Offering pre-loved luxury items, STATUS opens storefront in Aksarben’s InnerRail

2• JULY 2, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal

by Gabby Hellbusch

Despite a common misconception, luxury doesn’t have to be unattainable, says Christi Ballard, owner of STATUS, an Omaha-based pre-loved luxury fashion retailer that recently

STATUS

Phone: 402-915-0262 Address: 1917 S. 67th St., Suite 160, Omaha 68106 Service: pre-loved luxury fashion retailer Founded: 2018 Employees: 6 Goal: To educate on sustainable luxury, grow business, support local entrepreneurs. Website: mystatuslux.com

opened a brick-and-mortar location in May. In fact, Ballard’s shop specifically provides high-end items at a more accessible price point, while maintaining the integrity and notability of the designer experience.

STATUS, which carries items from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Burberry and more, sells items marked up to 50% off retail price. Aside from handbags, the store also sells jewelry and art pieces, many of which come from other local entrepreneurs. Clientele is wide-ranging, she said, with customers ages 16 to 65 frequenting the shop.

Owner Christi Ballard emphasizes the sustainable and attainable aspect of pre-used

luxury. (Photo by Monica Sempek)

Ballard, who established the business in 2018 via online sales and local pop-up shops, has always valued authenticity and quality, which remain a focus for the business today. “It’s a privilege to offer these services, especially as a minority-owned and wom-

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How I got into the business: My wife and I played in a couple’s golf league, and Debbie, one of the people we played with, talked me into becoming a realtor with her company 27 years ago.

Accomplishments or milestones: This year I completed my 25th year with Deeb Realty/Nebraska Realty. I am the longest tenured agent here.

First job: Secondary school teacher at Valley Public Schools in Valley, Nebraska.

Biggest career break: Probably losing my job in Valley due to a RIF (Reduction in force).

Chuck Burney

Associate Broker and Director of Education, Nebraska Realty

Associations/Titles: National Association of Realtors, Nebraska Association of Realtors, Omaha Area Association of Realtors, Southwest Iowa Association of Realtor Hometown: Hartington, Nebraska Education: B.S. from Wayne State College, MA from University of Nebraska at Omaha

The toughest part of the job: Having to inform your clients that they did not get their excellent offer accepted, and in the current market it happens a lot.

The best advice I have received: Never let anyone do your thinking for you. And no one on their death bed ever said, “I wish I would have worked one more day in my life,” meaning do not pass up any opportunities to go out and enjoy life.

About my family: My wife Kathy is an elementary school teacher in Elkhorn. My oldest daughter Abbie just completed Graduate School in Boston and earned a Genetic Counseling degree. My youngest Jayme just graduated from UNO and will be an elementary school teacher in Elkhorn.

Something else I’d like to accomplish:

I would like to continue to successfully help clients navigate their real estate endeavors, and perhaps achieve another hole in one during one of my networking events.

How my business will change in the

next decade: I do not anticipate any major changes at this time. I am sure it will involve more technology.

Mentor who has helped the most in

my career: Andy Alloway, Van Deeb, Paul Vojchehoske.

Outside interests: Golf and Boating.

Favorite vacation spot: Okoboji and Arizona.

Other careers I would like to try: Senior PGA Tour, Retirement.

Favorite cause or charity: ALS in the Heartland, and anything that supports education.

Favorite app: Google, Homesnap.

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en-owned business,” she said. “I’ve always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and working in the fashion/luxury industry. I love presenting quality items and making a person’s day by offering them something they thought they’d never be able to have.”

Accessibility, customer service and the ability to source desired items for customers can be attributed to the store’s success, Ballard said.

Even though staffing has been a challenge in the past, she has since been able to form a unique team of individuals who are able to perform various tasks within the business.

During the pandemic, online sales were tremendous and now Ballard has a goal to control local traffic and get more customers into the storefront.

Ultimately, she is focused on educating on the importance of sustainable luxury, while growing the business. Eventually, the goal is to expand to other cities. Along the way, Ballard hopes to support other growing businesses and local entrepreneurs by offering them visibility when possible.

Ballard said witnessing personal efforts being rewarded each day is what motivates her.

“When I set goals for myself and then achieve them, it’s a very self-gratifying experience,” she said. “I know that I’m doing this for my family, as well as for my community that sees value in what I do. There's nothing like it.”

For Ballard, who was raised by a closeknit family that constantly asked, “what’s the status,” when a family member had something going on, the business name “STATUS” represents a very personal journey.

“I knew that once the store opened that this was going to be the last thing I ever did,” she said. “It is my defining moment, my forever ‘status.’”

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