Meet Tabetha Crowder-Lee | Owner/Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tabetha Crowder-Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tabetha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had been working in corporate sales/marketing for over 10 years with the same company when the company’s owner was diagnosed with cancer and was forced to sell her company.

When the new owners came on they kept me for about 3 months before I was laid off. Also while this was happening I had to move from Nyc-ATL as I could not afford the cost of living there anymore. A couple of months into ATL living covid hit and I was scrambling to find a way to make ends meet.

I’ve always had a love for vintage/thrifting and my Aunty had taken me to some of the best Thrift stores all over the city just to help me get familiar with the town and so some home décor shopping since I couldn’t afford brand new items and that is when I got my idea and LaVieDeLux was created.I couldn’t believe people were throwing away such amazing pieces and they were there just collecting dust.

I knew i had to find a way to bring in income and made the decision that i was going to take the shutdown time to build my business. I researched the vintage community and decided this is where i was supposed to be and what i was supposed to be doing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art and creativity play a significant role in influencing my vintage clothing business. As an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, I understand the importance of offering unique and visually appealing pieces to my customers.

By incorporating art and creativity into my business, I am able to curate a collection that stands out from the mainstream fashion trends. Whether it’s through the selection of vintage garments with intricate patterns and designs or the creation of custom-made accessories, art allows me to showcase the beauty and individuality of each item.

Moreover, creativity enables me to reimagine and repurpose vintage pieces, giving them a new lease of life and making them relevant in today’s fashion landscape. By infusing art and creativity into my vintage clothing business, I am able to provide my customers with a truly distinctive and captivating shopping experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok so Ponce City Market is probably my favorite in the city. It combines the best of all worlds from tons of eateries to choose from to shopping a collective of retails stores all offering unique and one of a kind items.

Im a city girl but I love the country so we’d definitely have a water day at Sweetwater Creek state park its very close to the city but makes you feel like you’re on vacation!

The Atlanta beltline is another fav because there’s just so much to do. Check out murals, rent an electric bike or scooter, stop at the skate park, have a drank at one of the many restaurants and so much more.

There’s so much to do here but these would have to be some of my favs as they encompass a good option of fun to choose from.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have helped to support me and my dream I don’t know where to start.

My mommy has believed in EVERY business idea I have had and supported me in every way possible so I would have to give the biggest thanks to her.

My Hubby and Father are both my biggest cheerleaders. Hubby is there to help me every step of the way from pop up up shop to jumping in when sales were slow to help the business stay afloat. While my dad has always been there to support and give me the encouragement I need so for that I am grateful for them all.

Website: laviedelux.com

Instagram: @laviedeluxvintage

Facebook: facebook.com/laviedeluxthriftique