Meet Andrea McCarter, Co-Owner at Clothes Mentor (clothesmentor.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – Clothes Mentor is a women’s resale boutique offering a range of sizes and styles for all women. We buy your gently used store brand to luxury designer clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, etc. and resell in our store and online.
How did you get started in the business? – My sister and I are co-owners. She was the merchant processing vendor for the franchise for seven years. There are 130 franchise locations around the country but none in Nebraska. We were both looking for more in our careers for ourselves and our families and believed it was fate that brought this franchise into our lives.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Taking constructive criticism that helps me grow and tuning out the advice that doesn’t/won’t help me reach my goals but instead is provided to benefit someone else. Trusting my gut and not losing my own identity.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’ve been lucky to have worked with smart business leaders in a wide range of companies. Choosing my path carefully over the past 20 years gave me the experience, knowledge and strength to jump into business ownership. I am grateful for every experience.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have a wonderful husband, Dustin, who allows me the space to take risks. We have two girls; Johanna is six and Stella is three. They love helping at our store.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I joined a networking group (CenterSphere) about two years ago. Our group of business owners and leaders meets every Thursday morning. I was there networking as an IT Recruiter, but along the way I learned so much from each of them. They gave me the courage and strength to start Clothes Mentor. I don’t think I would be here without each of them.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I’m passionate about my business so days off are hard to come by but I love just running errands with my girls, taking them to the park and simply spending precious time with them.
Who inspires you? – I am always in awe and inspired by other mom entrepreneurs who are doing it their way and putting in the hours both for their business and their family. It’s not for the faint of heart.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – The best piece of advice I’ve received is to focus on my own “Energy Budget.” I only have so many “energy points” to spend each day. Choosing myself over wasting energy on low priorities allows me to be a better team member, wife and mom.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – No Ego by Cy Wakeman was a game changer for me.
What is your favorite TV show? – Schitt’s Creek. It just makes me happy – the show has a great message, and it allows me to take a break from everything happening in real life and be immersed into their hilarious world.
What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – Timber in Countryside Village is hands down my go-to night out restaurant.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – amccarter@omahacm.com.