About
Krystal
owner
“Hi, I’m Krystal, a local Santa Cruzian born and raised. Since my teen years I have loved the hunt for unique items. I went to college for Fashion Design and Merchandising and found a passion for the buying side of the industry as well. After being in corporate retail for years I took the leap over to resale, after learning a lot about the behind the scenes of corporate retail and the fashion industry, the resale world became even more appealing to me. I have managed and owned Re-sale shops in the Santa Cruz Area for over 20 years. After having my 2nd child I found the position here at The Closet Shopper and jumped at the chance to do what I love again and work with Shannon, who I had gotten to know through my years in the resale business. After working for Shannon for 7 years, I was presented with the opportunity to purchase the shop from her and here we are!”
The Closet Shopper Crew
Jocelyne
“I’ve been with the Closet Shopper since the very beginning - first as a loyal customer and now as a part of the team for 5 years, which feels pretty special. I moved here from France 27 years ago and completely fell for the lifestyle in Santa Cruz.
Outside of work, beside raising 2 children and 3 cats, I spend a lot of time knitting accessories and making leather earrings that I sell at local markets. I love creating pieces that are cozy and colorful, and each one-of-a-kind - my favorite way to stay creative and connected to the community as I am at the Closet Shopper.”
Grace
“Hi! I’m Grace. Working In the recycled fashion world has been an absolute joy for me over the years! Even since I was a young child I remember being told I had my own fashion sense. Over time I realized how putting on a fun outfit changed my mood for the better and that was all I needed. Throwing on a rad pair of jeans and a funky top instantly made me feel like I could conquer the world and boosted a much welcomed confidence. I soon discovered thrifting and I was sold!
Wearing clothes that have been previously owned not only help with my shopping habit but also made me feel good about not contributing to our already overflowing landfills.
Working at The Closet Shopper is not only incredible fun but also so rewarding! I get to help women feel that same positive feeling while helping minimizing waste. Win win!”
Ela
“Hi! I’m Ela and I’m from Martinez, a small suburb of the Bay Area known for its superb antique scene. My mom and I have both been avid resale shoppers since before I can remember. Hunting for your own treasures is not only super duper fun, but also remarkable for expressing your individual style aside from what’s trending online!
As a little girl, I would visit the Closet Shopper with my mom during our many Santa Cruz summer weekend getaways. Now, as a second year UCSC student, it’s incredibly full circle that I get to work here alongside an amazing team of women! I’ve always loved fashion, but I’ve also learned so many new things about style and merchandising during my time at the Closet Shopper, and I really enjoy the creative independence the job gives me.
When I’m not in the shop, you can find me at one of the many coffee shops Santa Cruz has to offer or in the lab studying microbiology!”
“Hi, my name is Shannon and I am the original owner of The Closet Shopper. I started this business is 2010 out of a passion for recycled clothing, design and community building. After a solid 14 years of running the business I was pleased to be able to sell The Closet Shopper to the perfect woman for the job. Krystal worked with me in the shop for many years before taking it over. It was a seamless transition and I am so proud of what she has done with the business, it continues to thrive and is an integral part of our local community.
I have gone on to start a brand of locally inspired graphics and apparel called Out West Design Co. I press all of the graphics in house with eco friendly inks in my home studio. When I am not slinging goods at a local market or designing new graphics I can be found with my 2 kiddos and hubby, at the beach, with friends, or road tripping in our 87’ West van (until the kids quickly out grow it!)! Be sure to follow along at Out West Design Co. and thank you for all of the support along the way.
Forever grateful,
Shannon”