Welcome!
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your passion for reselling into a thriving business, this is the story for you. I’m sharing how I built The Global Collective Co., an online luxury resale store that not only brought me financial freedom but also allowed me to travel the world.
Ready to get inspired and take action? Let’s dive into the journey.
Leaving Corporate to Pursue Reselling
The story begins when I decided to leave a high-paying corporate brand management job. The day I quit was the day my journey into full-time reselling began—though I wouldn’t officially create The Global Collective Co. until 10 months later.
At first, I treated reselling as a hobby. I was flipping items for profit without much structure or strategy. Back then, I didn’t think about building a brand. Each item was its own transaction, and I wasn’t concerned about creating a cohesive inventory.
While this worked for a while, it was far from sustainable. I lacked organization, and my work schedule depended entirely on my mood. Looking back, I now realize I wasted a lot of potential. But hindsight is 20/20, and every mistake taught me valuable lessons.
Starting from Zero
When my boyfriend and I moved to Germany, I sold off all my inventory, unsure of how to continue reselling abroad.
For the first time in my life, I had no bills, no responsibilities—and nothing to do. I thought this was a dream scenario, but it quickly became one of the hardest periods of my life. Without a purpose, I felt lost.
That’s when my boyfriend gave me the best advice: "Invest in yourself." He encouraged me to learn something new, so I finally tackled Photoshop and Illustrator—skills I’d been meaning to acquire for years. Within two months, I had mastered both, reigniting my passion and creativity.
It was during this downtime that I realized how much I loved reselling and that I wanted to turn it into a full-fledged business.
The Big Idea
One night, inspiration struck. What if I could source inventory online and have someone back home process and ship it for me? I called one of my best friends, pitched the idea, and she was all in.
When I returned from a trip to China and Southeast Asia, I hit the ground running. I sourced inventory like a madwoman and reached out to wealthy friends for consignment opportunities. I now had a solid concept, logistics in place, and the beginnings of a brand.
Building a Brand
This time, I wasn’t just flipping items. I wanted to build something meaningful and lasting. I took everything I’d learned from my career in fashion and marketing and applied it to create The Global Collective Co.
My goal was to curate a preloved, holistic online concept store featuring items from all over the world. Within my first month, I sold $6,000 worth of inventory. I couldn’t believe it—I had turned my passion into a successful business.
Building a Website in Budapest
At first, I operated without a website and relied on Instagram. But after six months, while in Budapest, my boyfriend asked why I didn’t have a proper online store. I confessed it was fear of failure holding me back.
Determined to overcome this, I spent five hours at a McDonald’s in Budapest (the fanciest McDonald’s you can imagine!) and built my website on Shopify. With some caffeine and determination, I created a platform that would take my business to the next level.
A few days later, while working at a café, I had a realization: I had built a life that allowed me to run a business I loved while traveling the world with the love of my life. It was a true “aha” moment.
Lessons Learned
Building The Global Collective Co. wasn’t without its challenges, but here are the biggest lessons I took away:
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Invest in Yourself:
Learning new skills like Photoshop, Illustrator, and website design was a game-changer. Never underestimate the power of personal growth. -
Adaptability is Key:
Whether it was sourcing online or managing operations from abroad, flexibility allowed me to grow my business in ways I never imagined. -
Branding Matters:
People don’t just buy products—they buy stories, experiences, and lifestyles. Creating a cohesive brand was essential to my success. -
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back:
Fear of failure is natural, but it’s also the biggest obstacle to success. Push through it—you’re capable of more than you think. -
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way:
When challenges arise, reframe your mindset. Instead of saying, “This can’t be done,” ask, “How can this be done?”
In Conclusion
What started as a hobby has turned into a thriving business and a lifestyle I love. If you’re dreaming of building your own luxury resale business, take it from me: it’s possible.
Break
Invest in yourself, learn the skills you need, and don’t let fear hold you back. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, the key is to stay focused, work hard, and believe in your vision.
If you’re ready to take the leap, click below to watch my free masterclass on luxury reselling. Let’s turn your passion into profit!
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