Highlighting Ordinary Women With Fashion Businesses and What It Means to Them to Be a Female Entrepreneur
7 Stories of Empowerment
As a part of our 2015 Celebration of Women Fashion Entrepreneurs we wanted to interview some ordinary women who either are in the process of starting a fashion business or already have one. We wanted to tell their stories of encouragement and empowerment. It was truly a pleasure of ours to speak with each business woman featured.
Olga Lucia Muriel Kids Rock It, LLC, Owner
Our first story comes from Olga Lucia Muriel who is in the process of creating a line called Kids Rock It. What we also found fascinating is that Olga is no stranger to owning her own business. She owned an insurance company for 22 years. Here is her story as submitted to us in her own words:
As a mother, I have always thought my child is what makes me continue breathing, my motivation and inspiration, my willingness to keep working hard and never give up on achieving any short or long term goal. Our kids teach us. They make us stronger and capable of anything and everything. As a strong woman, I believe there are no limitations. Limitation is merely a state of mind. It does not exist. Fourteen years ago I immigrated to this country from Colombia as my mother wanted me to have better opportunities in life. And yes, there have been many opportunities that I could choose, good, bad, and indifferent. Do we want a job that just gives us a plate to eat, or do we want a job that allows us to build confidence and use our intelligence to help achieve a company’s goal? Do we want to work for a company and retire when our time comes, or do we want to create a company that transmits a good message for the future of our world, helps build confidence in kids, and allows us to develop personal and professional skills and help others as well? My son always showed me his many pieces of artwork. Once he showed me something I had never seen before, his own unique animal called "Giant Spike Back Fish" I thought, "wait, why don’t we put it on shirts and you can wear your own artwork."
My son was my amazing inspiration. I had an idea, and he encouraged me to make it happen. I am starting to get to know what I can accomplish. I am currently receiving amazing support from the Small Business Center in New Hampshire and gaining connections with great people. Currently, our first line is under production and we can’t wait to see our ideas come alive. I always get excited to find new ways or resources to continue building something my son and I created together. I put his ideas on paper and shaped them, and that is the very beginning of our own clothing line called “Kids Rock It.” Our clothing not only exemplifies a kid's style, but enhances the ability to live in it. “Be active and just be you.”
- Olga Lucia Muriel Kids Rock It, LLC, Owner
Kristen Philipkoski - StyleNik
Next we caught with Kristen Philipkoski who owns a fashion blog called StyleNik.com and also writes for Forbes. We asked her a few questions on what it means to be an female entrepreneur. Here is that interview.
* What inspired you to want to start your own fashion business?
I wanted to eliminate my commute to an office, have a flexible schedule, and work on projects I cared about. Mission accomplished!
* What advice would you give to other aspiring Women Entrepreneurs?
If you work from a home office, make it one with a door that shuts! (I'm still working on that one.)
* What would you say is one of the most significant challenge facing women entrepreneurs?
For me one of the biggest challenges is carving out time to actually get my work done. Working from home means I'm always there, so my family is constantly coming and going and boundaries between work and home life can be a fuzzy.
* Share any business or personal highlights and / or how you or your business has impacted others.
As a freelance writer I get to write about designers and brands I love and respect, which is really gratifying. I love bringing recognition to talented and hard working women (and men!).
- By Kristen Philipkoski
Desiree Ferraro - Desiree Spice
Next we caught with Desiree Ferraro who owns a fashion label called blog called Desiree Spice. We asked her a few questions on what it means to be an female entrepreneur. Here is that interview.
* What inspired you to want to start your own fashion business?
I have been designing dresses since I was 5 years old and sewing since I was 7 years old. It was my hobby and passion for the longest time. I got to a point where I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So I started my business and haven't looked back since.
* What advice would you give to other aspiring Women Entrepreneurs?
Don't give up and don't let people bring you down. I had a lot of nay-sayers. But I didn't let it affect me. It was their opinion, but they clearly didn't know me. I am proud to have proved them wrong.
Don't ever stop learning your craft, and always push and challenge yourself.
* Give a brief quote on what it means to you to be a female entrepreneur?
I don't like saying "female" entrepreneur. Yes, I am female. But when it comes to owning a business I like to consider that beside the point. I am an entrepreneur. I work just as hard as anybody else and I won't let gender get in the way of that.
* What would you say is one of the most significant challenge facing women entrepreneurs?
I think the biggest challenge is ourselves. A lot of women think "I'm a women in a mans world" or "I have to compete with the men". If we could just put those thoughts aside I think we would be able to worry more about ourselves and our businesses instead of competing with, or showing off to the men. They are irrelevant to what we can push ourselves to.
* Share any business or personal highlights and / or how you or your business has impacted others.
I spent 6 years in the United States Marine Corps. So as you can imagine I know a lot about being in a male dominant work space. But it taught me not to worry about competing with the men and instead work with them. Life is not a competition. Push yourself to the best of your ability and you will climb to the top.
- Desiree Ferraro
Misha Mendicino - Misha Mendicino Designs
Next we caught with Misha Mendicino who owns a fashion label called blog called Misha Mendicino Designs. We asked her a few questions on what it means to be an female entrepreneur. Here is that interview.
* What inspired you to start your own fashion business?
I wanted to combine two of my passions: Fashion and Elephants. I wanted to design the type of clothing that appeals to me, and at the same time help secure a future for the African Elephant who now faces extinction. The large platform of the Fashion Industry allows me to spread awareness about Elephant Conservation, which also gives me the voice needed to ban ivory worldwide, while creating a Brand that provides women with an effortless chic style.
* What advice would you give to other aspiring Women Entrepreneurs?
The best advice that I can offer is to never give up on your dreams or passions. A start-up business is always difficult and requires a lot of hard work, countless hours and a commitment to succeed. I suggest surrounding yourself with people that truly want you to be successful. Get involved with your community and find a Mentor that shares your passion.
* Give a brief quote on what it means to you to be a female entrepreneur?
Having my own Fashion business allows me to express my creativity, champion a cause that I am very passionate about while allowing me the flexibility to spend time with my Family.
* What is the main struggle you think women face when starting their own business?
I think the main struggle for women starting their own business would have to be time management. I struggle to balance career and family. I am a very active Mom and focused business owner which often leaves me faces with challenging decisions.
- Misha Mendicino
Susan Wainscott - Swimtastic
Next we caught with Susan Wainscott who is the Founder and CEO of Swimtastic Swim School. You may have heard Swimtastic if you have kids and have been online searching for local swimming class. She is now is the process of launching a fashion label. We asked her a few questions on what it means to be an female entrepreneur. Here is that interview.
* What inspired me to start my own fashion business?
The impact of a head-on collision began my passion for fashion design. Like many people who have brain trauma and instantly know how to play the piano, I had an acute awareness and passion for fashion design.
The blow to the head caused my husband and I, our two sons and two dogs, to relocate from Milwaukee to Florida where we lived on our 28’ boat to recover. In 2009, we opened our first resort Swimtastic Swim School at South Seas Island Resort on sunny Captiva Island, Florida. Island living at one of the nation’s premiere family resorts is where my passion for fashion design began to bloom. Tropical paradise was the true inspiration I needed to create my own resort wear line. Trading in Milwaukee winter wear for resort wear I began sketching and designing my first resort wear collection, seeking out top of the line fabrics. Simple and elegant fashion designs turned heads and captured the hearts of many.
* What advice do I have to other aspiring Women Entrepreneurs?
Fabric selection is critical to success in fashion design, especially in the Florida heat, rain and sun. Choose top of the line fabrics. Follow your passion and the money will follow. I never would have dreamed that teaching neighborhood children to swim to pay for my pool heater would have created such an enterprise. Going from backyard pool to franchising has taken team, time and commitment. To expand the brand with a start-up fashion design business is no different.
* Here are a few quotes on what it means to me to be a female entrepreneur:
Starting a business takes more than just passion. It takes blood, sweat and tears to fill a bucket. That’s what you need to take your passion to the Top of the Line! Passion doesn’t die. It’s up to you to not let the fire go out.
- Susan Wainscott
Latrice Delgado-Macon - TheStylingCloset.com
Next we caught with Latrice Delgado-Macon who owns an online fashion boutique called The Styling Closet. We asked her a few questions on what it means to be an female entrepreneur. Here is that interview.
* What inspired you to want to start your own fashion business?
I knew at the age of 6 years old watching my grandmother make clothes that I wanted to learn everything about fashion. As soon as I graduated from high school. I enrolled myself into the fashion department at Wayne state University and the rest was history.
* What advice would you give to other aspiring Women Entrepreneurs?
One thing for sure is don’t worry about what could go wrong. In a new business there are so many things that could possibly go wrong that it is easy to focus on them. Instead, focus on what you are doing right, and the problems you have will get resolved.
* Give a brief quote on what it means to you to be a female entrepreneur?
"Success to me is being happy.” "You know, it's just a success to try. If you just try, you're successful."
* Share any business or personal highlights and / or how you or your business has impacted others.
Our fashion clients, and friends love that Thestylingcloset.com is a fashion resource.
- Latrice Delgado-Macon
- Desha Jackson, Esq. - Jersey Fashion Week
Next we caught with Desha Jackson who is the Founder and CEO of Jersey City Fashion Week- producers DLJ Give to Live Community Foundation. We asked her a few questions on what it means to be an female entrepreneur. Here is that interview.
* What inspired you to want to start your own fashion business?
I practice sports and entertainment law and have a business in the same area. My fashion week started as a suggestion from a friend who knew how much I enjoyed clothing and thought my background would be great for this type of venture. I turned it into a charitable venture because I believed it would be a great way to give back. We have given over $6000 to 12 charities in the community that support our mission in the past five years. We are in our sixth season, fifth year in 2016.
* What advice would you give to other aspiring Women Entrepreneurs?
Take a chance!! Take the risk! I know stepping out on faith is tough but this is a still a continuous journey of faith for me. It's my ministry because God demonstrated that when you trust in him he will bring it all together. I tell the charities and everyone this each year we have this event. This Fashion week is a testament of my faith. Have faith and never give up!!!
* Give a brief quote on what it means to you to be a female entrepreneur?
I am happy to be able to be the catalyst and mastermind behind an event that advertises and supports businesses, fashion and entertainment, highlights a great community and gives back. I enjoy creating opportunity for people and hopefully I am inspiring others to do the same.
* What would you say is one of the most significant challenge facing women entrepreneurs?
Fear, finding support for your projects and funding. Overcome these by persistence, shaking the fear off and never giving up.There are never problems that don't have a solution.You may not like the solution but there is always one available.
* Share any business or personal highlights and / or how you or your business has impacted others.
Several designers have sold clothing due to the Fashion week. Models have also connected with photographers and other opportunities. It is another venue for children to express themselves as designers and models. Great press for all who are involved due to our purpose and mission. Great networking as well.
- Desha Jackson, Esq.
Paula Whittle - Founder & Director of Atlanta International Fashion Week
Our next interview is with Paula Whittle who founded Atlanta Fashion Week. We asked her a few questions on what it means to be an female entrepreneur.
What inspired you to want to start your own fashion business?
Fashion is the heartbeat of style and the driving force of our society. Aspiring designers, models and enthusiasts needed a platform and outlet for networking, promotion and presentations. Then entered the concept of the Atlanta International Fashion Week, a vision of bridging the gap and connecting continents through fashion.
What advice would you give to other aspiring Women Entrepreneurs?
You are your only limit. There is unlimited potential in the business world and it all begins with a thought, an idea, a solution to a problem. First, believe in yourself then build your brand - your unique concept and then they will come.
Give a brief quote on what it means to you to be a female entrepreneur?
Being the matriarch of business means the birth of a nation by providing and supplying the needs of a community. An entrepreneur, is not just a business owner, we are global leaders determined to change or enhance commerce.
What would you say is one of the most significant challenge facing women entrepreneurs?
Opportunity and Equality. Doors separate us before entering different places. Women need more doors opened for them which can propel them to success.
- Paula Whittle
Are you a female fashion entrepreneur and would like to share your story? We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line @ info @ startingaclothingline.com or leave a comment at the bottom.
Visit Our Celebration of Women's Fashion Business Owners 2015