Contestant's Case to Win
This is based on the number of votes received.Lauren Mac offers a hand-picked selection of fashion jewelry and accessories for women and teens. Our assortment is an ever-evolving mix of updated classic styles, a little bohemian chic and modern flair. Our designs are special finds that are sourced globally and showcase up and coming indie designers, women artists, and little known handcrafted collections from around the world. We are able to offer quality items at affordable pricing due to our streamlined distribution system. We don’t have an expensive physical store, which means savings to our discriminating clients. Founded at the end of 2010, by a mother and daughter team, located in the San Francisco bay area, Lauren Mac, is a socially responsible business with an emphasis on style. We are proud to partner with Fair Trade companies that ensure artisans fair wages and good working conditions.
I am Marsha, creator of Lauren Mac Accessories. After years of working as a design manager in new home construction, I decided to turn back to my original roots of fashion design. One of the things that motivated me to start my own retail accessory business was I was tired of seeing overpriced items in all the retail stores. I wondered why some companies had not made unique designs available at reasonable prices. After all, I knew what these items wholesaled for, and I couldn't believe what they were retailing for. After a trip to New York, it occurred to me that in a challenging economy, women were looking to get more bang for their buck. They still wanted unique quality accessories that weren't like everyone else and yet they didn't want to overpay. I found myself wanting to get more outfits out of a few pieces from my wardrobe, and so did my friends and associates. What better way to do that then to add unique quality accessories. This was also a philosophy I had always followed when packing for a trip, carry a few staple wardrobe pieces and lots of accessories that don’t take up much room in my suitcase.
After spending time researching products and trends I discovered the special items I was looking for. The items that have just the right combination of quality and uniqueness to be part of the Lauren Mac Collection. My goal was to offer style at the best prices. Our pieces are not mass produced. I was excited to share my goods with other ladies. The first sign that I was on the right track was when I exhibited at a local school ladies luncheon and found my jewelry flying off the table! Our clients tell us that even when they find our merchandise or similar items elsewhere it is often three times more expensive. My daughter merchandizes our teen collection and assists me with shows. This process has been a great learning experience for her and I hope it will influence her business sense in adulthood. After participating in a few “boutique” fairs, I decided to expand our exposure with an online store. Knowing nothing about building a website and months of teaching myself how to do it, I am proud to say I launched www.LaurenMacOnline.com in October of 2011. The internet is so exciting because it allows me to make our collections available at a fraction of what these pieces would sell for in traditional distribution channels.
My hope for participating in StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition is to be able to reach and serve more women and teens looking for unique alternatives to shopping big store chains and women looking to shop and support other women in business. I want to continue bringing something special to the Lauren Mac client at prices they are excited about. I hope to offer unique accessories that compliment the style of the individual wearing them.
Happy Accessorizing!
