Meet Holly Morris | Owner, Clothes Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Morris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work life balance has changed considerably since I started my own business. When I was working a traditional corporate job, the majority of the work I did was during normal business hours, mostly from an office. I would go into work, do my job for the day and go home. I didn’t do much work after I left my office and was able to leave work at work. I occasionally had an emergency come up or had to answer a call or email outside of the office, but it was minimal.

Now, as a business owner, I could work 24/7, and sometimes I feel like I do! As a morning person, I get up in the morning and do admin tasks from my home office for a few hours. This could be running reports, doing payroll, paying bills, creating the weekly schedule for my staff, etc. Then, once the store opens for the day, I spend a few hours there making sure everyone has everything they need, interacting with customers, filling in for employees who are late or have called out, etc. It is nonstop! However, I do try very hard to give myself personal time and try my best to take days off, and not overdo it. I have a great staff and I know when I am not at the store, it is in good hands.

As far as how I think about the balance, I think it is really important. I am no good to my business or anyone else, if I am miserable, exhausted and/or sick. Self care, spending time with friends and family, exercising and doing things I love only make me a happier, healthier person and better able to care for my staff and customers. My business won’t succeed if I am miserable, because my team and the people who come to my store will see and feel that.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Clothes Mentor buys and sells gently used women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, handbags and jewelry. We pay women cash for the clothes that are already in their closet and sell them for up to 70% off retail prices. Clothes Mentor is a great place to find fresh, modern styles in designer apparel and accessories at affordable prices. By shopping at Clothes Mentor, you can help to reduce waste and support sustainable fashion, while still enjoying stylish and fashionable clothing.

I am most proud of the fact that despite the Covid pandemic starting 2 weeks after we opened, we were able to stay open and make it through. It has been a tough few years, but we are finally starting to see some progress and are continuing to grow and make strides in our success. We were able to make it through the tough times by staying true to our brand and offering great merchandise at great prices!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If and when my best friend comes to visit, my top destination is Hollywood Beach. Obviously, one of the main reasons people come to South Florida is to go to the beach, and Hollywood is my favorite. The Broadwalk is always my first stop with guests. To me, it’s very “old Florida” with the mom and pop restaurants, the ice cream shops, the souvenir shops and hotels. Being able to just walk along the broadwalk, people watch, eat good food and take in that beautiful view is an unforgettable experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think my family has been the biggest factor in the success of my business. I wouldn’t be here without their support and help through this whole process. They are my biggest support system and have been there for me in every way over the past couple years. Obviously, the community of Plantation and our wonderful customers who come to the store everyday are the number 1 reason we are still here!

Website: plantationfl.clothesmentor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clothesmentorplantation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClothesMentor