Golden Standard: Lularoe with Nikki LoPresti

So heres the rundown; Lularoe is a company that employs independent consultants to sell clothing that is made with limited edition prints. The company was created by a single mom who was desperately trying to raise seven kids, work a job, and find time to spend at home. Since it’s creation in 2012, Lularoe has touched the lives of thousands of families across the country.

You’ve probably heard of other companies that have the same sort of set up - consultants invest in a company with a promise that they’ll make more money they put in and with minimal effort. Well, this is where Lularoe is different. They’ve thought things through. Lularoe sells clothing, they have about thirty basic silhouettes (mostly womenswear, but they are gradually expanding into children’s and menswear) that they produce in different patterns. Each pattern is only produced into 2,500 pieces, which means each consultant has a different, unique product to sell you. So unlike other companies with the same business set up, no consultant is competing against another consultant, instead they encourage community. People shop multiple consultants to find what they want, so the wealth is spread throughout the company. I am so interested in Lularoe and the community they created. I was first introduced to Lularoe by a coworker, Nikki, who is now a Lularoe consultant (you can shop her store here). She is constantly teaching me the ins and outs of the Lularoe world. I met up with her to talk to her about her experience with Lularoe and what the company means to her.

above + below: a peek into Nikki's basement turned Lularoe shop.

What has been the best part about your experience with Lularoe so far?

The best part so far has been reconnecting with old friends. When you become a consultant it gives you a path to make connections with people that I wouldn't have needed to or had to or had the opportunity to do before. I recently connected with an old friend from high school who I always try to meet up with but never can, and now she's always over my house shopping because she loves this stuff. And I’ve been connecting with new people too. I just had a pop up with someone yesterday who I had never met, I met her through Lularoe. And I had the opportunity to meet this new person and go to her house and build this community.

What drew you most to the company?

The culture. The clothes I didn't really know much about at the time. I knew a girl who was a consultant and I asked her one day, “whats the hype?”. So she sent me information about how to become a consultant. My husband and I were in a transition and we decided someone needed to get another job. When we heard about how people were becoming so successful from this company we thought the numbers were made up, but we’ve seen the results. The language, the culture, and the way it is so community driven. It was impressive, because at the end of the day you’re starting your own business but you can be flexible within it. I work two other jobs, but I treat this like a business, like a job, and I’m seeing results.

How do you define your personal style?

I do what I want. I used to be very one track mind with my style, I wanted to be very bohemian, I wanted to have a distinct style. Lularoe has really helped me accept other people’s styles. Everyone expresses themselves differently, and some people express themselves through clothes. I love seeing people go through my Lularoe and find pieces that they love and that are crazy. I never want to limit my style.

What is your favorite Lularoe piece?

Why I like Lularoe, is because they make basic pieces. But they’re genius because you can do whatever you want with their clothes. I love that different people style the pieces their own ways. Personally I’m loving the Julia right now because it has the endless styling possibilities.

What does Lularoe mean to you?

I love the idea of being able to do what I want. Lularoe is so passionate about being able to give back to community. They give the opportunity to invest in your city, invest in your clients, create your own community. Just the other night, this lady purchased a pair of leggings but she had to cancel her order because she decided she couldn't afford them for whatever reason. And instead of being upset because I could have sold those leggings to another customer or something, and because of the atmosphere Lularoe created and because they encourage you to create this community, I sent them to her anyways. I wrote her a little note and let her know that she deserved this gift to herself. I am so fortunate that I am able to bless people in this way because they are blessing me. They're supporting my family, we take the money from our sales to pay for groceries and for our home. Lularoe has given me the chance to live a flexible and independent life. My husband can stay home with my kids. It’s been giving us a platform to speak to so many new people and give women confidence in what they wear.

I am always happy to support local business, great brands, and most of all friends! I will definitely be shopping Lularoe in the future. Take a look below to see how I styled a few of my new Lularoe pieces!