Off The Hanger: Newark’s Luxury Fashion & Home Decor Studio
Off The Hanger & Into Your Heart
Off The Hanger, is best known as a destination where edgy fashion, art and decor collide.
Newark native Lynette Lashawn, an award-winning Fashionpreneur and Style Coach created Off The Hanger a decade ago out of her Newark apartment. Her boutique went from an e-commerce to a showroom and from a showroom to a brick and mortar in the heart of Downtown Newark.
Located on 12 Linden Street, Newark, NJ Lynette’s studio delivers a cutting-edge experience that encourages visitors to shop for their homes and wardrobes simultaneously. From crystal chandeliers that elegantly hang throughout the Studio, the enormous royal gold baroque chair and an over sized Dior chair to the colossal over sized hangers on the wall.
Every inch of the space is strategically designed to strike up a conversation, provide an experience and to serve as a backdrop for guest’s instagrammable moments that will last forever. The unmatched design aesthetic in the space usually leaves customers in awe and eager to return for another dose of style, a piece of artwork from a local artist or the perfect set of curtains for their home.
We caught up with Lynette Lashawn to discuss her business Off The Hanger, her journey as an entrepreneur and what she’s learned along the way!
“My brand is for the risk-taker, the luxe, the forward, the exclusive and the chic woman owning every part of her existence!”
What inspired your passion?
Fashion has always been a huge part of my life. Inspired by the clothes my Mom and Grandparents wore my interest started at a very young age. My grandmother every Sunday would dress up for church and my grandfather was a member of the Newark Knights motorcycle club. As for growing up in Newark the street style was influential on the city. I always loved the vibrant colors and the self-identity people had towards their style. Over the years, I've learned that fashion is a matter of expression. It's your voice and identity and almost like a silent message to the world that this is who you are. That said, as a creative, it's always about honoring your individuality no matter what.
Describe your day as a business owner?
Every day for me as a business owner is different. My work schedule can include me commuting to NY for fabric and other materials I may need to create a new piece. On other occasions I’m working on styling a shoot for the store, assisting customers, or brand marketing through social media. I almost forgot to mention the emergency fashion calls I get from clients in which I drop everything and attend to their fashion needs. My days are hectic; I’m always on the move. As exhausting as my business days may seem, I love what I do… I love helping people feel good about themselves.
What was the hardest thing for you getting started?
I’m a perfectionist and I can’t rest until what I imagine comes to life. The hardest thing for me getting started was figuring out the layout for the Off The Hanger physical store. What we created was definitely not here in Newark. We not only combined fashion, art and decor but we created a unique experience for our customers. Anyone walking into our store will be blown away. After constructing the vision of the store the next problem arose… How was I going to market the store? It’s great to be unique but the problem of marketing something new to an audience is hard.
How has your brand/product impacted Newark?
Our Business has created opportunities for many Newarkers to thrive in such a market, like never before. We continue to give back to the community through our Newark Brand, by donating a portion of our proceeds to local charities.
What do you think of Makerhoods?
I think it is amazing. Makerhoods is creating a platform for many entrepreneurs. One of the biggest problems plaguing entrepreneurs is support when getting started and of course funds. Makerhoods is providing business help and an affordable rate. I also love that Makerhoods is in the heart of the city and is visible for all generations of Newark residents. This reminds me of the saying, “If you build, they will come. The point is to get started.” Younger generations will be able to see entrepreneurs that look like them become self-sufficient in their neighborhood. This does so much for the future of Newark!
What advice would you tell your younger self? Any upstart entrepreneur?
“Get Started!” A lot of times we have ideas we never react on. Do not let the idea of “If I would’ve started sooner,” haunt you for the rest of your life. Take control of your dreams as well as your life and do what you love!
What are your business goals for 2020?
The ultimate plan is to expand the Off The Hanger Brand. Currently, I am working on the launch of my fashion school. I hope to educate Newarkers and others across the globe.
Anthony Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator
After graduating college and returning back to my hometown of Newark, NJ I became a member of the Newark Makerhoods team. This transformative experience put me in touch with many local entrepreneurs who are all in different business stages, ranging from established to upstart. Newark is a thriving city for talented creators. I'm here to share their stories and launch their business to the everyday public’s eye.