The story behind Joyce’s Closet Boutique

The Inglewood Night Market is a local event that has been taking place in the heart of historic Inglewood for over 10 years. As a result of its longstanding legacy, they have established a strong local community of small businesses, makers, artisans, and performers. In 2020 when all businesses were forced to pivot due to the pandemic, the organizers of the market decided to host a ‘Holiday Night Market’ in a safe and controlled environment that gave the local community a place to connect with Calgarians after a year of being apart.

The market went off without a hitch and was a huge success. Over 4,000 shoppers were filtered through the space (at a distance) where they had the opportunity to shop over 50 vendors for the holidays. This year, they decided to do it all over again — and we’re very happy they did!

Joyce’s Closet Boutique has been a long-time vendor at the Inglewood Night Market since 2014, during regular summer events. This is the first year it will be popping up at the Holiday edition.

We sat down with Joyce Okunusi, founder of Joyce’s Closet Boutique to learn how she turned a fashion blog into a consignment boutique. We talked to her about her love for fashion, who influences her style the most and how the Inglewood Night Market has impacted the growth of her business in the community over the years.

Tell us about yourself — where do you find your fashion inspiration?

Joyce: “I am a Nigerian-born, Calgary-based wife and mom of three. I am passionate about helping people out and have had a love for fashion since a young age. I am an avid reader, food lover, always up for a challenge and trying new things. I love my family dearly and my mother is my biggest fashion inspiration.”

How did you start Joyce’s Closet?

Joyce: “Joyce’s Closet Boutique is a contemporary women’s consignment boutique that launched in January of 2013. Besides consignment, Joyce’s Closet also offers styling services, dress rental, and handbag authentication.

Joyce’s Closet was born out of my personal fashion & lifestyle blog called “Tall Freckled Fashionista,” a fashion and lifestyle blog I started more than a decade ago. My readers were always curious as to where my clothes were purchased from and if they could buy them. So I created a section on my blog called ‘Joyce’s Closet’ and here we are today. I didn’t start out wanting to be a business owner, but it was something that started organically and took a life of its own and here we are today.”

How has the Inglewood Night Market helped your business grow?

Joyce: “The Inglewood Night Market has been a huge part of Joyce’s Closet’s growth and success. We have been a part of the market since 2014 and meet a majority of our clients and customers through networking at the events. We look forward to the event every year.”

What do you love about the Night Market community?

Joyce: “The Inglewood Night Market community is filled with an amazing group of unique individuals who come from different backgrounds and are there to uplift and support one another. I’ve met some of my lifelong friends at the event.”

What are you most excited for at this year’s Holiday Night Market?

Joyce: “This is our first Inglewood Holiday Night Market. We are excited to see what all the amazing vendors will have, get in the Holiday spirit and meet new amazing people.”

What are three tips you have for shoppers who haven’t attended in the past?

Joyce: “Walk around, check out all the vendors then decide and go back to the ones you would like to shop from. Come with a green bag from home to carry your market purchases, instead of leaving with multiple bags. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes as the market doesn’t offer coat check and is indoors.”

In your words, how do you describe the word “Community”?

Joyce: “Community means a support system and a feeling of belonging.”

Be sure to check out the Holiday Edition of the Inglewood Night Market on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 2021, and keep your eye out for Joyce’s Closet while you’re there! Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online.

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