KINGWOOD — Tessa Dolan said she wanted to help bring business back to Price Street. To do this, she opened two side-by-side shops, Tess Beauty and Boutique and Tess Clothing Co.
“I opened two months ago,” she said about Tess Clothing. “I started with one rack in the salon, then moved to the back of the salon. I was there until I outgrew it.”
Dolan said she saved $5,000 and rented the location she is in now. She said she likes having her shops on Price Street because the business owners help each other out.
“Eventually, I want to have my own line of clothing,” Dolan said. “I’m working on that. I love fashion.”
Dolan left Aug. 24 to go to a fashion show in Texas. She said she would be back on Aug. 31. She will be leaving again in September to go to a fashion show in New York.
“I always wanted to go to fashion design school,” Dolan said. “That was my first dream. My second dream was to have my own clothing store.”
She said her shop carries all sizes for women, as well as some clothing for men. Customers can find shoes, clothing, accessories, purses, bathing suits, scarves and coats.
“I don’t want to carry clothing for just one body style. My clothes go up to 2X and 3X in shirts,” Dolan said. “I want to be a store everyone can shop in. I want to bring affordable fashion to my hometown. Not everyone travels to New York.”
She said if she can make people feel good about the clothes they buy and wear, she is a success.
“I think if you do something you are passionate about, you can succeed,” Dolan said.
She said she also sells her clothing online.
“I get a lot of online orders,” Dolan said. “I decided to sell online because there are people who choose not go out to shop for clothing.”
She said during her trip to Texas she is going to order fall and winter clothing, including coats, scarves and gloves.
“There are 2,000 stores I make my way around,” Dolan said. “You need to wear a good pair of shoes.”
She said this fall she will start a new men’s line. Her goal is to open a second store.
“I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive,” Dolan said. “I do this from the bottom of my heart.”
Tess Clothing Co. is next to Tess Beauty at 137 Price St. It is open from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Info: tessclothingco.com.
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