Hi Khriston, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Sure! Hi everyone, I’m Khriston Hawkins, but most people call me Khriston J. I’m a New Orleanian that found myself in love with the allure of Los Angeles. So shortly after receiving a bachelor’s degree in PR from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, I packed my bags and headed to the City of Angels.

In the summer of 2012 I began working in Fashion PR as an intern. This was such an inspiring time, because I was exposed to several elite fashion PR firms that collaborated with clients like Hugo Boss, Good American, Lanvin, Charlotte Olympia, and Elie Saab. After two years of being a dedicated intern, my hard work was rewarded. I was hired as a Showroom Coordinator, which ultimately led to a position as an Account Executive.

In my role as an Account Executive, I learned so much about the fashion industry, including sample sales. The first sample sale I attended was for Good American. I was overtaken by excitement that this was real. That day I purchased bodysuits, denim, and statement pieces that were 70% off retail. This was a win!

While shopping the weeklong sale, I noticed that the best items were sold swiftly. A pro-tip I’ve learned about shopping sample sales is that the first three days are the best days to shop. Following the sale, for several weeks I was asked by friends, coworkers, and total strangers how I gained these designer goods at a fraction of the cost. Too happy to show off the discount I received on my new items, I posted it on my social media accounts.   Realizing that most people’s schedules don’t allow them to frequent sample sales, I decided to bring sample sales to them. With that idea in mind, Sample Sale Girl LA was born.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Gaining customers’ trust online has proven to be the hardest challenge. It’s almost comparable to a dating app. Here I am trying to convince clients that I’m the perfect fashion partner for them and that they should “swipe right” so to speak. Prior to starting a business, I thrived as a social butterfly. However, Sample Sale Girl LA means I have to connect with others in the space they are most comfortable. So I’ve made sure my practices and guidelines prove to my clients that SSGLA is a safe space for their online fashion needs.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about SamplesalegirlLA?
SSGLA is the new sustainable way to shop. Long gone are the days you have to reside in Los Angeles or NYC to access these once-a-year major discounts. We shop for you. On our website it’s free to become a member and begin having remote entry into the top designer sample sales. We are privy to early previews and VIP access into the largest sample sales Los Angeles has to offer. Sit back and let us shop for you!

Services we offer: Sample Sale Shopping, Personal shopping & sourcing, Styling, and Closet Revamps (both in-person & virtually).

HOW TO SHOP:

STEP 1:

To view the complete inventory of the sample sale, check out our Instagram stories every day. Please reply to the relevant story if you are interested in the availability or sizing of a particular item. You will receive a link to schedule a free 30-minute appointment using our calendar at calendly.com/samplesalegirlLA  once the item is verified to be in stock.

STEP 2: 

Once your order is finalized through your calendly appointment, we will send an invoice to the email or phone number on file. Every order is subject to a Shopper’s Fee.

PRICING
For orders under $100, we apply a 45% shoppers’ fee per order.
For orders over $100, a 40% shoppers fee per order.
This excludes shipping and handling!

STEP 3:

You will have 30 minutes to pay your invoice before it is subject to cancellation.**We are not able to hold items.** Once your order is confirmed paid you will be sent a confirmation email along with tracking and shipment information.

Thank you for trusting us to shop for you!

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My devoted clients, friends, and family deserve praise! I have been afforded the best encouragement and support from my private network. Opening a business requires a lot of courage, faith and tenacity. I have benefited from God and their assistance.