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Clothes Mentor Franchisee Has Message for Women

In a great spot with Christine Ilvedson, who owns the Clothes Mentor in Fargo, North Dakota, she talks to women about being business owners –  and tells them they too can be successful entrepreneurs. And, with Clothes Mentor, you’re offered superior training and support in starting your own business in the very popular women’s resale business. Clothes Mentor stores continue to be welcomed into each community throughout the country…and this has success written all over it for a new business owner! Source: kvrr.com
 
screenshot of video from Fargo-Moorhead news station featuring Clothes Mentor
 

FARGO, N.D. – One-local business owner is showing women that they can be successful entrepreneurs.

Christine Ilvedson owns and operates Clothes Mentor, a woman’s resale clothing store.

The store pays local women for recycling their clothing and accessories, and has put up to $2 million dollars back in the pockets of customers.

Ilvedson has become a local pioneer in the growing resale industry in Fargo, and says she simply went for where she saw a need.

“And you know, I kind of just wanted to do something on my own, and like I said I saw a need for it in the community this opportunity presented itself and I went for it. It was a little scary in the beginning but you know it’s been five and a half years now,” says Ilvedson.

She also says connecting with customers was key in her store’s continued success.

“I’ve gotten to know the girls quite will, and have development some personal relationships with them so that’s really great that they are about the customers that much, and care about what’s going on with me and my life and put that forth in everyone that comes in,” says customer Bri Clemenson.

Statistics show that businesses owned by women make up 30 percent of all businesses in the country.

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Michelle Vaudrin

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Michelle Vaudrin is the Senior Director of Operations for  Children’s Orchard and Clothes Mentor. Before joining Children’s Orchard in 2016, she worked in leadership roles for Burlington, American Eagle, and Macy’s.

Michelle attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Retail Merchandising and Business Administration degree. She brings an extensive background in training in strategies, merchandising, customer service, and multi-unit store operations to the team.

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Jenny Mann is the Vice President of Operations for Clothes Mentor and Children’s Orchard. In January of 2020, Jenny also took on the role of Executive Director of IT, overseeing BST, our Point of Sale system, and the e-commerce platforms for both brands. Prior to this, Jenny was the Director of Marketing for NTY Franchise Company since January 2013. Jenny started with the NTY Franchise Company in 2008 with Clothes Mentor and has held many roles, including; Store Manager, New Store Opener, and Regional Operations Manager. Before joining NTY Franchise Company, Jenny worked for Old Navy (Gap, Inc.) and Target in management roles.

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Ashley Huebner oversees Children’s Orchard’s marketing and advertising efforts to drive sales, build brand awareness, and lead the planning on how to market the brand effectively. She leads creative initiatives by driving the brands’ vision in aesthetics, tone, and trends to elevate our brand position as a leader in the resale category.

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