Meet the Faces Behind Local Business – Baily Rich, dress

Meet The Owner

Shop Local Raleigh is committed to telling the story of Wake County’s locally-owned, independent businesses. We take pride in the character these businesses bring to our community and local economy. When shopping at a locally-owned business, you are more than likely interacting with the owner! We started this blog to help you get to know these local business owners, in our community, better.

Today’s Q&A was with General Manager of dress North Raleigh, Baily Rich. dress is a blend of new and pre-owned designer fashions! Here is what she had to say about coming on board as the General Manager at dress North Raleigh and what she loves about Wake County and some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Baily Rich may not be the founder of dress, but she is drawn to dress Raleigh because it’s about “women helping/empowering women.” The Founder of dress, Pam Mullaney, is a working mom who is giving another working mom an opportunity in a local business. Pam understands balancing being a wife, a mom, a community advocate, a mentor, a volunteer and an entrepreneur. Pam recognized that Bailey, her lead at the North Raleigh store is also a single mom. Pam not only understood the reality and struggle of being a working mom, but also what it means to empower her staff to be the best they can be! To empower her staff to have leadership roles, opportunities to grow and embracing each other to work towards success.

All of this comes down to what the ladies do at dress… Empower other women to look their best….so the theme trickles down. From the team at dress and Baily- XOXO Let us help you not only look but also feel your best.  Now here’s a little more about me- Baily.

 

How long have you lived here?: I came to North Carolina from New Hampshire to go to Meredith College in 1999 and have been here ever since!

How long have you worked at dress? I started with dress part-time in August 2016

What do you love to do in your free time: My free time is spent with my favorite person, my 5 year old little boy! We love playing at home with our 2 Pit Bulls, going on Krispy Kreme dates, bowling, and spending time with friends. I am also an avid yogi and I take to my mat whenever I get the chance.

Your idea of a perfect evening: My couch, wine and Netflix!

Favorite fashion style: I am in love with anything 1970’s influenced. Bell bottoms, high waist pants, platforms, bell sleeves, ponchos, maxi dresses…It is all about having fun with your style!

Name the first handbag designer that comes to mind: Chanel! (Notice Baily and Pam, founder of dress both say Chanel! A fashion icon and legend).

What’s entrepreneurship mean to you: Entrepreneurship to me means creating, developing, managing and running a business. In this case, I am thrilled to help grow and develop dress and take it to the next level. It is such an exciting opportunity to have a hand in developing a business that I am so passionate about.

What does being a General Manager/buyer mean to you: I am beyond excited and grateful to become a part of a brand, a business and a store that I love so much! I am so thankful to Pam for inspiring me, building me up, and bringing me on board to help continue to grow the dress brand that she has worked so hard to create.

How did you get involved with dress: I was a consigner at the store and shopped there too. When my son started school, I was looking for a part-time job and since my background is in retail, when I saw they were hiring, I applied. A year and a half later, my part-time job has turned into an amazing business opportunity. You never know what the future holds!

What’s your favorite saying/motto/quote: I have so many that I love. My current favorite is “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs: Be open to every opportunity, be inspired by those who are successful around you, and work hard! I am a believer in good, old-fashioned hard work. I also think it’s important to look around and be inspired to be able to inspire others along your journey.