Brand Q&A: Co-Founders Hillary Settle + Dana Sullivan of Closetier
Closetier is an online clothing boutique that features affordable one-click outfits and the latest trends.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for Closetier?
A: We felt there was a void in the market for on-trend outfits and curated items that were also affordable. We met over ten years ago in college at the Fashion Institute in New York, and so we both know what it’s like to be on a budget but also wanting to rock the most current trends.
We liked the idea of subscription sites; that you could get pieces suited to your style to create an outfit. But we didn’t like that they were expensive, charged styling fees, or didn’t get to see your items before they shipped.
And so, the idea for Closetier was born! No styling fees, no subscriptions—just trendy outfits at an affordable price.
Q: You both work other jobs outside of Closetier (Hillary is a marketing director, Dana is a content writer). How do you balance it all?
A: It’s quite the balancing act at times! We also live in different states (GA and AZ), so it can be challenging to run a business while also managing our everyday lives. Going back to our college days, we’ve always worked well together. What it comes down to is communication and carving out dedicated time for our business. We talk pretty much every day, whether it’s texting, a phone call, a Zoom meeting—so that definitely helps!
Q: COVID-19 is having a devastating effect on many small businesses. How are you guys handling the economic uncertainty?
A: It’s been tough, and not just for us. It’s incredibly upsetting to restaurants and other local businesses suffer and struggle to stay afloat. For us, we’ve definitely had to put things on pause. We’re holding off on ordering spring/summer inventory and running a sale. We’re fortunate that, because we’re such a small business, we’ve been able to keep our operating costs relatively low. For now, we’re just trying to wait it out and hope for the best!
Q: On a more lighthearted note, tell us three things each we might not know about you.
Hillary:
Believe it or not, I met my husband on OKCupid—This was way before swiping on Tinder was a thing!
I introduced Dana to her husband, who also happens to be my cousin. We joke that she only married him so that she and I could be family.
I’ve worked at 3 lingerie companies in my career and so I basically have more underwear than clothes.
Dana:
I love staying active. My go-to workouts include yoga, running and (when there isn’t a pandemic going on) Orangetheory.
I have three fur babies: A chocolate lab named Ella and two cats named Bailey and Chopper.
My husband is a pilot in the Air Force so we move around a lot. Since we’ve been married, we’ve lived in Alabama, New Mexico and Arizona.
