Louis Azor is a Michigan State University student currently majoring in criminal justice, while at the same time, owning and operating one of East Lansing’s newer shops – More Than Vintage opened its doors on April 29, 2022.
While also doubling as a coffee shop and lounge space, MTV also offers a wide variety of clothing from vintage to expensive high-fashion pieces. Coming up on the one-year anniversary, Azor reflected on how that first year has impacted him.
“I remember walking past the 108 Division St. store front (where MTV is now located) and saw the for-lease sign. I got this feeling, closed my eyes, and could picture my friends and people having fun and smiles on their face,” Azor said. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mind-set.”
Once he mixed that with his passion for clothes, Asor knew that this was what the store was going to be.
Starting a business presents challenges, but it can prove extra difficult when it is your first and you are still trying to manage classes.
“There are so many unexpected things… it all blows out of the water when it starts going,” Azor said.
On opening day, he only had 67 days once he signed the lease to completely renovate the store, find employees, and stock inventory. Azor credits staying organized and having the right people around him as the key to his success.
Customer Courtney Pierce is an MSU student who visits MTV occasionally.
“When I came in for the first time it was not at all what I expected. From the atmosphere to the employees, and even the people who shop there, every part of the store feels welcoming and a safe place on campus to chill with friends,” she said.
Azor’s drive also inspires those close to him. Long-time friend and MSU student Noah Hurley commented on his friend’s success.
“It’s crazy to see someone you knew as a kid owning the store that would’ve been your favorite place to hang out. Seeing the way he works makes me want to do the same,” Hurley said.
East Lansing isn’t the end for Azor or MTV either. Even after accomplishing so much, he feels he has much left to do.
“In the next coming years, I hope to open up a couple more stores in Michigan and hopefully one in New York and Chicago,” Azor said.
He also has personal goals for himself like attending the Chicago Booth business school or the Chicago School of Law.