614 Spotlight: The Sybariterian

Supporting women in business is so important to us, especially when they are a part of the Columbus community! For this week’s blog, we are highlighting Tal Simon, owner of The Sybariterian, Columbus’s newest collector and seller of curated, vintage, and new authentic Chanel.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I was raised in South Florida and moved to Columbus after meeting my husband when we lived in Manhattan.

Q: Tell us a bit about your personal and career journey.

A: After graduating from George Washington University, I moved to New York City to pursue my dream of becoming a Radio City Rockette. I thought I was about to get an offer to join the Rockettes, so I deferred law school for several years. At some point, I met my husband and moved back to Columbus with him. I attended law school here and eventually started working remotely at my current law firm, based in Chicago.

Q: What is your biggest personal accomplishment?

A: My biggest accomplishment is raising my three children: Ronan (7), Aidan (5), Areli (3)

Q: Where did your passion for fashion and Chanel come from?

A: As a transactional ERISA attorney, I work on mergers and acquisitions that require sleepless nights. I began motivating myself to get through the deal with a pair of designer shoes. As deal activity increased (and shoe space became more limited), I started collecting purses. Throughout the deal, I’d take breaks to watch resellers on Instagram. Chanel’s timelessness and investment value made it the obvious designer to begin collecting. I started with some pre-loved bags and eventually acquired new bags from the Chanel boutiques in Chicago. I quickly realized, (1) central Ohio has limited access to new and preloved Chanel and (2) consignment fees are prohibitive through traditional reselling channels. I created Sybariterian to solve the problem.

Q: How did the relationship with Ladybird and any other Columbus companies start?

A: I engaged a local marketing company, The Pearl Creative Agency, to launch the brand. They are well connected with many local Columbus businesses, and they suggested that I meet Allison at Ladybird. There was instant synergy, and Allison agreed to house and sell the bags at her store. This is what distinguishes Sybariterian from other e-commerce resellers – you can see and try on the full collection at Ladybird, so you know what you’re buying before you commit. The local small business community is very supportive, and other local businesses and influencers were likewise willing to collaborate.

Q: Can you explain how you source and authenticate the Chanel pieces you sell?

A: My vintage pieces are sourced from suppliers in Japan. It is illegal to sell inauthentic items in Japan and the preloved market in Japan is known for its excellent condition. Other preloved items are from individual consigners. I authenticate all preloved items using Entrupy, the industry standard for authenticating luxury goods. I also financially guarantee all items I sell to provide additional confidence for clients. While my focus is on vintage, I also source new bags from a network of sales associates at Chanel boutiques throughout the country.

Q: What has been your favorite vintage find?

A: I love the vintage small classic flap. It’s the perfect size to transition from casual to fancy and day to night. It’s also at a great price point!

Join Wardrobe Therapy and Tal this Sunday for an afternoon of fashion! Muirfield Village Country Club will be hosting a fashion show featuring The Sybariterian’s Chanel collection (available for purchase) and Ladybird clothing. The vendors include many Columbus small businesses such as So Ordered, Cuffed by Nano, The 1 Fitness, Bobbie’s Shoppe, yours truly, and so many more!

Click here to get your ticket!