Conversations with Tyrica Russell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyrica Russell.

Hi Tyrica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My vision came from my childhood. I stayed on punishment, so I was always confined to my room, and the only thing I had access to was cable TV. Luckily for me, that’s where my creativity was birthed. I was obsessed with Nic At Night, so I watched re-runs of all the famous 70’s shows. My favorite shows were “Three’s Company” by Suzanne Summers and Joyce Dewitt. They were Fashion Icons to me, lol then I would watch “The Brady Bunch’s” Jan Brady and “Good Times” for Thelma’s Lovely fashions. I took my love for retro fashions as a child and Birthed “Vintage Loyalty” The journey was far from easy. However, before opening my boutique, I trained with Fashion Pattern Maker Joey Johannson, who once was the Head Pattern Maker for Betsy Johnson—often going to New York with just a $25 roundtrip bus ticket and a suitcase full of designs in the dead of winter. I soon begin designing my clothes and selling them in 2 LA boutiques. But that wasn’t enough for me. Soon I would want my boutique—French Vintage Decor with a splash of Betsy’s Johnsons Pop Style. It filled with Flirty Girly looks but also Trendy for your most fly-around-the-way, girl 🙂

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? HA!! No such thing, lol. When I first signed my lease, I had no money to renovate my store or buy inventory. I didn’t have a penny to my name. For 3 months, I just had a storefront with nothing in it. This was something that was prophesied to me in church 3 years prior. So I just kind of relied on Faith. In that 3rd month, I got a phone call from a women’s grant I had applied for after being rejected for every business loan offered to Minorities. This grant was ultimately what I would use as start-up Capital.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I sell clothes that make females feel beautiful, not just beautiful but different. I want them to step out and feel Unique, not just like another girl in the room. I’m known for not having the typical trendy pieces. I’m most proud of being the Owner and Buyer, But what sets me apart is that I can design and produce my clothes by sketching.

Any big plans?
I plan to expand. I want to go Global.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vintageloyaltyboutique.com