This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Princeton chapter.
Sarah Victoria Gupta
Hometown: Chicago, IL
University and Class Year: Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising ’10
Career: I work full time as a buyer for a photographic backdrop company. I also run my business Urban Smooch.
What’s your past experience in retail?
I attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising for two years and it was an amazing experience. I learned so much about the industry. I learned the construction of garments, good quality fabrics versus poor quality, textile science, pattern making, and so much more! I also worked at Barneys New York as a sales associate. I have paid my fair share of working my butt off to get where I am today.
How supportive were your parents of your retail ventures?
My parents are quite possibly the best parents anyone could ever have. I don’t think I could say that enough! They are so supportive and push me to do even more with my business. My mom is beyond a marketing guru it’s completely insane. If it wasn’t for her I probably wouldn’t have ever pursued this business in the first place let alone be answering these questions! I am so lucky to have such amazing family and such an amazing support system. My sister in law is actually the main model on my homepage of my website!
Some of us dream of eventually opening a boutique but what led you to actually putting your plans into motion?
I have been obsessed with fashion and shopping since I was about 13 years old. I found it a struggle as I got older to find fashion forward, edgy, and trendy clothing for an efficient cost. I have tried many different business ventures and I have always been supported in doing so but as life may have it they did not work out. This was one that I always wanted to do, but was always scared to put it into motion. I have never been the ‘all talk and no action’ type of person. I officially put my plans into motion this past summer of 2012. I have taught myself along the way of how to add the products, organize the shoots, style the models, and of course manage the inventory. I am currently funding the entire business out of my own pocket and my own paycheck from my day job. I am 22 years old unmarried, no children, and nothing to lose so why not? I have always lived by the same philosophy that my mom taught me. “Dive into anything you are passionate about! If it doesn’t work out find a new outlet that you are passionate about and go for it again!”
Why is Urban Smooch the perfect place for collegiettes to shop?
Collegiettes should shop here because they won’t be breaking the bank! This is a great place to find fashion forward items all for under 50 dollars! They should also shop here because the business is run by someone who has been in their shoes. I know what it’s like to pull two all nighters in a row and work your butt off to get to that set goal and accomplish it!
What are your must-haves out of the Urban Smooch inventory?
I would say my must-haves would have to be any of the dresses. I love to wear dresses and a great pair of pumps. To be specific probably any of the peplum ones! I have a total obsession with peplum! All of my items are fabulous though so everything is truly a must have!
Which one of your dresses would you wear to a formal event?
I would probably go with the Olive Grey One Shoulder Dress. The dress is just classic, elegant, and sophisticated. Any of my dresses would be great for a formal event!
What are your plans for Urban Smooch in the future?
Urban Smooch has no ending point. My thoughts are expand, expand, and expand some more! I am planning to expand Urban Smooch into selling many different types of clothing. I am about to expand into plus size clothing in the next few months and by the end of 2013 I will also be doing mens! I am also am adding an accessories & jewelry section as well. I do plan on having a storefront some day, yes. I am shooting to open up a storefront location in 2014 hopefully the first location in San Diego where I live! Ideally by then I will have such a large following that I can expand to multiple locations similar to Francesca’s boutique! I have many goals and I am reaching them one goal at a time.
Are you interested in shopping at Urban Smooch? Use the code hercampusprinceton for 20% off of a purchase of $30 or more.