Question from a GG

[Sierra_juliette]

If it was available to you, would you hire someone to help you shop for body appropriate clothing, makeup, a place to store your femme attire, makeup lessons etc?

I have started considering this as I recently lost my job and want to do something meaningful that I enjoy, I love shopping and helping people and thought this would be something I could enjoy doing every day.

[Teresa]

Sierra,
You could consider it as an individual or contact a small hotel or something similar to offer your services to CDing groups, they often hold out of season weekends for Cders for a safe haven to learn makeup deportment, shopping as a group and evenings out !
There is definitely a need for someone to help in this sector !

[Sissy_Michelle]

Sierra,

Like an Avon or Mrs Kay salesperson? If you make it known that you provide a discrete service for any customer I am sure you would make some money out of it.

[Gizmo, Debbie]

heck yeah. To have somebody there to give a second opion on something would be great. To offer help and advice on what colours and shapes work best my figure instead of kindda taking a guess.

Although it's more a "fitness buddy" i can do with? Somebody to be a friend and at the same time ecourage me to get fit again to give a better selection of better looking clothes. But that's something for a differant thread.

[CONSUELO]

There are women who do this and you should look them up. Carla's in San Jose and Vanity Transformations in Houston do makeovers but also Carla offers storage and accompanies trips to restaurants and to shops.

Look around the web for ideas. I have no idea if this could be a business that would keep you busy every day. You would need to be in a large population center for it to work or have some idea of how your services could be accessed via the WWW.

Good luck.

[Nadine Spirit]

I have considered it, but upon investigation I have found the services offered and the costs associated with it to be unreasonable for me. As well as upon investigation I have discovered that it isn't really marketed to someone in my position. Where I am at I think I would benefit more from a personal shopper like those at Nordstroms and a professional makeup artist.

I do think there is a market out there for what you are considering. But I would think it would take quite a bit to start it up. Like a variety of makeup supplies, a variety of clothing options in a large variety of sizes, and a large storage area for all of these items. And then if you were going to offer storage for others personal items, then that would require lots of room as well as security for those items as well as convenient access to the owners.

[Leslie Langford]

It is very laudable that you would consider going into this line of work, juliette, and your obvious affinity for - and comfort with - the CD community would be definite pluses in this respect. But the larger question is, what particular skill sets do you possess in this area to make it a viable business? Being willing to do makeovers on a CDer is not necessarily the same as being good at it. Even skilled make up artists are often challenged working on us because we have unique requirements (credible beard coverage, enhanced contouring to create the illusion of a female face, creating a quasi-feminine eyebrow arch that will also "pass" in male mode etc.

The same types of challenges exist in helping us choose appropriate clothing, especially since the first inclination of most Cders is to go a bit over-the-top in this regard to address some of the fetishistic aspects of this activity that we all tend to fall victim to.

For this business venture to be a successful proposition, it needs to be a win-win situation for both parties - the CDer needs to feel that she is getting good value for her money, and you need the satisfaction of a job well done that will not only generate the required goodwill, but also repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations.

[Jenniferathome]

Sierra, like any business, do you really have a market? Of course there are many cross dressers on THIS forum but how many within 20 minutes of your location? Much more travel than that and you don't have a customer.

Unfortunately, when you write "body appropriate" you have made the leap that the CD in question wants that. Some will, but as you can see from this site, many are happy in virtual costumes like "school girl" or "cheerleader." They and many more will never go out so they don't need "appropriate" clothing. Those ready to go on mainstream outings can get a personal shopper at Nordstroms, for example.

Creating a local club, if you are in a big enough area, might be possible but I can't see even a cross dresser paying much to store clothes or get makeup lessons, etc.

[Nikkilovesdresses]

Makeovers are increasingly popular SJ, if this forum is anything to judge by- no reason you shouldn't jump on the bandwagon. I intend to try it myself some time. Mini-storage already exists and it's totally anonymous. A TG-friendly personal shopper/companion? You could be onto something original there.

Much would depend on your proximity to a large population center, but having said that, I imagine many CDers etc would be willing to travel a few hours to get a bespoke service, but with the confidence you'd help them acquire, could you rely on much repeat business?

Downside- how would you vet total strangers, particularly if you're inviting them into your home?

You do realise any attempt to advertise yourself on this site would be instantly removed?

I'd suggest getting your beau to try a makeover, if he hasn't already, so you can get an insight into what it might comprise. I can't imagine he'd be resisting!

I wish you the very best of luck, and sorry to hear about losing your job- though you don't sound too fed up about it.

[tifftg]

This does exist in a number of cities and is such a help especially to those just starting out. The only issue is how large a community do you live in so you have a sense of how big the market might be. Thanks for understanding and being supportive.

[MichelleDevon]

I shall be watching this thread with great interest... My work colleague, who often comes to support group meetings with me, and I have this idea which we hatched some time ago that it would be great to run some sort of support centre for tgirls. It could just be a drop-in centre but offering all sorts of support activities - that could include shopping for clothes, make-up advice, makeovers, shopping escorts, cafe facilities, counselling services, whatever.... Haven't worked out the cost structure or how to staff it and make it work but we think it has the makings of a useful facility for the girls. As I am getting towards retirement age this could be something for me to do to get me out of the house, give me opportunities to be Michelle and my colleague and other interested people could come along to provide different services...

Location is an issue too - needs to be somewhere which is "safe" for those girls who are not as confident as some of us - but that would be part of what we would do - working with them to increase self-confidence - go out somewhere as a group... So has to be easily accessible by car/public transport - places around to go to - cafes, shops, etc...and, importantly has to have sufficient "clients" to make it work.

Watch this space (as I am ....)

Michelle
xxx

[Amy Fakley]

I've often thought that (if you could afford the startup costs to do it right), there is a place in the retail scene for a "crossover" store ... imagine a Venn diagram where torrid, lane bryant, Janet's closet, and Belk or Nordstrom overlap.

The idea being, you carry everything in all sizes. From petite all the way through plus sizes. It's a mainstream place, but you also have a section with gaffs, padding, forms etc. Also makeup, etc.

sort of take a page from the MAC marketing playbook. You aren't a trans specialty shop, but you do have those things and you are extremely trans-friendly.

Obviously, such a place would need to get started in just the right market, but if you play your marketing cards right, I honestly think a place like that could crop up in most every mall.

[Kate Simmons]

Do an online search. You may be able to advertise in publications that deal in CDing issues. :)

[mykell]

hi sierra,
sorry to hear about your loss of employment, first if you are on unemployment look and see that their are any programs for retraining or entrepreneurs,
learning web design, or coding, can come in handy, Microsoft user classes may also be available. depending on the field which you were employed some programs are made available to you first, when our fort closed here federal money was made available....
i think if you do a easy go-daddy type web-page and keep to your key words you will attract a small amount of traffic, i think depending on area you will have a larger circle than jen suggests but not much more....something like go-daddy is relatively cheap and has some easy set up features for a easy start, maybe $10 a month, and add virus protection to it if its available.....we get lumped in with the porn sites depending on the key words, transgender is better than crossdresser.

meet-up is another thing you might consider, again relatively cheap, easy to set up....either way or both i dont think cash is goint to start rolling in by the wheelbarrow full but little nickles make big dollars, and if on unemployment youll have some resources while you start....

every state has a small business development center, they will try to sell you workshops most likely but go to the location and incorporate there with they,re help.
your state should have a web page to look up business names that are available and once you find one from their go online to see what website names are available.....would be best if they both match.....

storage you will have difficulty with, the insurance to do this would be cost prohibitive, and like some have pointed out if you have a weakness, add a consultant instead of an employee, separate billing, maybe a friend who has superior skills at tasks you are only mediocre in, a team....i think it should certainly be a great stepping stone.....i wish you well if you chose this route.....so yes i would have used one if found, to what degree im not sure but now i would love a shopping Buddie today.....makeup obviously.....PM me if you need more info.....

[Cheryl T]

My wife does that for me now, but I'm sure many would love to have an understanding GG to give good advice on clothing and makeup.
Our Tri-Ess group has had women who sell cosmetics come and do makeovers and demonstrations and they were always well received. Go for it...you'll never find out if the market exists if you don't let them know you have a product.

[AnnieMac]

Pretty name, Sierra!! Like it a lot. I also took the liberty of looking at your profile and love your comment about "demons and angels". Sounds like a country song that needs writ, I may have to do just that! It's funny that certain simple comments like that, can connect with me in a profound way, so a simple thanks. Also, I very much appreciate a post by a GG. Sometimes we, with our admittedly odd, extra-curricular activity, can act like a bunch of old hens in here - more than real women at times.

I think your idea is a very good one and can have great possibilities. But the only way you will make any real business, is if you did it online and reached the entire country, or world, for that matter. There is simply probably not enough CD'rs in your area that would use your services, to make it worth your while. Myself however, since I am still much in the closet and enjoy this in the privacy of my own home, I would love to send you out with a list of stuff that I just cannot bring myself to purchase in person, and then you could ship them to me in an unmarked package. I think it's a real cool idea!! But you have to do it nationally, not locally. And, you could shop and give advice for a lot of regular clothes for us. Those CD websites, are way to expensive and way to over-the-top to outfit someone that just wants to enjoy wearing regular women's fashion for the most part. - Thanks, Annie!

[Jaymees22]

This sounds like a good idea, but it would really be a niche business. Possible a pert time effort while also working with GGs that need a similar service. Good Luck Jaymee

[Joanne108]

I'm sure you'll find many who will appreciate that service!

[docrobbysherry]

Sierra, I believe u should start doing whatever u can with however will come to u for help. As a side line. But, don't try to make a living at it!

A GG aquaintance of mine has been doing this full time for many years in LA. Makeup and makeovers, doing them, selling it. Shopping for/with them. Taking bedroom and other staged photos in her countless costumes. Etc, etc. Anything she could think of. She's brite, pretty, talented and loves CD's. She kept hoping to find away to make it profitable. But, has folded her cards and is moving on after struggling to get by for 10 years or so.

[Erica Marie]

Hi Sierra. I think alot of cds would be interested in a service like this, but again it is all about logistics.

I love the idea, but I couldnt see paying for it. My real dream would be to have a significant other that would be willing to help.

[AllieSF]

Most here have already said what I think. What is the market size, what services to offer and how to properly price them, personal security meeting men who want to present as women, etc.? Specifically regarding market size, which then eventually boils down to how much you could possibly make from this type of enterprise, you will probably need to market this service to the non-CD community, actually making it your target market with the CD side a smaller niche market to capitalize on when possible. You may get by with above average talents in makeup selection and application and consulting on styles, colors etc. with CD's, but dealing with the larger non-CD market will probably require that you be really good at what you do. People use the services of personal shoppers at places like Nordstrom because many times they are free with the consultant selecting and encouraging their clients to purchase from the store that they work for, i.e. Nordstrom's, which is logical in that Nordstrom's offers those services to encourage customers to purchase more from them with the increased sales hopefully more than compensating for the additional cost of the free service. If one has to pay for the services, as in your idea, then they will be looking for very good results, because your business will grow most probably from word of mouth versus mass marketing. Therefore, very good taste and special skills would be required to have a very high customer satisfaction rating to warrant a customer to recommend your services to others.

Another thing to consider is that you may start off doing well with the CD market, then may see you business start to fall off. That is because as one learns more how to do the things that you may offer, they realize that they do not need to pay for those services any longer, or may e at ,east not as often. Now I am not saying that this will not work, especially if their is a lot of hidden and unsatisfied need for such a service where you live. I am just saying that you need to look at all angles and possibilities both short and long term before you start investing more money and time and effort into it.

Here in San Francisco one of their popular CD support service businesses closed down after many years of serving our community because with rising costs and a diminishing client needs, their business became unprofitable. As more of us get out there and share our success stories in support groups and sites like this one, more of the closet dressers are encouraged to go out. The more they go out, the more courage they get to start moving away from "T" friendly businesses to more mainstream real world establishments, thus not really "needing" a service like yours. All food for thought for your future decisions. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Valery L]

Consider yourself hired honey. ;)

[pamela7]

cool plan Michelle, the place in bath, sophies is shutting down/relocating to plymouth, leave somewhere in somerset in need ...

[Lorileah]

so I am going to be the Debbie Downer here. Realize that most CDs dress in some sort of sexual fantasy manner. That means a lot who do contact you will want a little extra or will want you to direct them to that. You will encounter people who get sexually aroused just showing up where ever you set up. Cost will be an issue to many. Figure what you would be doing would require at minimum an hourly fee. Plus product, transportation. So how would you charge? Are you willing to have a CD follow you through a mall? You will be just as much on display as they are. So your target market will be smaller than I think you realize. Most makeover places are national destinations. And here in Denver there are at least two stores for makeovers and maybe two more wig stores that will cater to the T community. figure that is in a place that has 2.5 million people. Other metropolitan markets may have something similar already so you need to be unique. Full (legal) service? Picking up the customer at home or a hotel, working with a local hotel to get them business? After makeover outings? Selling product? Just things to consider. If you can work a trade with a local hotel where you get them customers to stay overnight maybe you could use the room for the makeover. You should scout out stores who would be happy to share with you as far as sales of clothing and wigs.

Maybe you can start a personal shopping service that isn't targeted at the T community and then branch out. At least it would give you a wider market base. But don't aim for the CD alone. What you see here is the tip of the iceberg. What is below the surface is the scary part

[Sarasometimes]

Sierra,
I had great success working with an image consultant with certification from this organization ( http://www.aici.org/ ). She charges $150 hr. for her time and is very busy in the NJ area. She charged me much less because she wanted to be able to know how to work with CD/TG clients and since she hadn't any experience and I was willing to be her model if you will. She does personal shopping, color analysis, closet cleanout/outfit making....I think it is difficult to live off of just the CD/TG client without being very expensive but if you do both. My consultant was The First Look in NJ, she has a website.

You can private message me if you want more details. Good Luck

[Sierra_juliette]

I like your ideas Annie! I am thinking on a much larger scale as you have described, locally of course I could actually help someone shop, but yes shopping and shipping items is good! I was thinking also like Skype type of consult for those who I cannot meet face to face.

I understand that this is a very targeted market, but it is also one that I am passionate about. Our society makes it so difficult for most men to be able to express themselves in this way. If I can make it easier, and make a little money at the same time, it would be awesome.

As for being lucrative, I am not looking for a way to get rich, luckily my husband makes good money so my goal is to be able to contribute to the household.

As for putting myself on display shopping with a CDer, well that is not an issue, I don't give a damn what anyone thinks of me or the way I live my life. :-)

I have considered the sexual aspects and would have to take that into consideration, luckily I was the baby of the family with big brothers so I can definitely take care of mself if needed.

Something to think about for sure! I am interested to hear other ideas and input.

I also agree with others cost is an issue, and I have seen other websites that charge outrageous amounts, that is not my goal, being helpful and affordable is my goal.

[NicoleScott]

The same types of challenges exist in helping us choose appropriate clothing, especially since the first inclination of most Cders is to go a bit over-the-top in this regard to address some of the fetishistic aspects of this activity that we all tend to fall victim to.

I don't disagree with this, but it raises a point. Not everybody's crossdressing objective is to pass/blend. There are some of us who like the over-the-top look and do it on purpose. Others go over-the-top unintentionally. Most of us didn't learn the art of good makeup and fashion like GG's growing up, and could use some help. Others like, as Jennifer said, "virtual costumes".
If I sought the assistance of a financial adviser and was not asked early on what my financial objectives were, I would probably drop that adviser like a Seahawks onsides kick. haha ...sorry GB fans. Likewise, to serve your potential customers best, ask what their transformation objectives are.
What I wanted most, at least early on, was a shopping companion - someone to direct attention away from me.

[Sierra_juliette]

Yes! I absolutely agree, I guess my wording was bad.

By body appropriate I meant proper fit etc, if over the top is the goal, awesome, blending or passing? Great! But I think having that person shopping with you or looking what fits right is important. Most people ask friends or family opinions on what looks good, unfortunately most CDers don't have that. So yes, a companion, someone to help find the right colors, cut etc for clothing, that is astronomically prices because it says it is made for CDers ( I hate that).

And of course the makeup aspect. I remember learning on my own, I was terrified to try different things and it took me 20 years of wearing it to learn what works, what doesn't and why. If I can share that with someone who wants to learn but not sit in a department store that would be very rewarding to me

[flatlander_48]

I have nothing against the concept, but...

Financial considerations aside, my ego wouldn't allow me to hire someone to help. It is, after all, part of the thrill of the hunt...

[Mark/Rebecca]

What a sweet girl

[Diane Smith]

I would love to have someone to go shopping with me and offer advice and would gladly pay for that service, at least a few times a year. I have a house to myself and don't need any help with storage (except building more closets, but I need a carpenter for that!), and I'm really pleased with the makeovers and lessons I can get at places like MAC and Merle Norman, although constructive criticism is always welcome in that area.

- Diane

[Brenda456]

I love the idea and the thought of but, but it may not be practical. There may not be enough people locally to support the business. Personally, I probably would not use it because it might cost me a dollar and I would worry about confidentiality. But that is just me. . . Maybe if you were in Vegas. . .

[Seana Summer]

I think Lorileah has some good points and all things to consider.

Most small business I have observed as successful startups have been started by folks who were very passionate about what they were doing, and worked many long hours for little pay, or even at a loss, to get it off the ground. If you love what you do, it makes it tolerable to make this investment in time and energy.

Still there is potential..........this might be the next big thing

[Dianne S]

One of my friends' partners has recently started TransMakover (http://www.transmakeover.com). I'm not sure yet how she's doing, but I know quite a few people who have used her services.

I suspect it'll be a rather tough business because I don't really see you having long-term customers. Once people feel comfortable shopping and know how to do makeup, I expect they'll do it on their own. I'm not saying it won't succeed, just that you should probably plan on a fairly long-term marketing budget and strategy.

If you plan on doing this as a real business rather than just a hobby or something to earn a bit of extra money, I think you should work out the basics of a business plan and do some market research (well, I guess that's what this question is!) And you'll need a web site; that's the cheapest way to reach lots of people.

And yes, if you can get in with a few transgender support groups, that'll help tremendously. That's how Lyne (owner of TransMakeover) got started and she's had a tremendous number of referrals. If you go for it, good luck! Owning your own business can be a ton of work, but it's tremendously fulfilling.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Sierra, That's not something that I need, as I do all of my own shopping.

[Jilmac]

If it would have been available many years ago when I started crossdressing, I would have jumped at the chance to have a mentor to help me with shopping, makeup, a place to dress safely and not be judged or looked down upon. I believe there are plenty of people now, like I was then, with many questions and no answers. If this is something you have a passion for, then I say do it as best you can and you will never go un-appreciated.

[justmetoo]

That kind of service probably would've been a great help to me "back in the day". Then again, even these days when I'm comfortable going out shopping and think I have a decent sense of style I could always use more help with makeup (so I usually take the opportunity for tips and makeovers whenever I go to a makeup counter) and with clothing. I have a good idea of which things I think look good on me and all, but it's always good to get a second opinion and additional thoughts, ideas and input (from someone who is independent from making a sale).
I think it might be a tough go, especially at first, building up a client-base, getting the word out, etc. But given your passion and kindness and all I think you could offer a great experience that could help lots of people.

Best wishes!

[Maria 60]

I would consider, but we would need a pretty high pile of bibles you would have to swear on that you didn't know I was a crossdresser. I believe if you ran a professional outfit, I would consider.

[Paula_Femme]

Hi Sierre

There's a service in the SoCal area, Femme Reflections (http://www.femmereflections.com/makeover-services/), which I'm thinking of using before I have some photos taken; it looks like "Ms Gloria" and Dianne's friend in Canada are offering the same kind of service you're thinking of.

For what it's worth I prefer the clean, minimalist look of the TransMakeover site, plus the fact she has posted a few testimonials; the whole look and feel of Reflections is a bit on the kitsch side for me, but I'm guessing Ms Gloria knows her market! :heehee:

Good luck!
Paula

[Sometimes Steffi]

I know some people who do it as their "day job" and others who do it to supplement their income.

See this site, for example:

http://makeoverswithelizabethtaylor.com/

I know "Beth". She is Mary Kay consultant, and has collected a bunch of clothes in various sizes for photos and lending out.

She just started this very recently.

Amanda Richards has been doing this for some time

http://www.truecolorsmakeup.com/TrueColorsMakeup/Home.html

as has Vanity

http://www.vanitytransformations.com/

I don't have any experience with Phoebe

http://phoebesgetaway.com/

But I've seen a lot of good reviews.

BTW, both Amanda and Vanity are GMs.

[MissTee]

A lot of good points here. I respond on the assumption you've already done your homework on the business aspects, and accept you are passionate about this idea. I would certainly appreciate the service you mention and would be interested in your advice.

[Hell on Heels]

Hell-o Sierra,
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned or considered, but why pigeonhole yourself,
open it up as a business that caters to all those that are in need of style and makeup help, and
advertise it somehow as specializing to the TG community, but GG's are also welcome.
Think about possible customer base. How about couples?
Best of luck, small business is hard work!
Much Love,
Kristyn

[grace7777]

Sierra,

A few years ago, I went to see a fem image consultant so I could learn to present and act more like a woman. Also I did go to a makeup artist for makeup lessons. Both times I was pleased with the services and felt the money was well spent. I know others like me who would be willing to pay someone who could improve their femme presentation. So, I do see the possibility you could develop what you want to do into a business. Not sure where you live, but being in a major market or an area that is a big tourist destination will definitely help.

One idea is to attend tgirl group meetings in your area. It will provide you an opportunity to let people who could be potential clients know of the services you can provide. I wish you the best of luck.

Grace

[kimdl93]

Yes, I would love to have a shopper and consultant. I'm getting better, but good advice can be invaluable. You might even want to consider doing this on line for a fee.

[Tracii G]

I think its a great idea.
Good luck I hope you do well.

[Julogden]

Unless you have a huge number of potential customers in your area, I wouldn't count on shopping help for "body appropriate" stuff being a dependable source of income, but some of the other services you mentioned might appeal to quite a few people. Storage space and/or makeup lessons would probably appeal to many if your prices are reasonable. But IMO, you would have to live near a fairly large city to make it work.

Here in Chicago, since back in the 1970's, I've seen a number of stores selling clothes, makeup, wigs, shoes etc. come and go that intended to cater primarily to CD's, and only one has succeeded versus at least 5 or 6 that failed, or else they had to start catering to females too, as the numbers of CD customers was just too low. Many CD's just shop in regular stores, especially nowadays when we're a lot more open and accepted in public than we were back in the days of my youth. :) :2c:

Carol

[Nancy Sue]

Victoria, a GG, at Over the Rainbow Transformations, in Portland, Oregon, provides a similar kind of service as you are talking about. So it can be done and it works for them (Victoria and her husband). In addition to make-overs and transformations, personal shopping, walking, voice and other training, they have a couple guest rooms (like a B&B) for girls. I suggest seeing her web page, and perhaps even talking to her. I was visiting her once when a a new TG from back east, in the area on business, was there.

[Aaron Zwidling]

I personally wouldn't need or be willing to pay for the services you are proposing, but I'm sure there some who would. A couple of suggestions would be:
1) Contact some of the people already providing a similar service such as the Victoria that Nancy Sue mentioned (make sure they are in a different city so they don't see you as competition) and if they are willing to talk to you for fifteen minutes ask them what works and doesn't work, which services make money and which don't, how they built their business etc. You can learn a lot in a very short period of time from someone who has been there and save yourself a lot of grief.
2) You may want to consider teaming up with a dressmaker as part of your services. Dresses especially often don't fit male bodies very well and need to be altered. If you find a dressmaker who will work with CDers you may be able to arrange some kind of finders fee for sending new business her way.

[Wendy me]

sounds cool and you just might do well with it ....tons of people havent a clue how to shop ... as for me i would not use it ... i love to shop and have no issues shopping or mixing it up at the sales ... lol with two wonderful grandaughters newborn and three years old they look perfit when grampa/grama shops for them.......

[amy101]

Sounds perfect go for it

[Stephanie Julianna]

I can not imagine that there is not a market for what you propose. There are already some woman who do makeovers and photo sessions but not everthing that you propose. And even if there are others doing this they are far and few between and I doubt that you couldn't build yourself a faithful clientele. Good luck with this. Sounds like a good idea.

[Emily CD]

Sounds like a wonderful idea especially for those of us that aren't able to "frequent" this lifestyle as often as we like. In other words practice makes perfect when referring to makeup and so forth.

I am definitely one of those CDs that would love to pass for the sole purpose of simply blending in within reason. My style of dress is not of the over-the-top variety but rather something more along the lines of Jennifer Aniston in a Friends episode. This would include a moderately form-fitting skirt just above the knee, suntan or coffee colored pantyhose, low heel or flat, and long sleeve high neck sweater style top. Nothing flashy yet still quite feminine. If you could help me achieve that I would be greatly appreciative!

[Aerotgirl]

Sierra Juliette,

I would LOVE if such a service existed and worked well. I am sure there would be plenty of girls who could really benefit from it. I always find it very educational when I go shopping with my wife and/or girlfriend. :) Would you shop with or without them? Or is this simply a internet business relationship?

I think I would be a difficult customer though. My tastes are so particular at times I believe it would be properly considered a "vision" of the look I am trying to create. But I have shared my vision and have done collaborative efforts and those have worked out well :)

Best of luck to you. I would love to see you succeed! :)


-Dani

[Aerotgirl]

This is a very separate thought about your business idea. And this is strictly a business consideration...

Let me assume that SOME of your customers would be like me... and that is, when I buy things, sometimes at the store, sometimes on line, I end up making a high rate of returning clothing for refunds or for other sizes.

This could get time consuming simply addressing the return rate. That said, if you had a limited number of stores you frequented on a regular basis, then you would not be making special trips just to return things.

Food for thought. :) Om nom nom nom nom...

-Dani

[Sierra_juliette]

I think that when I am able to put this into action it would be a combination of Internet and in person shopping and consultation.

My vision so to speak is to help in various ways, the main point bein to show CDers that there can be a safe place and not all of society are closed minded. As my hubby and I discuss the options we both agree that it would be a wide variety shopping with those who want to be dressed, those who prefer to go masculine, whatever the case maybe.

I am just in the beginning of thinking this through and am gathering feedback but would love to eventually make this happen. Our long term goals in life include a lot of travel and that would play a big part in being able to schedule people in various areas and help in areas that they need/want.

[Krisi]

Probably not. My wife helps me pick out clothes and I can store my stuff at home in the closet.

Before you settle of this as a career, consider how much you would have to charge to make a living and consider if people would be willing to pay that much. I think you'll find it's not a good business venture. Part time for extra money, perhaps but not enough to live on.