In 2020, Monica Tapia Mularski and Erika Tapia Schrieber, two dedicated sisters and self-funded Latina entrepreneurs, launched Season 2 Consign, a luxury resale business that specializes in authenticated pre-owned handbags and accessories. Their aim was to make a big change in the luxury resale market. These sisters are paving the way as female Latina business owners, working hard to increase inclusivity and overcome the lack of representation in the franchising world.
Season 2 Consign stands out as a trailblazer, being the first and only franchise opportunity of its kind with locations in South Florida, Las Vegas, Central New Jersey, Orlando, and Tampa. Just like many other entrepreneurs, the sisters faced challenges, especially those unique to minority groups. Women tend to encounter more obstacles when starting businesses compared to men, including difficulties in securing investment. Monica and Erika ventured into this endeavor without financial help from family or outside sources, dealing with minimal female and Latino representation. Their first store was entirely self-funded, which came with its own hurdles but also gave them full control over their business decisions without outside interference. Thanks to their perseverance, they became profitable within just a few months and reinvested every penny back into the company.
A 2022 report by Guidance Financial highlighted that only 23.2% of franchisees are women, with a mere 6.6% being Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish origin. This realization motivated the sisters to become industry leaders, fostering a business environment that not only embraces diversity but also integrates it as a core part of their identity.
Responding to interest from people inspired by their success, the sisters decided to expand their business by franchising. They believed that by providing top-notch customer service and ensuring owner/operators have a strong sense of ownership, they could maintain their high service standards. Transforming their thriving business into a franchise required meticulous planning, legal evaluations, and the development of easily replicable processes. They started with advice from a franchise law firm to ensure they were well-prepared. Additionally, they teamed up with cutting-edge software companies and established a comprehensive training program for their franchisees to ensure consistency and quality across all locations.
The transition from running a single location to managing a franchise was a learning experience for the sisters, as they had to relinquish some control and trust others to maintain the brand they had built from the ground up. Throughout this journey, Monica and Erika stayed committed to their core values of integrity, excellence, and a strong focus on people. By carefully selecting franchise partners who shared their values, they not only expanded opportunities for women entrepreneurs but also ensured their brand remained consistent.
Since their participation in an IFA conference, the sisters have found franchising to be a field rich with collaboration and mentorship. By joining the IFA and engaging with business networks, they connected with like-minded individuals who provided valuable insights and knowledge. Their unique perspective as women is reflected in their adaptable leadership style and problem-solving mindset within the franchising model.
After four years in franchising, Season 2 Consign provides a unique experience for luxury handbag lovers. Their journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring women entrepreneurs and franchisors, showcasing a business model that has deeply enriched their lives. They strongly believe in the power of community, emphasizing that success is a shared effort. This outlook not only highlights their commitment to inclusivity and diversity but also showcases their dedication to positively impacting the lives of those who join the Season 2 Consign family.
