For 15 years, Clothes Mentor has been a staple in the Lee’s Summit community, offering high-end fashion at a fraction of retail prices. But under the fresh leadership of a passionate, marketing-savvy owner, the beloved resale boutique fuses fashion-forward thinking with a fierce commitment to sustainability.
A seasoned marketer with a background in e-commerce, owner Rachel Dicke, saw more than just a successful resale store. She saw an opportunity to elevate the experience for women who crave quality, style, and a sense of purpose in shopping. “I wanted to create a shopping destination where women could discover the latest styles from the best brands, all while making a positive impact through sustainable fashion choices,” she says.
At the heart of Clothes Mentor’s mission is a dedication to reducing textile waste through resale. “Our entire business model is rooted in sustainability,” she explains. “By giving pre-loved clothing a second life, we’re extending the fashion lifecycle and reducing demand for new production.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing annually. According to CALPIRG, there’s already enough clothing on Earth to clothe the next six generations. “That’s insane,” she says. “Especially because most of it is still wearable. Every item we resell is one less garment contributing to that growing environmental issue.”
Clothes Mentor isn’t just about selling used clothes, it’s about making secondhand shopping feel luxurious and empowering. Shoppers stepping into the Lee’s Summit store are greeted by a clean, beautifully merchandised space with boutique energy and a highly curated inventory of trendy, seasonal styles. “Our prices are about 70% less than traditional retail, but our quality and customer service are unmatched,” she says.
Women can sell gently used items directly to the store and choose cash or store credit, many choosing the latter to restock their wardrobe with “new to them” fashion. This cyclical model is more than just smart; it’s sustainable.
In a world where fast fashion dominates, Clothes Mentor is helping change the narrative. “More shoppers are becoming conscious consumers,” she says. “They want to reduce waste and invest in quality over quantity. The stigma around secondhand shopping is fading—it’s now seen as savvy and stylish.”
And the community is taking notice. Word of mouth has been a powerful tool, with new customers walking in daily after hearing rave reviews from friends or seeing social media posts. “People walk in and say, ‘Wow, this store is so clean and organized!’ and ‘These prices are phenomenal!’ That’s our favorite part—surprising people with the quality of our inventory.”
Beyond the storefront, the team partners with local influencers, women’s groups, and sustainability organizations to raise awareness. Overflow product is donated to women’s nonprofits like Hope House and Mother’s Refuge, extending their mission beyond fashion.
Looking to the future, Clothes Mentor has big plans. The store’s 15th anniversary in May will bring month-long celebrations, promotions, and events that highlight its impact on the community. This summer, they’re launching a personal shopper program, pairing customers with local stylists who’ll curate selections based on personal style profiles, further enhancing the boutique feel of the resale experience.
The store has also embraced the digital age with a robust e-commerce platform (leessummitmo.clothesmentor.com), allowing women nationwide to shop their curated selection. Shoppers can choose local pickup and try items in-store before purchasing, bridging the gap between online convenience and in-person confidence.
Authenticity and quality are never compromised. Each item is hand-inspected for brand, condition, and style, and luxury items are authenticated with precision. With styles for women aged 25 to 95, the inventory reflects a wide range of sizes and aesthetics, designed to flatter every body at every stage of life.
The store’s owner is especially proud of how her marketing background shapes the store’s vision. “We’re building something special here. It’s not just about clothes—it’s about confidence, community, and conscious choices. I truly believe resale is the future, even if the product comes from the past.”
Her passion and precision are driving results. With strategic goals and a clear long-term vision, Clothes Mentor is poised to be more than just a local shop—it’s a movement.
And if she could leave Lee’s Summit women with one message?
“Fashion should be both beautiful and responsible. By choosing resale, you’re making a powerful impact on your wardrobe, your wallet, and the planet. Small changes in the way we shop can lead to a more sustainable future for everyone.”
In Lee’s Summit, that future is already taking shape, one stylish, secondhand piece at a time.