The Fast Fashion industry is something we should avoid and we should try to shop locally instead!
An alternative to fast fashion stores for people who live in the Bay Area is On the Runway Boutique located in San Leandro, CA! I had the opportunity to interview the lovely owner of this boutique, Angela Ajetombi, and I got to learn some fascinating stuff about the background of this boutique.
Angela started her boutique in 2007! She wanted to start her own business because she was just married, needed some extra cash, and always had a passion for clothes and fashion. After 2 years or so, she first started at the flea market selling clothes, and a year after that, she opened a storefront in Oakland called "Diva Darlings." In 2017, she opened up a San Leandro store and closed down Diva Darlings in Oakland. Her current location is in San Leandro!
Angela describes the clothing at On The Runway as "very fashion-forward, we always have the latest and greatest. Also edgy and our clothes can be seen on reality TV shows. Armani clothes plus other designer clothes are made more affordable at On the Runway Boutique." They have plus sizes as well! On the Runway also sells clothes for people going on vacation, their birthdays, and so much more. Angela appreciates any shopper she gets!
On the Runway Boutique sells their clothes both online and in person. You can find their website using this link: https://ontherunwayfashion.com/ Their store location is: 600 E 14th St, San Leandro, CA 94577.
On the Runway Boutique is a "one-stop shop" for hair, makeup, and clothes. It was one of the first stores in the area with a boutique that featured a makeup artist and hairstyling. However, they had to stop doing hair and makeup due to COVID. They are hoping that by next year they can get their makeup artists back. Before COVID, On the Runway did several fashion shows, especially on High Street. They even had a live audience inside and 4-10 models at a time. Luckily they are still able to have vendors come to On the Runway and sell things such as skin care, spices, desserts, and more! Angela says, "2020 has been a huge challenge, but we are still blessed to be so busy."
The pandemic has unfortunately affected many local shops, including On the Runway Boutique. We should choose to shop locally to help the environment and local business owners!
To learn more about fast fashion, check out my other posts!