Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 4-23-21

Features
Model Opens Resale Store, ‘Closet Of Classe’
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
Shanae Simon grew up in Tampa where she at- tended Alonso High School with a 4.2 GPA before going on to graduate from Florida State University with a de- gree in English.
Simon had an interest in modeling so while working various starter jobs, she grew her portfolio and became a sought-after model. She is still in demand, even though her biggest priority is her
new store.
It was a big jump to start
a new business during the pandemic, but in June of 2020, she quit her successful job and opened Closet of Classè, a resale shop with most items under $20.
Simon says that she has always had a passion for fashion and had a dream to open her own store.
She knew there were no black-owned resale stores in Tampa. She also knew that the other resale concentrated on high-end designer
huge amounts of money. She wanted something that was affordable but still chic.
Simon says that her mentor, a woman with a suc- cessful boutique, urged her to jump when the opportu- nity presented itself. She ad- vised Simon to proceed because she was so driven. Her mentor emphasized that you can’t predict the future and why not now?
Stars seemed to be aligned, she found her build- ing right away.
Simon chose the name Closet of Classè because she has always considered her- self as classy but she wanted to put a french twist to the name. Simon says that clients should feel like they are in an upscale friend’s closet.
With new inventory every week, it’s always an adven- ture. People wanting to re- sale their clothes can bring cleaned, neat, new-looking clothing into the shop. Simon will pay outright for the clothes (no animal fur) for cash or store credit. If she can’t use them, she will offer to donate them to the Spring of Tampa.
Closet of Classè is located at 13112 N Florida Ave Suite E, Tampa, FL, 33612. The phone number is 813-930- 7080 and email address is desk@closetofclasse.com. You can find the store on so- cial media. Both Instagram and Facebook handles are closetofclasse.
The store’s slogan is "Be- cause you deserve to be classè"
SHANAE SIMON
... Owner of Closet of Classè
brands.
Simon wanted some-
thing for the everyday woman that isn’t making
Rally Planned To Assist
Returning Citizens
CONNIE BURTON
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
The Florida Restoration Coalition will be spearhead- ing a rally this weekend to assist returning citizens with their fines and fees.
The rally will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, 12- 4p.m.,at4016N.22ndSt.,in an open area.
“The fees for 1,800 resi- dents in Hillsborough County have been paid di- rectly, but many of them do not know that,” explained community activist and member, Connie Burton. “We have information to show who has been paid. And, they can get a copy of their payments for future use,” she further explained.
Ms. Burton said there is still money available to pay additional fines and fees. Those in need may stop by the rally and apply. NBA player LeBron James’ or- ganization, “More Than A Vote,” donated monies to pay off some of the fines, too.
Among those who will be partnering with this event are: Commissioner Gwen Myers will make sure that COVID vaccinations will be done; Health Matters Mobile Unit will be available; Vote Riders will help those who need to get their driver’s li- censes restored; Florida Ris- ing; and the Hillsborough County Branch NAACP will instruct on what needs to be done in order to get regis- tered for the next election. “We can’t wait until 2022 to get registered. We have to start on that now,” Ms. Bur- ton said.
“We have some young progressives on the ground who are getting the job done. That’s what we need.”
Florida Rights Restora- tion Coalition is a grassroots, membership organization run by returning citizens dedicated to ending the dis- enfranchisement and dis- crimination against people with convictions.
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 3-A