Corporate downsizing and a rough start after 9/11 leads to a flourishing career in gently used retail clothing

By Kymberli W. Brady

Staff Writer

As if becoming a victim of the dot com bubble burst wasn't enough, Carol Holland decided to take the plunge into the world of retail on Sept.18, 2001 –just seven days after the worst attacks in our country's history. The deck was certainly stacked against her, but as she celebrates her second anniversary this month as an entrepreneur, it is evident that she has prevailed nicely.

Originally from Wichita, KS, Holland has called San Jose home since 1960, when she attended San Jose State University before getting married and raising three children. After devoting her life to being a wife and mother, a divorce forced her into the working class in effort to support her three teen-agers. “It was time to go find a job,” she said. “So naturally I went into the high tech industry.”

Holland started working for Amdahl Corporation in office management and software distribution before climbing her way up the ranks to management. After taking a year off to consider a career in retail, she decided she wasn't quite ready to start her own business. “Financially, I just couldn't pull it off yet,” she admitted. “And so I headed back to high-tech.”

Holland spent the next two years at Sun Microsystems before transferring to Tandem Corporation in Cupertino, which later became Compaq. After six years working as a Software Release Program manager, she was laid off in 2001.

Holland then discovered a SCORE Workshop, set up by a group of retired businessmen who teach people how to start their own businesses. “They bring in lawyers and tax people and teach you how to write business plans,” she said. “I thought wow, what an opportunity. It's time for me to do something with my life.”

The severance package offered by Compaq afforded Holland the opportunity to pursue a long-time dream of owning a fine women's boutique. However, she didn't have the capitol for a starting inventory and decided instead to try upscale resale items. “It took more money than I had estimated to set up the business,” she admitted. “So I thought the best way to start to see if I might be successful was to open a consignment store, where I didn't have to pay for the merchandise up front.”

Reflecting back on the past two years, Holland admits it hasn't been easy. “Unfortunately 9/11 happened,” she explains. “I was already set up to open. It was a difficult time, but the fact that I've gotten through the past two years is an accomplishment in and of itself.”

Carol's Collection is not your typical resale or thrift store. She offers fine women's clothing, hats, jewelry, shoes, purses, shawls and gift items from designers such as St. John, Hugo Buscati, Bebe, Chicos, Coach, Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, Jennifer Moore, Rena Rowen, Talbots, Trafari and more.

Along with a large assortment of contemporary clothing, (some with original price tags still attached), Holland has amassed an elaborate collection of authentic vintage items from the 30's, 40's and 50's, with a few pieces dating back to the late 1800's. She has devoted much of her time off to researching true vintage fashion and knows exactly what to look for. “I love collecting the vintage,” she says. “The best thing is that I'm able to help preserve history.”

Holland admits to having a love affair with her hats, including styles from the 40's to today's contemporary designs. “I go to estate sales and buy them,” she says as she points to a Russian fur by Erman with an elaborate matching fur muff/purse combination. “It's the only way to get the really nice ones.”

She also likes showing them off, paired with clothing and jewelry from her store at various fashion shows throughout the year. Her next event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Princeton Plaza Mall and will spotlight her vintage collection as well as holiday dressing.

Holland is extremely selective when it comes to her inventory. Items must be clean and in near-perfect condition in order to gain a spot on her racks and appointments to bring in consignment for consideration are booked months in advance. Clothing from size 2 petite to 3X, along with all the accessories at affordable prices ranging from$2 - $500 offers something for everyone. For fashion conscious women on a budget, it is a treasure trove.

Carol's Collection, fine women's consignment is located at 1375 Blossom Hill Road in the Princeton Plaza Mall and is open Tuesdays – Fridays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon. – 4 p.m. For more information, call (408) 269-8855 or log on to www.carolsonline.com