Hi! It’s Alex here. If you don’t know me, I’m one of the owners of 17th St. Looking back at the growth I’ve experienced personally and professionally over the past almost two years, I’m excited to share some insight and create a sort of time capsule to look back on.
With my role as an owner-operator, it’s quite easy for me to get caught up in the little day-to-day details—solving problems like what kind of content will boost website traffic, paying FedEx bills (after bill, after bill...), getting caught up on inventory, etc. Some days are busier than others—starting the day with meetings, spending a full day at the store, then sourcing bags online until 3 a.m. Although these minor details add up to overall success, I’ve been challenging myself to take a step back and think about the bigger picture and long-term goals for both the store and myself.
In the beginning, I had no business experience. I worked for my two business partners for a couple of years during and after college while studying sociology. I had no classes in business, marketing, communications, etc. I had no idea what I was doing... but that’s how it goes, right? We’re all learning as we go, and building this brand has been the most rewarding and challenging experience I could’ve ever dreamed of.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be sitting here—listening to Rachel sell bags on TikTok, hearing the roll of tape on boxes as Ellis packs orders, the ruffle of paper as Jordan posts the latest pieces and the chatter of Tyler and Jackie filming one of our New Arrivals videos. We are far from where we were a year ago, so where will we be a year from now? What will my challenges be? We’ve discussed another store (shhhh...), a space where we can have three or four people live-selling at once, growing a rental program, and more.
I’m so excited to see where we go, and you are a part of it. I’m hoping this personal insight allows me to reflect while also helping our community feel more connected to us and our growth.
Thank you for your support and for reading this very first entry!
I love you all.
Alex Kuralt
6 comments
Alex! You are doing amazing and I wish you all the best! Your future is so bright that I have my shades on. I’ve bought way too many bags from you during lives, through DMs, online – I’ve lost count. What ever you decide to do, we will be watching and will follow! I’ve yet to visit the store but I will get there one day! 🥰
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17th St replied:
Hi Patti! Thank you so much! We are so incredibly appreciative of you. I look forward to you visiting one day!
Best,
Alex
Hi Alex like you I many years ago started a vocational training school. I’ve been in the human services industry for over 30years. As I was saying I understand the struggle if not know everything about my business, but my passion and consistency pulled me through. I manage to take my small business school to become a NYS preferred training school. Which in NYS means success. So I’m truly happy to be one of your customers. I’m coming to your store soon with some friend to shop. Many blessings and great success.
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17th St replied:
Hi Maria, thank you for taking the time to leave your thoughts! It’s true – you can’t train passion, consistency, and hard work. I admire you! I am so thankful to have you as part of our 17th St family. I look forward to you visiting!
Best,
Alex
Love this entry. Love Alex. Love 17th St Vintage! Dying to know about this secret store?!??
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17th St replied:
Nicole! Thank you so much. We appreciate you and love when you come by. Regarding the secret store… I guess we will have to see… (no secrets, just talks about the potential)
We love you!
- Alex
Absolutely love your shop! They have an amazing selection of high-end purses at fantastic prices. The staff is incredibly hardworking, knowledgeable, and so much fun to shop with. They make the whole experience enjoyable and always go above and beyond. Wishing you all the best❤️
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17th St replied:
Hi Liz! Thank you so much for your support! We appreciate you more than you know.
Best,
Alex
I recently visited and purchased an amazing fur jacket. The store is great and the staff super friendly. Keep up the new arrivals on social media it’s how I found you.
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17th St replied:
Hi Shannon! I am so happy to hear that! Our coats were selling FAST in the Winter. Don’t worry, our new arrivals videos aren’t going anywhere! Thank you for your support and time:) – Alex
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