In the world of high fashion and luxury resale, few names command the respect and admiration of Eddie and Kirsten Prosser. As the husband-and-wife team behind Onquestyle, their boutique in Southern California has become a destination for those who appreciate rare designer pieces and impeccable style. But Onquestyle is more than just a business; it is a reflection of their shared passion for fashion, quality, and sustainability. With Eddie’s keen eye for business and Kirsten’s deep understanding of high-end fashion, they have built a brand that blends exclusivity with accessibility, offering clients a curated experience unlike any other.
Their journey is one of dedication, vision, and a commitment to redefining the luxury resale space. While many see secondhand as simply a market trend, the Prossers have turned it into an art form. Every piece that enters Onquestyle carries a story, and their meticulous curation ensures each finds the right home. Beyond their success in fashion, their partnership (both in life and business) sets them apart. Balancing the demands of a thriving enterprise with the strength of their relationship, Eddie and Kirsten have created more than a brand; they have built a legacy of style, trust, and excellence.
What inspired you to start this business together, and how did your vision take shape?
Eddie: We started in 2009. Kirsten was a professional fashion stylist for years and worked with a lot of high-net-worth clients. A common theme kept coming up. They would buy too much and then ask, “What do we do with all this stuff?” I had spent 30 years running car dealerships, so I was watching from the sidelines. One day, I thought, maybe we could resell some of these items. I had experience assessing value and running businesses, and Kirsten knew fashion and styling. It just made sense.
We saw a “For Lease” sign on a building 15 years ago. I walked in, secured a three-year lease, and told Kirsten, “Guess what? We’re starting a consignment store.” We jumped in blind. Neither of us even knew what a consignment store really was. I couldn’t spell Chanel or Louis Vuitton, though I did know Rolex. But once we signed the lease, there was no turning back.
Kirsten asked her clients to bring in some of their excess items, and that got us started. The biggest challenge was learning how to authenticate pieces because I wanted to do more than just consign. I wanted to buy inventory outright and sell it competitively. Over time, I became a professional authenticator, and now I handle buying and selling while Kirsten does styling, merchandising, and consulting. We try not to get in each other’s way.
With authentication, have you seen an increase in counterfeits, or is there more exposure that helps combat fakes?
Eddie: Counterfeits have always been around, but they have surged in the last five or six years. China has flooded the market, but counterfeits also come from Bangladesh, Turkey, and beyond. A lot of people get duped, especially online. A picture isn’t enough to verify authenticity.
Our brick-and-mortar store builds credibility because customers can touch and feel the products, and they know we’re not going anywhere. On social media, we would never risk selling anything we weren’t 100 percent sure about. If I have even the slightest doubt, I turn to third-party authentication services. We’ve got a firm grip on it now, but we always stay cautious.
As a husband-and-wife team, how do you balance business and marriage? Any secrets to keeping both strong?
Kirsten: We actually love working together. We divide responsibilities. Eddie stays in the back with inventory, and I stay in the front with customers. That separation helps.
Eddie: We also have personal outlets. I play golf, and Kirsten has her social circle. In the mornings, I’m on the course. If she wants to go out with her girlfriends in the evening, that’s fine by me. We both have our space.
Another game-changer has been Instagram Live. Two years ago, we started live-streaming shows on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m., showcasing handbags. Now we sell 60 to 80 percent of our featured inventory during each show. It’s more efficient than waiting for people to come into the store. We can show 30 pieces and sell 20 or more in two hours.
What’s the most exciting or unexpected item that has come through your doors?
Kirsten: We’ve had some incredible jewelry and one-of-a-kind watches. You never know what will walk through the door. We once had a client from the Forbes list of the ten richest people in the world.
Eddie: We’ve also had pieces so rare and sophisticated that we didn’t think the Southern California market was the right place to sell them. In those cases, we’ve sent items to Sotheby’s for auction. Every day brings something new.
What fuels you in life?
Eddie: It’s not about the money. It’s about the journey. Taking something from nothing and turning it into a $100 to $300 million empire is the challenge. Whether we get there or not, we love the process. We could do this forever because it’s fun. Business is like a Rubik’s cube or a chessboard. You’re always strategizing, always figuring out the next move.
What’s been the most rewarding part of building this business, and what’s been the biggest challenge?
Eddie: The most rewarding part is realizing that Kirsten can go toe-to-toe with me. I’ve always been a hard worker, like a coal miner, and it turns out my beautiful Scandinavian wife is just as tough. That makes all the difference. You can’t build something great with one foot in and one foot out.
The hardest part is staying ahead of the competition. More and more people are entering the luxury resale business. Some are serious, some are short-term, and some have even gone public. The market is getting saturated, so we have to keep reinventing ourselves. The moment you think everything is perfect, you better wake up and prepare for the next challenge.
What do you want your legacy to be?
Eddie: Our business thrives because we’ve built a real community, especially online. People keep coming back because we’re authentic. There’s a saturation of sellers in this industry, but no two used luxury pieces are the same. Reputation matters. We want people to think of us as their go-to for luxury resale, just like you have a trusted insurance agent or a barber. We want to be their luxury fashion experts for years to come.
OnQueStyle
2900 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
949-717-7795
Words by Tom Burleson
Photos by Christina Wolf
