Sari Bibliowicz, Co-Founder of Bib+Tuck talks to Ethical Fashion Academy on a new sustainable trend: recycling your closet.
What is Bib + Tuck's story and what does it mean to you?
Sari and I were living with 3 other friends in the same building in NYC. With no closet space to spare and with the economy taking a nosedive, we started sharing clothes. It was like shopping without spending, and we thought ‘this is genius', let’s make it a thing.
Our vision has always been to transform the way you perceive your closet. It’s become really easy to shop online but selling is still a hassle. The bigger vision is micro logistics - the idea that with a little bit of help, our closets can each become tiny distribution centers.
You are both Co-Founders, who does what?
We have very clear and defined roles -- to put it simply, Sari A handles Operations and I'm in charge of Marketing.
What has been the biggest challenge?
In the beginning it’s really easy to doubt yourself. You just have to get your hands really dirty. Entrepreneurship is glorified in many ways-- you have to know what you’re getting yourself into. It’s not well documented what the process is like. To this day, there’s a lot of stuff that you have to deal with. At the beginning, you’re wearing two or three different hats. If you work in a startup company you have to be comfortable with the risk. If you’re not comfortable with the risk, then you won’t succeed, Fear is going to overcome you.
You just launched your cash out feature, very exciting addition. What's next? How do you see Bib + Tuck 5 years from now?
Yes! It's been such a great addition to the site, in the last 2 weeks we've seen a 200% increase in listings. We've actually released a hillarious video series to launch the cash out. Watch it here. I can't tell you where we'll be in 5 years (although I'd love to know!), but I can tell you we are simply trying to change the way people shop second-hand by adding creativity and fun to the mix!
What is Bib + Tuck's story and what does it mean to you?
Sari and I were living with 3 other friends in the same building in NYC. With no closet space to spare and with the economy taking a nosedive, we started sharing clothes. It was like shopping without spending, and we thought ‘this is genius', let’s make it a thing.
Our vision has always been to transform the way you perceive your closet. It’s become really easy to shop online but selling is still a hassle. The bigger vision is micro logistics - the idea that with a little bit of help, our closets can each become tiny distribution centers.
You are both Co-Founders, who does what?
We have very clear and defined roles -- to put it simply, Sari A handles Operations and I'm in charge of Marketing.
What has been the biggest challenge?
In the beginning it’s really easy to doubt yourself. You just have to get your hands really dirty. Entrepreneurship is glorified in many ways-- you have to know what you’re getting yourself into. It’s not well documented what the process is like. To this day, there’s a lot of stuff that you have to deal with. At the beginning, you’re wearing two or three different hats. If you work in a startup company you have to be comfortable with the risk. If you’re not comfortable with the risk, then you won’t succeed, Fear is going to overcome you.
You just launched your cash out feature, very exciting addition. What's next? How do you see Bib + Tuck 5 years from now?
Yes! It's been such a great addition to the site, in the last 2 weeks we've seen a 200% increase in listings. We've actually released a hillarious video series to launch the cash out. Watch it here. I can't tell you where we'll be in 5 years (although I'd love to know!), but I can tell you we are simply trying to change the way people shop second-hand by adding creativity and fun to the mix!
We look at things very differently, so her perspective is always very inspiring and interesting. It never gets dull or boring here, and I have her thank for that!
What inspires you?
I know this sounds super cheesy, but I'd have to say Sari Azout. We look at things very differently, so her perspective is always very inspiring and interesting. It never gets dull or boring here, and I have her to thank for that!
Has the fashion landscape changed? What kinds of trends are you seeing in the industry?
Definitely! I think consumers are getting smarter - they know what they want and can't be easily fooled, which changes the way brands have to think about their product and attracting consumers. It's important to be transparent, attainable, and inspirational so that people can connect to you as a brand. Marketing the "old fashion" way won't fly anymore, innovation and creativity is critical right now.
How would you describe your styles?
Sari A dresses like she was born in a strawberry field in the 70's. You'll find her in bell bottoms, a floral top, platforms, and tons of accessories.
I'm a lot more urban NYC I would say. You'll usually find me in black ripped jeans, a gray tshirt, nike sneakers, a floor length cardigan, and dainty simple jewelry.
What words of advice would you give for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Never give up. We all have our moments of doubt and ups & downs, but if you keep pushing through and keep your head up high, you will surprise yourself by the things you've accomplished that you never thought you were capable of.
You both must be extremely busy, what keeps you grounded?
Personally, spending time with the people I love and doing yoga at my neighborhood studio :)
Well, what are you waiting for? Go Bib + Tuck and thank us later ;)
XO -Dominica
I know this sounds super cheesy, but I'd have to say Sari Azout. We look at things very differently, so her perspective is always very inspiring and interesting. It never gets dull or boring here, and I have her to thank for that!
Has the fashion landscape changed? What kinds of trends are you seeing in the industry?
Definitely! I think consumers are getting smarter - they know what they want and can't be easily fooled, which changes the way brands have to think about their product and attracting consumers. It's important to be transparent, attainable, and inspirational so that people can connect to you as a brand. Marketing the "old fashion" way won't fly anymore, innovation and creativity is critical right now.
How would you describe your styles?
Sari A dresses like she was born in a strawberry field in the 70's. You'll find her in bell bottoms, a floral top, platforms, and tons of accessories.
I'm a lot more urban NYC I would say. You'll usually find me in black ripped jeans, a gray tshirt, nike sneakers, a floor length cardigan, and dainty simple jewelry.
What words of advice would you give for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Never give up. We all have our moments of doubt and ups & downs, but if you keep pushing through and keep your head up high, you will surprise yourself by the things you've accomplished that you never thought you were capable of.
You both must be extremely busy, what keeps you grounded?
Personally, spending time with the people I love and doing yoga at my neighborhood studio :)
Well, what are you waiting for? Go Bib + Tuck and thank us later ;)
XO -Dominica
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