In Conversation with Eva Dayton
Tell us about your background:
My name is Eva Dayton. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Have always worked in clothing, fashion and styling. Ever since I can remember, I was shopping second hand and looking for cool shit – I’m obsessed with it! Moved to NYC about 30 years ago but left twice and lived in CA both times but always came back to NYC. It’s home now and I love it! Worked for Ralph Lauren, the gap, Urban Outfitters and Giorgio Armani. Working for Mr. Armani really gave me the push to open my own business. I was his visual merchandiser for NYC and a few stores in Canada. Then after a while I really wanted to start my own thing, and so I went freelance for him while I was opening my own business in Brooklyn and that started in 1999 – I have weathered many NYC storms and still working non-stop to build what I'm building. Consignment Brooklyn is a Luxury Consignment store and people travel from all over the world to visit my store – it has creative energy and the best of best second hand, also offering amazing customer service. Love my little slice of the Brooklyn pie!
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
How hard it was to run a small business and all the joy, challenges, laughter, lessons learning daily and of course work ethic. I’m a worker so the "work" part comes easy to me - I love that I get to keep learning from my staff, consignors and clients. Once you stop learning, you might as well call it a day!
Best career advice you've ever received?
Be patient and listen. Get involved with your business, don't sit on the side lines. Do not ever think you're the smartest one in the room. Because you're not!
What leadership qualities are important to you?
I always want to be fair with my team. Making sure my team respects me, understands why I do the things I do in my business. As a leader, you need help, so it’s important to have a strong team with you on the ride. It takes me a long time to hire, because I want to make sure they are the right fit in many areas of my business.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Actually taking a day off! As a small business owner, there is never a day off! Even when you're "not working" you're working! And retail is like riding a roller coaster – the ups and downs are wild! Buckle up is what I say ...! HAHAHA
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
What I wear most are jeans, boots and jackets. My jewelry is what makes my wardrobe fun and playful! When it comes to style, I love a ruffle top, but I mix it with jeans and high boots.
Website: https://www.consignmentbrooklyn.com/
Instagram: @consignmentbrooklyn.com
