Today we’d like to introduce you to Meagan Malone
Hi Meagan , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My company started off as a vision. As a young girl, I envisioned myself one day owning my own boutique and designing clothing. I wanted to do this specifically for my own clothing store. Growing up , I loved playing dress up with my Barbie dolls! Constantly, I would change their attire. I adored mixing and matching their ensembles to create different fashion styles. During my teenage years, I developed my own unique style. As I began to approach adulthood, my sense of style began to constantly shift. This allowed me to see how diverse style can be all the while allowing me to truly see what I loved most. I wanted my personal style to fit me perfectly. This helped me to develop a deeper affection and appreciation for global fashion. While all women have their own distinctive look, we can all agree that fashion shapes us in one form or another.
When the infamous Covid 19 era began, I started to turn my vision into reality. Research became my friend. I spent tireless days searching fashion sites, reviewing people’s comments, suggestions, do’s and don’t’s, fabric quality, etc. It was my intent to absorb as much knowledge as I could acquire. It was in this exact moment, that I began to formulate a plan of action. I knew I needed to execute my business. It had become a part of me. I felt it within my core. I enrolled in a few classes on the basics and that helped get the ball rolling. It was critical that I learned the fundamentals that would be needed for me to start on this adventure. From there, I was able to write out my business plan. Six months after that I launched Elegant Luxe Co. My long term goal is to have several of my own storefront locations and to start other business ventures as well .
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My entrepreneurial journey has not been an easy road. When I started off, I had an idea, but did not know the business structure . Not to mention, I also did not have the proper funding. I was using my personal income to purchase a lot of inventory. Unbeknownst to me, I neglected to properly research marketing to see what was actually trending or poplar at the time .
Additionally, I did not have a business partner nor team to assist with simple tasks. I was solely playing all the roles within my organization. Literally, I had to learn the hard way, through ups and downs, trial and error. Through constant cycles of failing, I would definitely say that’s what shaped me along the way. I am continually growing and developing each day. There are so many entrepreneurs that fail early on, which is okay. The goal is to keep going and do not give up! We each have to learn from the same mistakes and experiences that shape us. It is imperative that we keep going! When you are doing something you love it does not feel like work, it doesn’t feel forced since you have a passion for it.
As you go through the struggles, keep in mind they are always shaping us and leading us to the road we are ultimately meant to go down .
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our business is Elegant Luxe Co . Elegant Luxe Co is predominantly online; however, we do also have a section inside of the Painted Tree Boutique in Memphis, TN where some items are sold. This option allows ladies to shop some looks in-store.
Our ultimate goal is to provide chic ,classy, stylish pieces to allow women to feel empowered while confident and beautiful.
What sets us apart from other brands is our curated inventory but not only that, we get to know our customers. We love to hear their feedback and preferences of what they would love to see online . Our supporters keep us in business we value their opinions and always providing superior customer service.
What I am most proud of brand-wise is being able to stay relevant in a world filled with wonderful clothing brands. Our customers keep coming back and for that I am forever grateful!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Advice that I would give any new entrepreneur starting out would be to have some business capital to help with business start-up costs and needs. A business plan is also essential! One must know what they want the vision and mission of their company to be. In addition, I would recommend a business mentor, someone who could help guide you and get advice from along the way. Finally, an ideal gem is to get out and network! Build those relationships as they are so very important in building your brand. Networking is a free marketing tool for your business that so many do not take advantage of, we must use all resources available. Simply by having a conversation with someone, they could possibly tell someone else about your brand or even want to invest or support. These are some priceless details to being a successful business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elegantluxeco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elegantluxeco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elegantluxeco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElegantLuxeCo
