A La Mode

Clutch courtesy of Allison Howington 

About a month ago, I got a call from my friend Matthew wanting to tell me about a company his friend Allison started. Take one look at his Instrgam, and you’ll know I can trust anything he says remotely related to fashion. He connected us via email, and Allison sent along her etsy store so I could browse her work. To say I was blown away would be a huge understatement. Handpainted clutches, bags, scaves, wallets? Yes, please, and thank you.

How My A La Mode got started:
I have always had a passion for unique one of a kind items that truly represent the person wearing them. I am a firm believer in being true to yourself and not conforming to the norm. I went to school for fashion design and after graduating I worked for a custom clothing company selling men and women’s suits. I learned a lot about sales and it really challenged me daily. At the end of the day – a free spirited, lover of travel/bohemian wasn’t meant to sell suits. So, I took the leap of faith to pursue my own business and voile My A La Mode was born!

When did you launch the company:
I officially launched in February 2013, but really wasn’t able to contribute and make it successful until I quit my other job, which I did July of 2013.

What is the biggest inspiration for your products:
I am constantly inspired! I’ll have dreams of new designs and immediately wake up to start the design process. I take a lot of inspiration from travel. Traveling and meeting new people from all walks of life is by far my number one passion. I rarely focus on current trends or am inspired by them, but sometimes I will see something “trendy” and it will inspire me to create something that ultimately looks completely different. I love using bright and vibrant colors! I hand paint all of my items because I love to create my own patterns and i’m not limited to any one design.

Anything else you want people to know:
I have huge plans for My A La Mode and I’m really passionate about making the world a better place. I’ve been very lucky to have traveled a lot and have done mission trips to some countries that really need help. My goal is to utilize My A La Mode to make life better for those that are less fortunate. As we grow I will expand production and hire artisans from countries with struggling economies. I will of course pay them for their work but additionally I want to give a portion of my proceeds back to the families of the people who support me there. This is something I’m really excited to do! Of course I want my business to be successful but if I can do that while also improving the life a person, a family or (hopefully) an entire community, it would complete my mission in business and life!

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GO GET YOUR SHOP ON.