Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanne Keenan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started with one gown from the 1940’s and now have a collection of over 4,000 pieces.
I have always been intrigued by the intersection of history, fashion, and society. I had studied sociology in college. At the same time, I had started to collect vintage clothing – fascinated by the beauty and intricacy of the garments, and their historical significance.
Suddenly finding myself a single parent with two small children, I had to find ways to support us, while also following my own passions. To do that I worked three jobs: assisted at a bakery in Cambridge, cleaned houses, and taught children’s theater. These jobs were all flexible enough that I could work and still be there for my kids. During this time, I continued to collect unique and unusual clothing – some for my own collection and some for sale at local antique markets.
Next to the bakery was a small repertory theater and the director was a regular at the bakery. Knowing about my background in vintage, he asked me if I would be interested in costuming their next production, “A Taste of Honey,” a piece that takes place in the 1960’s. Knowing that I had a good inventory from that era, I took the leap. That’s when it all really started. From that point forward I began costuming shows for theaters all over New England.
In the beginning, I often had to work for little to no money. I turned this to my advantage by bartering my time and effort in exchange for all of the costumes from the show after the production was over. With an idea of having my own costume shop, this was one of the ways I grew my collection. I also grew my inventory by scouring flea markets, people’s attics and basements, old department store closings, and rag dealers. Most people think of their no-longer-used-clothing as just “old clothes.” But there are often treasures within, if one is willing to hunt. Once I cleaned a music director’s home and we traded for the contents of her attic. It was a goldmine. Hidden among the band uniforms and satin skirts was an 1880’s hat, jacket and velvet gown belonging to Emily Dickinson’s niece.
In addition to growing my collection, I worked to develop the skills and knowledge of a costume designer. I took the history of fashion courses, design courses at School of Fashion Design, studied museum collections all over US and Europe, and learned everything I could about each production I was a part of.
My first actual shop was in the basement of an art center in Belmont. It was a small space, maybe 10 x 30 feet, adjacent to the utility room. This wasn’t a big deal until the boiler in the utility room broke and flooded the basement! While it damaged some of my initial stock, the incident was really a blessing in disguise because I found my way to Arlington. The next space was larger; allowing me to be a full-service costume house with a larger inventory and a professional staff of seamstresses and designers. This also enabled me to have a sales floor so I could provide costuming to the local community.
I have now been in Arlington for over 20 years and have had many amazing creative opportunities. I have also met the most interesting people (including Paula Abdul who walked into the store one day). But whether costuming a theatrical production, film, corporate event or providing a fantastic Halloween costume for a couple going to a party, I love being a part of the vibrant Boston community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Every business has its challenges. When the recession hit, budgets were slashed in the business world and in everyone else’s pockets. Everyone became extremely cost conscious. At the same time, easy online purchasing began to dominate the retail industry. Many costume houses have closed. Others have chosen to create cheap generic costuming that can be mass produced and sold online. We have succeeded by balancing great quality garments and fair pricing. People really appreciate the now-unique ability to try on their well-fitted and well-made costumes.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Costume Company is a professional costume rental, design, and sales company. We are multi-faceted: supplying amazing costumes to the theater, film, photography, advertising, and corporate industries; as well as to individuals attending parties, reenactments, and special events.
Unlike costumes, one may find online or at a pop-up party store, we have authentic high-quality costumes. There are over 4,000 costumes in our rental stock with themes including but not limited to historical periods, holidays, fantasy, masquerade, pop culture/film, and character costumes. As a year-round costume sales and rental business, we sell costumes, accessories, and supplies to the entire Boston community – including of course our Halloween customers!
I am so proud of the multitude of different industries that we serve. Theaters across New England use our costumes. We have also supported TV and Film productions for PBS, BBC, Universal Studios, The History Channel, and many independent film producers. In addition, event planners, advertisers, and photographers team-up with us on creative and corporate promotional projects.
We are a modern day atelier known for our accuracy, authenticity, quality, and service.
What were you like growing up?
Although we grew up in a working-class suburb, my mother exposed us to the wonder of the art world – took us to plays in NYC, listened to classical music, even read poetry at the dinner table. My dad was a hardworking salesman and devoted generous father. With these wonderful models, we all learned to pursue what we love and never to give up.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so –who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
I have been so lucky to have had the most wonderful staff over the years.Enthusiastic, loyal, and hardworking, these gifted artists have contributed so much to the success of The Costume Company. Many of these remarkable and talented employees have gone on to work on Broadway, in Hollywood, and even on Wall Street. But of course, this company would not exist without the support and patience of my children and family. My “new husband” of twelve years has been an unfaltering believer in the potential of the shop. My talented siblings have always been amazing sounding boards. My children, now grown, were and are my motivation.They still support me, despite the fact that they endured many years of having to dress up in costume for every holiday to help Mom’s business. Personally, the iconic designers Coco Channel, Elsa Schaparelli, Vivienne Westwood, EdithHead, and Bob Mackie have always inspired me. Everyone who appreciates the art of costuming should be aware of their work. And as a business woman, I love what Elsa Schaparelli said: “The way is open to everybody who has the will, the ambition, the respect for work, and the IT.”
Contact Info:
- Address: 334 Trapelo Road Belmont
- Website: www.costumecompany.com
- Phone: 781 643 9422
- Email: TheCostumeCompany@verizon.net
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Image Credit:
The personal photo is from the day Paula Abdul visited the store.
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