We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Diana, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think success is different for different people. I consider myself very successful and to me this means I get to do something I love with people that I love and admire. I am challenged in my position and see a lot of growth potential both in my business as well as the whole resale industry. I contribute my success to my mother who started our business 25 years ago with no preconceived notion of what resale had to be. Her vision was to sell used clothing in a boutique that looked like Saks Fifth Avenue. She wanted the merchandise to be finely curated and organized for the customer to shop. We added great events with a giveback component as well as our new online endeavor that ships allover the country. The Vault Luxury resale has not only brand colors and fonts but also a brand voice. We think the success of our brand comes from listening to that voice. The Vault is very inclusive and makes customer experience a priority . The Vault provides affordable luxury for everyone, dressing women at every price point and size. Our mission states that we are a gathering place that nurtures women through fashion and inspired events.
What should our readers know about your business?
I am part owner of the Vault Luxury Resale in Brentwood, MO. I work with my mother Sue, sister Laura, and 18 amazing women that contribute to making us one of the best designer resale shops in the country! We are a for profit business but have given over 500K back to our community because we believe it is the right thing to do. We are the subjects of a reality docu-series called “Resale Royalty” that was produced by Rachel Zoe for the Style Network and Bravo. We look at over 1000 items a day, every day in our 7000 square feet showroom as well as buy from out of town clients.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Lunch at Dinner at Olive & Oak in Webster Groves charming neighborhood or Brasserie in the historic Central West End
After dinner drinks at Sasha’s Wine bar on Demun
Sightseeing spots:
The botanical Gardens, St. Louis Zoo and Forest Park (which was home to the 1904 World’s Fair)
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
organization: NARTS (National Association of Resale Professionals)
person: Sue McCarthy my mother and the founder of our store
mistakes: Our success comes from a ton of things that didn’t work and never being afraid to fail
Website: www.thevaultluxuryresale.com
Instagram: @thevaultluxuryresale
Facebook: @thevaultluxuryresale
Image Credits
we own store photo headshot by christina Ceranna