broke down, loaded my car again and went home without making a sale. That’s HARD. I am also a wife and mom to three kids, so learning to balance personal life while being a small business owner has been and still is a challenge.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Origami is taking a plain piece of paper and learning folding techniques to make a work of art. Fashion feels that way to me. Dabbling with mixing vintage and modern, wearing oversized clothing, accessorizing with a belt, dressing full out mod one day and then 80s mom the next…it all has the feels of starting plain and folding and folding until you create the result you want. I take great pride in every piece I offer. Each item is hand picked by me with the guarantee that I don’t buy if I don’t believe in it. That means I will not follow fads or trends. I purchase items because they are unique, versatile, quality, timeless, and fun. I inspect each piece and do all of the “dirty work” of stain treating or mending so you get a piece that is ready to have a new life. Personal styling is still part of my core, so helping people style an item and offering styling by appointment is always available.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband, Josh, has been in my corner from the start. He is my woodworker, my idea processor, my graphic designer and my sometimes male model. No way I can do it without him.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/origami_styling?igsh=dW5peWt0dzlkNnZ5&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://origamistylingvtg.etsy.com/
