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

Hi Sarah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
During the early days of the pandemic, my job at the time required a lot of operations to keep things going. Although I love and thrive through chaos, the creative side of me was being completed neglected. I’ve always had a love for fashion and merchandising, and saw such a need for affordable, good quality clothing for women my age. With my experience in wholesale buying, I decided to head to market to see if what I was looking for existed, and it totally did! I took a chance, purchased my launch collection, and the rest is history.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Phoenix Shop started from a desire to bring high quality, affordable clothing to encourage your best self to shine. My style is made for everyday, but you won’t find these pieces anywhere else. I pay attention to details like ‘will this piece transition from season to season so I have a wardrobe that can be worn all year round’, or ‘will I easily be able to style this and feel good.’ Through my experience, so many struggle to dress themselves; they lose their excitement around fashion, because it seems impossible for their body or look. I really try to help others see that fashion can be fun, and yes, you can be stylish.

Business is never easy, but I made a promise to myself in the beginning to keep my focus on why I started. Phoenix Shop was created to provide me a space to be creative, connect with others and help women feel good. When things get tough, that is what keeps me going. But oh man, there are so many lessons, especially with a small business — however, that’s the fun stuff! Stay connected with others like you, and just keep going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh sweet New Orleans, I love thee, even at your worst. We’d start our morning with a walk around Audubon Park — something about those gorgeous oaks just make you feel good. Then, we would head to La Boulangerie for coffee and the best croissants in the country, in my opinion! After that, we’d head to a Pilates class at Romney Studios — can you tell I like to be active? A quick bite at St. James Cheese Company and then off to stroll down Magazine Street for some shopping. Early evening would be spent getting a massage and champagne at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans spa. Then, off to Peche to enjoy one of my favorite dinners in city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
100% my husband. He’s the safe one, I’m the dreamer, but his love and support always pushes me to go for it.

Website: www.psphoenixshop.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ps.phoenixshop/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ps.phoenixshop

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