In Eagan, Minnesota, Style Encore isn’t just a resale boutique, it’s a story of resilience, sustainability, and community. At the heart of it is Nadia Dessouki, a single mom whose journey from dentistry to fashion resale is as inspiring as the mission she champions.
“I’m a single mom of two amazing kids (Aidan, 19, and Ava, 14), and they’ve really grown up with me in the store. We truly run it as a family,” Nadia shares. Her path to entrepreneurship began after a serious back injury forced her to leave the dental field. She returned to school, earned a business degree, and helped launch a dental office from the ground up. That success gave her the confidence to pursue something more personal.
Nadia first walked into Style Encore Eagan as a customer, drawn to its clean, welcoming space and instant cash offers. When she learned the Eagan location was closing, she stepped in. “I didn’t want to lose such a valuable resource for our community.”
Her passion for resale evolved from a desire to help. “I’ve always loved solving problems and lifting people up. Fashion became a tool for empowerment—especially for women re-entering the workforce or shopping on a tight budget.”
Her days are a whirlwind of business and motherhood. “It’s nonstop! I start early—organizing tasks, checking inventory, pricing items. Then I shift to customer service, managing the team, or even running social media.” Outside the store, she’s a mom, making dinner, helping with homework, and attending school events. Aidan is heading to welding school, Ava’s starting high school, and both help at the store. “It all blends beautifully.”
Choosing a Style Encore franchise was strategic. “It already had a loyal customer base,” Nadia explains. Being part of Winmark Corporation offered systems, support, and brand recognition. Eagan was the perfect fit. “The community is supportive and diverse, and there’s a strong sense of connection here.”
Opening just before COVID-19 brought unexpected challenges. “Lockdowns, staffing issues, financial pressure—we almost closed more than once,” she recalls. “But I adapted—launched a website, kept staff safe, and never gave up. My motivation was my kids and the community we serve.”
Style Encore Eagan buys “all day, every day—with no appointments and no waiting for your items to sell.” Sellers bring in gently used clothing, shoes, or accessories, and trained staff make a cash offer on the spot. Popular brands include Lululemon, Loft, and Coach, with denim and accessories always in demand.
The store serves a wide range of customers. “We have high school students shopping for dances, moms looking for workwear, and women rebuilding their wardrobes,” Nadia says. One unforgettable moment was partnering with a program supporting women escaping abuse. “We dressed each woman in a full outfit, top to shoes, and watching their confidence shift instantly was something I’ll never forget. It reminded me why I do this, not just to sell clothes, but to restore confidence.”
And unlike most resale boutiques, Style Encore Eagan features a large men’s section, offering quality, affordable options for men, something Nadia says is “often missing in resale.”
The Style Encore motto “Sustainable Shopping at a Great Value” means helping people save money while helping the planet. “Every item we sell gets a second life, which reduces waste.” Fast fashion contributes significantly to global trash; resale stores like Style Encore help keep good-quality clothing in circulation. Nadia sees customers becoming more environmentally conscious, and shopping with purpose. “Upcycling is all about giving clothing a new story,” she says. Her advice for building a sustainable wardrobe? “Start small. Find one secondhand piece you love. Choose quality over quantity.”
Style Encore Eagan proudly holds “Gold Standard” status, recognizing excellence in sales and service. “It reflects our hard work, strong team, loyal customers, and community support.” Her kids’ involvement has made it a true family effort. The store has been named Best of Eagan four years in a row, a Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor, and a Reader’s Choice Award winner. “Each honor motivates me to keep giving my best every single day.” In 2024 alone, Nadia purchased $242,000 in clothing across over 46,000 items, directly giving back into the community.
Looking ahead, she plans to grow partnerships, host more in-store events, and refine the selection all while staying true to the store’s sustainability mission. “I want every person who walks through our doors to feel seen, valued, and inspired.”