I Interviewed entrepreneur, owner of Shop eDropOff and VH1 'House of Consignment' star Corri McFadden for Teen Diaries, Check it out.
Corri Mcfadden graduated from college with just 36 dollars in her pocket and made something from nothing. Rather than following the footsteps of her fellow classmates, the Kansas City native took a different route and created a business plan instead of a runway collection. With hard work, dedication and what can only be described as an unmatched passion, she turned her dream into a successful business. Her Chicago based company has serviced many happy customers and caught the eye of VH1, which resulted in the hit reality television show, House of Consignment. Her business eDrop-Off, is the go-to luxury consignment store in the nation and a “Titanium Power Seller” on eBay. Mcfadden’s story is one of courage, fearlessness and inspiration. One that needs to be shared and shown. You can’t stop a woman with a plan and that is for sure.
When and how did you become familiar with consignment shopping?
Corri: I actually started eDrop-Off in 2004 and I created the business plan for my graduation portfolio project. I went to school and got my Bachelors in fashion design and when graduation approached, instead of creating my traditional collection to walk down the runway I decided to build a business plan. At the time, EBay stores were very popular and I thought it was a good model to base my business off and leverage. I wanted to basically redefine consignment because consignment has always been a business that was very popular. It’s just that during the time that I started eDrop-Off, it had not been online. People weren’t used to shopping for designer items online. So, I wanted to create a platform.
Did you ever envision yourself where you are today as far as your career goes?
Corri: Yes. I didn't know exactly how large the business would become but I've been an entrepreneur my whole life and I always knew that I had big things ahead of me. I have a very, very strong work ethic. I knew I would have a level of success, I just didn't know how large it would be. I’m definitely blessed and very grateful for everyday that I’m given because I have a very fun life. I work very hard but it’s amazing.
What is something interesting you've learned since starting your business?
Corri: I learn something every day. I think when you have your own business and you aren't learning every day, you’re doing something wrong. No days are the same and one thing that I've learned is how important positivity is. To lift those up around you and to build a strong network around you. You really want to surround yourself with people that are healthy and with people that can help you and you can help them. That’s really the core of building a strong business. There are so many people as you become successful that will try to take you down and they will just push negativity towards you. You have to learn how to balance that and really embrace those haters and turn them into fans.
Over the years, what has driven you to continue on with E drop-off?
Corri: It’s my passion. You know, this is a business that I love. I love my staff that works for me and I love the industry. When you’ve got something that’s so innovative and exciting you want to see what the next phase is going to bring. It’s just my passion and if you don’t have passion for your career, it won’t take you far. It will sizzle quickly. I always tell people to follow your passion, don’t follow the money. That all comes naturally.
When and how did you become familiar with consignment shopping?
Corri: I actually started eDrop-Off in 2004 and I created the business plan for my graduation portfolio project. I went to school and got my Bachelors in fashion design and when graduation approached, instead of creating my traditional collection to walk down the runway I decided to build a business plan. At the time, EBay stores were very popular and I thought it was a good model to base my business off and leverage. I wanted to basically redefine consignment because consignment has always been a business that was very popular. It’s just that during the time that I started eDrop-Off, it had not been online. People weren’t used to shopping for designer items online. So, I wanted to create a platform.
Did you ever envision yourself where you are today as far as your career goes?
Corri: Yes. I didn't know exactly how large the business would become but I've been an entrepreneur my whole life and I always knew that I had big things ahead of me. I have a very, very strong work ethic. I knew I would have a level of success, I just didn't know how large it would be. I’m definitely blessed and very grateful for everyday that I’m given because I have a very fun life. I work very hard but it’s amazing.
What is something interesting you've learned since starting your business?
Corri: I learn something every day. I think when you have your own business and you aren't learning every day, you’re doing something wrong. No days are the same and one thing that I've learned is how important positivity is. To lift those up around you and to build a strong network around you. You really want to surround yourself with people that are healthy and with people that can help you and you can help them. That’s really the core of building a strong business. There are so many people as you become successful that will try to take you down and they will just push negativity towards you. You have to learn how to balance that and really embrace those haters and turn them into fans.
Over the years, what has driven you to continue on with E drop-off?
Corri: It’s my passion. You know, this is a business that I love. I love my staff that works for me and I love the industry. When you’ve got something that’s so innovative and exciting you want to see what the next phase is going to bring. It’s just my passion and if you don’t have passion for your career, it won’t take you far. It will sizzle quickly. I always tell people to follow your passion, don’t follow the money. That all comes naturally.
So, what inspires you?
Corri: Having a strong group around me. Seeing those that are successful in other industries and my industry, it’s seeing people that have made it from nothing and are trying to make it. That’s what pushes me as well as competition. It’s healthy and that inspires you to be the best that you can be and be innovative in ways that haven’t been put out there.
You have a great sense of style. Tell me about some of your favorite designers.
Corri: I love my closet and I love getting dressed every day. I’m a woman that really dresses for what I love. For example, I was named one of the best dressed in Chicago and at the event I had on a Chanel black leather full length skirt with a Topshop shirt. So, I’m one that really mixes and matches. I love Alexander Wang, I love Proenza Schouler and love Chanel of course. I also like Zara and Topshop and Target has been putting out some really great pieces. It’s really about learning your personal style and dressing for your body.
Would you say that pink lipstick is your signature? Because I’ve noticed that you wear it very often.
Corri: Funny, it became my signature. The color is called ‘pop’ but Kryolan is the brand and it’s the best lip stain ever. Literally, you put it on in the morning and you can touch it up with Chap Stick midday and it stays the whole day. While we were filming House of Consignment I wanted to wear a lip color that stayed. That lip color stayed really well then it just stuck with the show and it became a signature lip color! I never thought I’d have a signature lip color.
What was it like filming House of Consignment?
Corri: Crazy. Its hard work and long, long days. We filmed for 16 weeks, we filmed from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed but it was awesome. I took the project on because I’m very comfortable in who I am and I’m comfortable in the business that I’ve built. I really wanted to serve as a role model.
What are some inspirational words or advice you’d give to women, young and old?
Corri: Failure is never an option. That’s something that I live by daily. If you’re doing something as a passion, failure is never an option. If you’re failing it means you’re doing something right, that’s just part of the process. No problem should ever be bigger than you are. Don’t run from it, face it head on and move on. If you apply from where you failed and you learn from that it is a lesson that you will never have to live through again.
To shop at eDrop-Off and stay up to date with everything Corri McFadden, visit shopedropoff.com and corrimcfadden.com! Also, follow @CorriMcFadden on twitter!
