In the vibrant landscape of fashion commerce, a remarkable journey unfolds—how the founder of Miami Sample transformed her passion into a multi-million dollar empire. At the heart of this stunning achievement is Bree Breakstone, a creative entrepreneur whose innovative approach to sample sales has captivated customers and changed the way they think about shopping. Having identified a significant gap in the market, Bree turned her New Yorker zeal for sample sales into a thriving business, and the story of Miami Sample is one of resilience, creativity, and tireless dedication.
In this article, we’ll explore how Bree Breakstone seized an opportunity in Miami, established her brand, and built a powerful digital presence that resonates with shoppers across the country.
From New York to Miami: The Birth of Miami Sample
Moving to Miami in 2019, Bree Breakstone felt the void of her beloved sample sales in a city devoid of such vibrant shopping culture. Despite establishing a successful career at BBDO New York, a leading advertising agency, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. “I would choose to go to sample sales every day instead of Chipotle,” she admits, humorously underscoring her passion. This enthusiasm culminated during a flight back to Miami when she pondered, “How were there no sample sales in Miami? A city that is obsessed with brands?” This marked the inception of Miami Sample.
With a draft business plan in hand and the domain secured, Bree’s entrepreneurial spirit ignited a relentless hustle. Within weeks, she was emailing brands and forming partnerships to introduce Miami’s first-ever brick-and-mortar sample sales. The grand opening on March 1, 2020, featured popular products like APL Sneakers and S’well bottles, creating excitement and drawing long lines. However, just two weeks after the launch, the onset of COVID-19 forced Bree to rethink her strategies. Instead of viewing this as a setback, she saw it as an opportunity to pivot successfully to an online business model, making Miami Sample a pioneer in virtual sample sales.
The Magical Transformation: Online Empire
Bree’s transition to e-commerce was not without challenges. She faced the logistical nightmare of managing large inventory shipments arriving at her apartment and her parents’ house. “You couldn’t see the floor in my apartment for over a year,” she recalls, as thousands of units filled her living space. Despite this chaos, Bree’s ingenious marketing and hands-on approach rapidly scaled the business. Customers quickly discovered Miami Sample online, setting the stage for unprecedented growth.
During this period, she worked day and night, balancing brand partnerships and product fulfillment. “In fact, I launched an Emi Jay sale literally while I was in labor, posting IG stories from the hospital bed,” Bree shares, illustrating her unwavering commitment. This sale turned out to be one of their most successful ever, proving that her hustle was paying off.
Internalizing her brand-building strategies, Bree emphasizes three critical success factors for any sale: inventory, discounts, and size runs. “When those align, it’s a perfect storm,” she explains, referring to a recent sale that resulted in moving 20,000 units within the first hour, generating over $1.5 million in revenue, all thanks to discounts of up to 85%. This growth is indicative of the unique and strong community Bree has fostered around Miami Sample.
Building a Brand: Community and Credibility
One of the pivotal elements behind Miami Sample’s success lies in Bree’s approach to brand partnerships and community building. Over 50% of the partnerships now come from inbound inquiries, showcasing the company’s reputation and credibility within the industry. This high level of engagement reflects Bree’s philosophy: treat social media as a “loyalty engine” rather than merely an announcement channel.
Her innovative use of Instagram generates excitement and rewards its loyal customer base through giveaways for every sale. Additionally, their VICE membership program offers exclusive access for a monthly fee, making it a valuable resource for dedicated fans of Miami Sample. With a 75% returning customer rate, Bree has successfully cultivated a brand experience that resonates with consumers, ensuring they feel valued and included.
Looking Forward: The Vision for Miami Sample
As Miami Sample looks to the future, the outlook shines even brighter. The company is on track to achieve an eight-digit sales figure in 2025, a testament to Bree’s relentless drive and innovative strategies. Remarkably, the entire business operates on a bootstrapped model, allowing Bree to maintain complete ownership and control over its direction. “The integrity of Miami Sample is paramount to me,” she states, emphasizing her commitment to putting customers first.
With plans to rebrand and enhance the app experience, extend international shipping, and pursue retail partnerships, Bree is determined to keep elevating Miami Sample. “Everyone loves a deal, no matter who you are,” she reiterates, reinforcing the foundational concept of her business: making discounted branded goods accessible to all.
Conclusion
The story of Bree Breakstone and Miami Sample is a compelling narrative of passion, innovation, and resilience. Bree’s journey demonstrates the power of turning a personal obsession into a flourishing business, particularly in an unpredictable environment like COVID-19. As she continues to expand her company, it remains clear that her commitment to providing value and fostering community will keep Miami Sample at the forefront of sample sales. For anyone inspired to follow in her footsteps, Bree’s story stands as a testament to the potential of creativity and determination in the world of entrepreneurship.
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