Business & Tech

Costume Closet Helps South Tampans Dress Up

The business opened a few months ago on Howard Avenue.

Masquerade balls, pub crawls and parties are a few reasons why south Tampa and Hyde Park residents stop by The Custome Closet to snag Frankenstein-esque masks and princess dresses.

The business opened a few months ago at 935 1/2 S. Howard Avenue, and also boasts a photography studio in the back.

We recently talked to owner Susan Slater about her love of costumes and what prompted her to open the shop.

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On why she opened her doors: "I worked in the costume business for 10 years, and I've been a photographer for 18. When I got situated someplace I knew I was gonna stay for awhile, I found this space, and it was perfect. Store in the front, studio in the back."

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Tell us your experience in the costume business: "I worked at Boston Costume in sales. The reason I started to work there was because I could get a discount on props for photography. It catered to theatre, photographers, people doing commercials, TV."

What she likes about costumes: "It's creative. You can be whatever you want to be."

Items she sells at the store:  "I don’t stick to just costumes. There's costumes, accessories, makeup, decorations, jewelry. We rent as well as sell."

On the pressures of running a small business in south Tampa: "Being able to let people know what I do here and have the stock that they need. I am just getting to know there's a different mindset here. People come in here for a masquerade party, balls, pub crawls. They may come in and say, 'Do you have this?' I said, Ugh. I don’t. then I know I have to get it.

Making sure I have the right things in stock for what people need. That’s the real pressure."

Contact Slater at 813-312-9778.


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