Case Study: Threads of Habit

When she’s not working her full-time job or taking care of her two kids, you can often find Halima Garrett on the hunt throughout the tri-state area, searching for vibrant vintage pieces to bring back to life for her shop. In this seller case study, we asked Halima for her candid thoughts on what inspired her entrepreneurial journey, along with some of the unique challenges, learnings, and opportunities that come with running a creative business built from the ground up. Read on to learn more about her experience.

Name: Halima Garrett
Shop name: Threads of Habit
On Etsy since: 2015
Based in: Jersey City, New Jersey

When did you start your Etsy shop and why?

I first spent time on Etsy as a buyer, back in college. I was a frequent admirer of vintage clothing on the site, and every once in a while would treat myself to a special piece. Once I started thrifting on my own more heavily and finding cool vintage items in person, I decided to start my own shop.

The official inspiration happened one day when I was browsing Etsy and saw a beautiful purple and pink Leslie Faye vintage dress. I’d tried the same dress on a few weeks prior at a thrift store, but didn't like it for myself and put it back. I noticed that the seller was based in the same city as me and realized that was very likely the same dress I had tried on! I remembered the price of it at the thrift store and was struck by the potential profit margin, not to mention how much of an outlet it’s been for me—the hunt for these gems became a habit, which inspired the name of my business, Threads of Habit.

The Challenge

It can be challenging to wear all the hats as a creative business owner. I love to hunt for vintage and the design aspect of upcycling, but I don't have a business mind whatsoever. As a creative, the mundane tasks tend to get neglected. A major part of business is marketing, which I feel I'm slowly grasping, but my longer-term goal is to have a team that excels in the areas where I might be lacking.

Another challenge is maintaining harmony between working a full-time job, being a mom to two kids, and my dreams of having a smoothly running successful business. As you can imagine, finding the balance can be tough. I'm constantly learning how to prioritize what's really important and pouring myself into it, so that I still have the capacity to be present for everything!

The Solution

Be responsive, but realistic.

For me, providing excellent customer service starts with responding to any questions or concerns new or repeat customers might have. I like to answer messages quickly, and if need be, I will be transparent about when I can give you an answer about something.

For example, if I'm at my day job and someone is asking for measurements, I'm honest and will say I can have the info you need later tonight. People need to know that it's a real person running this shop, not a giant corporation.

Strive for quick shipping.

On a similar note, I understand that people are used to getting items they order online ASAP, so I like to send my items out within a day or two. As an Etsy vintage enthusiast myself, there's nothing more exciting than receiving a package quickly!

The Impact

Running this creative business is my passion, which makes staying consistent easier. My best advice to other sellers would be to stay focused, grateful, and open to learning.

I'll always remember the girl who wore one of my items to prom. It was a big moment for both of us, since prom is such an important day! She was so excited to find the dress in my shop, and once it arrived, it fit her like a glove. I believe she was one of the first people to send me a picture of her wearing the item she’d purchased. I was thrilled to receive the photo; she looked so beautiful and happy, exactly how I want my customers to feel!

Shop the Threads of Habit collection