Today we we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Freedman.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Wendy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I opened the vintage store 38 years ago on third street in West Hollywood. At the time, there were established butcher’s and bakeries and very few retail stores. I was attracted to the area for the culture and timelessness of these classic stores and knew that a vintage store would be a perfect fit.
I grew up in Chicago with a mother that had an amazing sense of fashion, especially couture. My grandmother was also a huge inspiration and I treasured the days we would frequent estate sales and swap meets across the country. She always spotted such treasures and I was inspired by her eye for detail.The dichotomy between between my couture mother and my treasure hunting grandmother, helped me realize the disparity in the market for wearable vintage fashion in West Hollywood.
Following the success of the vintage store, I saw the potential for a modern store and knew that those who cherished vintage would also appreciate blending gorgeous pieces from innovative and local designers with the classic pieces from the past.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. I had both personal and business challenges. My oldest son was born with life-threatening medical issues and it was very difficult to manage his care while simultaneously raising my second son and running two stores. Needless to say, my hands were full!
After nearly 4 decades in business, I have survived recessions, divorce and two bouts with breast cancer. Through it all, the success of store kept me grateful and focused. I am now in remission and with my son’s grown and pursuing their own dreams, I am truly enjoying my businesses and now branching out to starting my own label.
Please tell us about your business.
After so many years in business, we are known for many facets of our brand. We have a big celebrity clientele and actresses know that they can stop-in and create an amazing outfit for any event. My staff and I personally curate both phenomenal classic and vintage pieces, for a decidedly Polkadots & Moonbeams look. We have also become a go to spot for costumers from shows such as THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL and TRANSPARENT to THIS IS US and MODERN FAMILY.
The fact that we have stayed in business on what has now become an iconic retail hotspot, is spectacular and each day when I come to the store, I am inspired by the new customers who discover us and the customers who have been loyal for decades.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I know that the key to our success is the personal attention we give our customers. We are grateful that they have been loyal for decades and they are confident in the direction we take them with their style. When customers leave our store, they feel beautiful from head to toe. We’re committed to helping every customer realize their most fabulous, glamorous and accidentally sexy selves.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8261 West Third street
Los Angeles CA 90048 - Website: polkadotsandmoonbeams
.com - Phone: 323 655-3880
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram:
polkadotsandmoonbeams - Facebook:
polkadotsandmoonbeams - Yelp: polkadotsandmoonbeams
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