Member Spotlight: Charmia Elam of MAUVE
Hey ladies! Welcome to another Member Spotlight, featuring our members — influencers, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and girl bosses alike! Next up: Charmia Elam of MAUVE.
Read on to learn about how Charmia’s creative outlet transformed into a contemporary and luxury online consignment boutique.
Q: Tell us a little about you, girl!
A: Hi! I am Charmia Elam, an internationally certified Fashion Stylist with over a decade of experience & Owner of MAUVE. MAUVE is a contemporary and luxury consignment ecommerce boutique.
Q: What inspired you to start MAUVE?
A: MAUVE has always been something that has surrounded my individual style & the work that I do. MAUVE is for the modern, chic, & fashion-forward. Our motto is "Where Fashion & Sustainability Brunch." I was inspired to start the MAUVE digital platform as a creative outlet / mood board, initially through IG in 2018… the rest is history. I wanted to bring a presence I felt was missing in the Fashion Industry. I have received a certification from the world's fashion capital at one of the top fashion institutions, completed uncapped stylings, worked fashion shows, had a career in fashion management, successfully ran third-party accounts on multiple sites. It was time for someone with both the educational & work experience to provide a full one-stop fashion service.
Q: The past few months have definitely been uncertain and strange. How have you pivoted your business strategy?
A: To be honest, I have kind of gone into overdrive during this pandemic. I have been more productive than ever (luckily I'm a Virgo lol). I have always been self-sufficient & super productive, not to mention I was originally an analyst in Corporate America, so my psyche is continuously observing, preparing, & forecasting. Right now, I'm just making the most out of the extra hours we have. I've allowed myself to decompress and be creative in so many different and new ways which is exciting. My business strategy has advanced into moving to a more digitally focused model for now. All MAUVE products are still available through our website, www.shopmauve.co, but I've begun to offer more services through the web, like virtual wardrobe styling & virtual closet consultations. The future will likely never look the same, but we have to be optimistic and realize change is not always bad.
Q: Tell us about a few of your favorite products available in your shop right now!
A: I hand-select and curate all items for MAUVE, so in a sense they're like my babies. I have a gorgeous vintage Dior monogram vanity case in a brilliant apple red hue… I'm obsessed! It is a very rare gem that is super transitional and can be used as a handbag, luggage accessory, and so much more. Vintage Chanel will forever be a win. We have a good-link choker that is so classic & chic, and gives off lots of Parisian vibes. I'm also very into contemporary luxury, so I would say the Thunderbolt Prada mini bag/crossbody. Super futuristic & definitely "2020."
Q: What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone looking to find their own personal style?
A: My advice is to be true to you, take chances, step out of the box, and be confident. Confidence is key. Our styles are always evolving. It's important to find what best suits yourself, and it's great to have a wardrobe stylist consult with you to find that.
Q: What’s next for you and MAUVE?
A. MAUVE is looking forward to the Summer 2020 season, and have lots of amazing new arrivals to share with the world. We recently launched a YouTube channel (MAUVE CO) that we are super excited about. It offers weekly style tips, tutorials, product reviews, and all things fashion. Make sure to check it out!
THERE YOU HAVE IT, LADIES
A little peek into Charmia’s journey with MAUVE. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and stay up-to-date with all of her hand-selected and curated items. Interested in receiving personalized styling from Charmia? Visit the personal styling section on her website for help in all things wardrobe styling, personal shopping, editorial styling, closet consultations, creative direction, and more!
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