Meet Chloe Fruge: Independent Reseller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chloe Fruge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chloe, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Everyone in my family can probably tell you that I have been an entrepreneur since I was a little girl. One of my first memories involves selling my Halloween candy on my neighborhood street for about 50 cents a piece. It may not seem like much, but that was a lot to my 8 year old self! From selling candy and clothes to flipping furniture, I have always tried to have a side hustle. I would say that I became serious about flipping clothes, shoes, and accessories in college. I had a part time job, but it still was not enough for me to afford my bills and have some extra spending money. I already loved thrifting and looking for the best deals on everything for myself, so I figured why not try to make some money with it? I would source items from all over, and then sell for a profit on places like eBay or Poshmark. I did that throughout college and made a pretty sizable income from it. Once I graduated and was weighed down with my full time job, I stopped for about a year or two, because I felt that I didn’t have the time or interest anymore. I really started to pick it back up this summer of 2020, because I needed something to fill my time with covid shutdowns, and I saw a good market for it on Instagram. Most people don’t know, as I did not, that there is an entire thrift community on Instagram now made up of people selling thrifted items, personal items, or custom items that they make. Launching Chloe’s Closet and Thrifts has proven to be a lot more work and time intensive than I expected, but it has been worth it. I have been able to make extra income while doing something that I really enjoy, and I get to meet some wonderful people through it as well! I always encourage anyone with an idea to at least try it out and see where it leads.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Seeing as Monopoly was my favorite game growing up, I think it was only fitting that I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Finance with an emphasis in Real Estate! Since then, I have worked full time for a global tax firm doing commercial real estate taxes. It definitely isn’t easy working full time and doing this on the side, especially during our busy season, but I always try to find the time to get it done. Although Chloe’s Closet may not seem like much to some, I am amazed by how quickly it has grown and the endless ability to make a profit. Not only that, but buying and selling used clothing items helps the environment as well! I always get so excited when I am able to find a cool vintage piece that is still in good condition. How neat is it that you are still able to wear a sweatshirt that someone also loved in the 80s? I think it is a way of connecting with people from back then, as well as sharing the excitement and experience with other like minded people in the thrift community. There are definitely times when I don’t make a profit, or even lose money, but I want people to know that that is what happens when you start a business. You are going to fail sometimes, but what counts is how you react. It may sound cliche, but we really can learn from our failures. Because of them, I am able to decide what I should or shouldn’t buy, how to price my items, and the best ways to reach my customers. At the end of the day, I always like to remind myself that I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had and for the friends I have made along the way. Every day is a new day!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Dallas is such a diverse city! There really is a little something for everyone, but you may have to look to find it. I would definitely start with a trip down to Atwater, which is our favorite speakeasy style bar. The atmosphere and drinks can keep you there all night! After that, the Dallas Farmers Market is a great way to start your day by checking out the various vendors in the area. If you aren’t tired of shopping just yet, head over to North Park mall for some of the best designer stores around! As far as food goes, you have pretty much an endless supply of choices. One of my personal favorite sushi spots is Edoko at Cityline in Richardson. The Trio Roll is to DIE for! If you are in the mood for dessert, head back down to Salon Chocolate Lounge for an array of extravaggent “choctails” and more. Lastly, if you’re wanting some adventure, check out Sports Garden DFW for sand volleyball tournaments, axe throwing, and corn hole!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been very fortunate to have so many positive influences in my life. My mother, Christine, raised my brother and I to be strong, independent, and to go after what we want. She has always supported my various business ventures and crazy ideas, which I am grateful for. I would also like to give a shoutout to my boyfriend, Hunter, for pushing me to succeed even on the days that I have wanted to quit. He has watched me grow Chloe’s Closet from selling my personal clothes to a handful of friends, to having constant new inventory for the thousands of people who follow and buy from my Instagram shop. There are countless other friends and family members who have supported me throughout this journey, and I would like them to know that I couldn’t do it without them!

Instagram: @chloesclosetandthrifts