Phoenix, A Young Entrepreneur’s Journey in Secondhand Fashion

The Arizona sun beat down on Changing Rivers Ranch, turning the sprawling North Phoenix property into a scene straight out of a Pinterest board. Beneath a canopy of twinkling lights strung across ancient mesquite trees, brides-to-be sipped iced lattes between bites of miniature quiches. This boho-chic bridal fair and picnic was buzzing with excited chatter, the promise of happily ever after hanging in the air as thick as the scent of desert wildflowers. But Taylor Nesiah Jenkins – “Nessie” to her friends – wasn’t there to catch the bouquet. She was there to catch a dream.

At twenty-four, Nessie is the definition of a Gen Z hustler. The owner of Haus of Vestige, a carefully curated secondhand formalwear boutique, she’s betting big on the idea that Phoenix brides are ready to say “yes” to sustainable style. With racks of sequin gowns and vintage lace dresses, Nessie is determined to carve out her own space in the Valley of the Sun’s competitive wedding industry. But her journey, much like the vintage garments she lovingly sources, is already woven with a unique tapestry of challenges and triumphs. This is a story about second chances, both for pre-loved dresses and for a young Black entrepreneur determined to rewrite her own narrative.

A New Business Landscape

Nessie isn’t alone in her entrepreneurial pursuits. Across the country, a record-breaking number of individuals are ditching the nine-to-five grind and setting out on their own. This surge, initially fueled by the uncertainties of the pandemic, shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the spirit of innovation seems to have taken root, inspiring a new generation to take control of their destinies.

Navigating the world of startups is no walk in the park, and Nessie, like millions of others, is learning that firsthand. From registering her business to building a website and marketing her brand, she’s embracing the multifaceted life of a business owner. Her secret weapon? A knack for sniffing out gorgeous secondhand formalwear at prices that won’t break the bank. She scours online platforms, attends estate sales, and even accepts donations, carefully curating a collection that’s both on-trend and kind to the planet.

Jenkins’ Story: Seeking Stability and Fulfillment

Nessie’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line – and it definitely wasn’t paved with rose gold sequins. Originally from the Bay Area, she made the move to Arizona seeking, of all things, affordability. Like many in her generation, she found herself priced out of her hometown, the dream of California sunshine overshadowed by the harsh realities of the housing market.

“I was like, ‘Girl, you can’t even afford to breathe here, let alone thrive,’” Nessie laughs, her voice tinged with the slightest hint of Bay Area slang. “Arizona felt like a fresh start, a place where I could actually make my dreams a reality without having to live off ramen noodles.”

But a change of scenery didn’t magically lead her to her calling. Nessie’s resume reads like a Gen Z sampler platter of job experiences: barista, freelance writer, virtual assistant, you name it, she’s probably done it. While each gig came with its own set of skills and (sometimes hilarious) anecdotes, none of them quite scratched that entrepreneurial itch.

The Realities of Black Female Entrepreneurship

For Nessie, the decision to start her own business wasn’t just about chasing a passion—it was also about reclaiming her narrative. As a Black woman navigating a world often designed with others in mind, she’d encountered her fair share of workplace microaggressions and biases. “It’s like you’re constantly code-switching, trying to fit into this mold that wasn’t made for you,” she explains, her usual bubbly demeanor momentarily replaced by a thoughtful frown. “And even when you do everything right, there’s this invisible barrier you can never seem to break.”

Entrepreneurship, for Nessie and countless other Black women, offers a path to sidestep those barriers and build something on their own terms. But that doesn’t mean the road is paved with glitter and good vibes. Systemic racism, lack of access to capital, and even unconscious bias from investors all present significant hurdles. Nessie is quick to point out that while representation matters, it’s not enough. “We need more than just Black faces in high places,” she asserts. “We need real, tangible support. We need funding, mentorship, and access to the same opportunities as everyone else.”

The Growth of Black-Owned Businesses

Despite these challenges, the number of Black-owned businesses has skyrocketed in recent years. According to a study by the University of California, Santa Cruz, Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. This entrepreneurial spirit, often born out of necessity and fueled by a desire for economic empowerment, is changing the face of American business. From tech startups to beauty brands and everything in between, Black entrepreneurs are making their mark and redefining what success looks like.

But behind the inspiring headlines and social media feeds lies a sobering reality: Black-owned businesses still face a disproportionately high failure rate. Lack of access to capital, limited networking opportunities, and systemic barriers continue to create an uneven playing field. For every Black-owned business that thrives, countless others struggle to stay afloat, highlighting the urgent need for equitable support and resources.

The Cost of Pursuing a Dream

Back at the bridal fair, as the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the ranch, Nessie took stock of the day. While she hadn’t secured any clients, she wasn’t ready to call it a loss. She’d spent months meticulously planning for Haus of Vestige’s debut, pouring her savings into inventory, marketing materials, and—of course— those picture-perfect props she just couldn’t resist.

“Let’s be real, starting a business is expensive AF,” Nessie admits, her voice laced with a mix of humor and vulnerability. “I’m incredibly lucky to have a supportive partner who believes in my vision and helps me stay afloat financially, but not everyone has that privilege. It’s a constant hustle, balancing my day job with building my dream. There are definitely days when I question everything, but then I remember why I started this in the first place. I want to create something that’s not just beautiful but also meaningful, something that empowers women and challenges the status quo. And for me, that’s a risk worth taking.”