On Thursday, April 21, The King Tech Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Program held its grand opening ribbon cutting celebration for its new retail store, Pro Fit, which will serve as a professional clothing retail and consultation boutique for students entering the work force.
The new retail store derived from the efforts of King Tech Entrepreneurship and Enterprise students and instructor Stacy Miller.
Miller said she challenged students to create a business to fit a need. Every Wednesday is professional dress day at King Tech, and Miller noticed a lot female students borrowed clothes from their mother’s closet. The clothes were often times not their style and the fit was off. When she pointed out this need to her students Pro Fit was born.
“Women’s’ clothing is complicated, and the sizing is different when you branch into more mature clothing,” said Miller.
The retail space is stocked with donated items and clothes Miller has thrifted. Every item is $10, and students sign up for a 30-minute appointment where Miller and Enterprise students offer consultations to ensure students find what they are looking for and what they are most comfortable in.
“When students find something that is their style and the right fit their posture totally changes, said Miller. “They own it.”
King Tech Principal Kern McGinley called this “soft skills” when speaking to a crowd of students, staff, board members, and parents during the event. “Pro Fit fits our mission here at King Tech,” said McGinley. “And starting next year students can receive college credit for participation in the Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Program.”
King Tech Enterprise 11th grade student Carolina said the program has taught her how to sustain a business. “We see great vision for this business and for the years to come.”
Lupe’lani is a 12th grader in the King Enterprise program who plans to pursue business studies in college. “Professionalism is very important at King Tech and recognizing this, our students at Enterprise, along with Ms. Miller, were able to create this business to provide comfortable and professional dress.”
Pro Fit is available by appointment to all Anchorage School District students in need of guidance, support, and affordable options to start building their professional wardrobe. The store currently is focusing on female professional wear.
Original source can be found here.
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