Finding vintage clothing can be difficult. Especially when it involves digging through racks of clothes and multiple stores in hopes of finding that one piece you’re looking for. Then when you finally do find the perfect piece, it’s overpriced … by hundreds of dollars. If it’s not overpriced, it’s extremely outdated. But not in a cute vintage way, but the kind of way where it’s probably still something your grandma wears. So after hours of digging, you go home disappointed with nothing to show for it.
That’s where Girl Gang comes in. The vintage clothing company is a curated collection of one-of-a-kind clothing. The founder, Kelly Lotz, a University of Utah student studying business and a Lassonde Studios resident, wanted to find a way to market and sell vintage clothing at a reasonable price.
“Every other vintage website you look at is crazy expensive,” Lotz said. “I’ve always loved thrift shopping and vintage clothes. It was my way to make a hobby into a lifestyle into a business. I want Girl Gang to be an alternative style to fast fashion.”
She added: “If you see something on my site, you can’t just walk into a thrift store and find it. My stuff is not a million of the same shirt, but a repurposed item that is still relevant trend-wise, but has been forgotten about. Most items are sold as-is, but certain items are cut up, distressed and modified to help bring them back to life (and the 21st century).”
After attending the University of Michigan last year to study computer science and business, Lotz was burned out without a clue of where to go or what to do. After discovering her passion for collecting vintage clothing, everything slowly began to fall into place. After being told about the Lassonde Institute and Lassonde Studios, Lotz knew that was where she needed to be.
“I feel like I’ve never let myself be so creative,” she said. “I’ve been focused on school and a career and getting hired somewhere. This has given me a totally different perspective on what I want to do with my future. It opened doors for me and made me realize I didn’t have to use my degree as a crutch. I’m more confident in my own abilities now.”
Girl Gang is a part of the Company Launch program at Lassonde Studios, where her she has office space for her company. Lotz is also a part of the Lassonde 400, the residential group at Lassonde Studios.
“The best thing about company launch is the ability to be connected to other entrepreneurs,” Lotz said. “I love being able to live in such a cool community where people are passionate about their interests.”
To learn more visit girlgang.com.
Thanks 🙂 I was looking for some vintage dresses, and your article helped me alot. Cheers!