The Timeline

I've never been someone to shy away from an intimidating timeline or an uncharacteristic space requirement.

I've produced events for hundreds of people in less than 14 days. I once converted a potato cellar into a STUNNING wedding venue.

This is not my first rodeo.

But wowee, folks - I'd be lying if I said producing Carol's Closet wasn't the biggest bite I've managed to take yet.

*shout out to Tasha for sending that screenshot to me this week in a note of support

I was taking a moment to "flashback" this week through my dance with Carol and reflect on our timeline together. Here's a list I found from my Notebook that started to outline what that has looked like:

• 05.12.25 → 7:27AM Ina to Kelsey - “Could we possibly quickly stop at the new place to get your input and thoughts on where I’m heading with it all?” 

• 05.14.25 → 9:29AM Kelsey to Ina - “I think I have an idea for the clothes. When are you free to chat?”

• 05.15.25 → The Dawn of Carol's Closet

  • All of those clothes are picked up from Ina’s and brought to The Basement (3+ truck loads and so much more along the way) 

  • (notes from journal) I feel like I can see it all unfolding and holy guacamole, do I like how it’s all playing out (what a curious turn of events). I am unbelievably grateful to be the recipient of all of this magical abundance - Thanks, Carol 

• 06.03.25 → 4:29AM Kelsey to Ina - “Curious if you have time to connect together and talk about Carol’s clothing. I have some more ideas.” 

  • Spark(le) Potential Pitch to Ina (vs. “just” list and sell online) 

  • Ina to Kelsey - “Give em’ the ol’ razzle dazzle.” (see meme)

    

• 06.09.25 → Carol Project outline formed 

• 07.23.25 → The Gathering of the Team 

I thought it might be fun to fill in to where we are at now (10.19.26)

• 08.25.25 → Continuing the unbagging (more bags of clothes)

• 10.09.25 → The Sorting (sorting between "quality" and "quantity")

  • Plus adding the shoes into the inventory

• 12.01.25 → Pulling the quintessential pieces of the Closet (most signature styles that summarize Carol)

• 12.07025 → Jewellery bins added into the inventory

• 01.30.26 → First visit with Leasing Team at Kingsway Mall

• 02.01.26 → Belts acquired

• 02.27.26 → Belts counted and added to inventory

• 04.13.26 → Virtual connect & meeting with Marketing Team at Kingsway Mall

• 05.19.26 → Visit with Kingsway Mall Team (Leasing & Marketing)

• 06.17.26 → Approval/Green Light from Kingsway Mall

  • Tentative leasing space set; confirmation won't be secured until September

• 06.20.26 → Inventory packing/sorting commences

  • Surprise - basement started flooding so we need to move fast here!

  • Sort inventory into "quality bins" and "quanity bins"

  • "Quality bins" - 100% natural fabrics; designer labels; one-of-a-kind designs; signature era classics

  • "Quantity bins" - inventory that is priced to move quickly ($5, $10, $25)

• 07.20.26 → Finish inventory packing/sorting

  • 30 60L bins total + 6 additional racks in basement

  • + all shoes, purses, and accessories

• 07.21.26 → Promotional "Dress-Up with Carol" Photoshoot

• 09.01.26 → Carol's Closet Website & Promotional pieces live

• 09.03.26 → Lease confirmation with Kingsway Mall

  • Our original lease space was supposed to be over 4,000 square feet but we got booted by a bigger retailer and moved to a space less than 1,000 square feet

  • Time to adjust the store concept & design and get planning!

• 09.29.26 → Keys to the store!!

• 09.30.26 → Charity auction inventory photoshoot

• 10.02.26 → Store mapping out & paint samples chosen

• 10.04.26 → Store painted & wallpaper installation complete

For the last 2 weeks - the store has been being thrifted, decorated, merchandised and completed by my sister-in-design Nora Salem.

By the time the store opens, this project will have been 18 months in the making.

It's absolutely ASTONISHING what one can create in such a timespan when there is passion and alignment.

We still have a couple more weeks to make everything happen and we're not quite there yet! Accepting all forms of support! Want to get involved? Reach out! Sending good vibes? Gratefully accepted. Planning on coming to the Fashion Show? Can't wait to see you there!