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.
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 !
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I used to have a short attention spa
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.
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
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.
Last edited by Amy Fakley; 01-21-2015 at 02:01 PM. Reason: spelling
"Why shouldn't art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world." -Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Do an online search. You may be able to advertise in publications that deal in CDing issues.
Second star to the right and straight on till morning
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.....
....Mykell
i dressed like a girl and i liked it!crossdressing...theirs an app for that
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.
I don't wear women's clothes, I wear MY clothes !
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!
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
I enjoy being a boy, being a GIRL like me!!!
I'm sure you'll find many who will appreciate that service!
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.
U can't keep doing the same things over and over and expect to enjoy life to the max. When u try new things, even if they r out of your comfort zone, u may experience new excitement and growth that u never expected.
Challenge yourself and pursue your passions! When your life clock runs out, you'll have few or NO REGRETS!
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.
Erica
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.
Consider yourself hired honey.
cool plan Michelle, the place in bath, sophies is shutting down/relocating to plymouth, leave somewhere in somerset in need ...
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
The earth is the mother of all people and all people should have equal rights upon it.
Chief Joseph
Nez Perce
“Love isn't a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.” - Fred Rogers,
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
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