by Sarah MacKay
Did you ever think recycled clothing could be so cool? Long before used clothing gained mainstream fashion status, Angela Nichols championed giving clothing a second chance to make someone’s day.
Angela’s confidence in the longevity of a well-made garment is contagious. She buys and sells clothing with dedication as owner of Funky Janes, a vibrant and hip store of diverse styles, fabrics and fashions conveniently located on the corner of California and Oregon in West Seattle. Her window displays twinkle with creative ensembles coordinated for a variety of flares and styles.
Angela generously spends time with customers chatting. “ It’s woman to woman time. Lots of ladies come in and stand here and talk about women’s issues, travel and food. Frequently you can hear conversation in the store with women from all over the neighborhood,” one loyal customer shared.
This customer-service centric approach equals a thriving business and it’s not only about the sale, even when a customer doesn’t buy anything she’s just happy they ventured into the store, “I don’t think brick and mortar will ever go away. Why would it? We want and need personal connection, a chance to talk and truly connect,” she said.
Sometimes guidance is needed when a customer seems particularly attached to their clothing. Take for instance the dress one customer wore to her son’s wedding and decided she couldn’t part with. Angela gently suggested she take it home and come back if and when ready.
The overarching philosophy at Funky Janes is to buy and sell quality clothing, “It’s important to me. For the same price as a trendy inexpensive clothing article (other wise known as disposable) you can go home with something that truly lasts,” Angela said.
There’s an avid curiosity for the story behind the garment, the shoes, the jewelry and the handbags. One such story involved a pair of fuzzy Danish clogs sold to a woman who wanted to wear them on a visit to her Danish grandmother, who adored authentic clogs. There’s a fairy tale quality to the memory of the items as if they are alive with magic, as if they have a life of their own.
