Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Davis.
Melanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. As a middle schooler, I remember telling my mother that I would like to have my own business someday. As a learning experience, she gave me the opportunity to start small and took me to Costco. Using the money I saved from my weekly chores, I purchased two large packages of the most popular Wrigley gum flavors and a box of blow pops.
It probably was not allowed, but the next day I took them to school and by the end of the week, I had sold out of everything! I took notes on the candy and gum requests of my schoolmates, and soon I had a variety of offerings. I learned how to determine my profit and expenses from the money I received and how to assess my customer’s needs, and then provide them with the options they wanted.
My small business thrived. Although it was only a short venture, it really sparked something in me at a very young age. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be in business. I dreamt of working for myself while doing something I love.
I was a college senior looking for a new job when I stumbled upon Aiko Luxury Linens, a small mom and pop linens boutique that offered the most amazing bedding, table linens, and towels. I always loved fashion and secretly wanted to be an Interior designer, and I thought this job would be a perfect fit. After all, bedding and décor is fashion for the home. While learning about the fine European products and the history behind them, I just couldn’t get enough!
The more I learned, the more passionate I became about the exquisite products the company had to offer.
Over the past 12 years, I have taken part in the introduction, purchasing, and selection of every line we offer. We have selected some of the very finest quality products that Europe has to offer. We passed on brands that had a great marketing image because they were not the superior quality we are known for.
Two years ago, I was given the opportunity to purchase the company.
My dream had finally come true!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
While fine linens are an extremely important part of my life, my heart is at home with my husband and three children (ages 4, 2, 1). Believe me, being a mother of three can be chaotic at times. When owning your own company, it is important that you balance your work and home life. The children grow up so fast, there never seems to be enough time in the day for it all!
I am always working to find the right balance. I want to give the best to my clients, and my family. Sometimes that means answering a client’s email in the middle of the night during a feeding, or corresponding to emails with our European vendors, to make the best of the time difference. At the same time, I make sure that I spend time with my children each morning before heading off to work, and that I am home in time to make dinner and sing them their favorite song before bed.
When the days are long, I always remind myself that following your passion is an important lesson to my children. One day, I truly hope they will find happiness in doing something they love. At the same time, it is important that they also understand there will be many sacrifices along the way.
The roads are not always paved along our path, and sometimes, it is the bumpy road that leads us to the most incredible places. Never give up faith, if you really want something it takes hard work and dedication.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Aiko Luxury Linens story. Tell us more about the business.
Aiko Luxury Linens is a curated boutique that focuses on providing the finest European bed linens and tableware for home, yacht, and private jet. Our prioritization in relational client care and bespoke collections is what makes Aiko unique. We specialize in custom size bedding and finishes such as monograms, logos, and embroideries. We pride ourselves in supplying the highest quality products on the market. No project is too big or small for us. We work closely with our personal clients, corporations, interior designers, and celebrity clientele to make their dream space a reality.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would not consider it pure luck, but I would have to say I have been extremely fortunate.
I have an amazing family. A mother and father that have been very supportive of my venture, a husband that is always encouraging me to follow my dreams, and three small children that definitely keep me grounded.
That is all the luck I need!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2501 Palm Ave,
Suite 212 Miramar, FL 33025 - Website: www.aikoluxurylinens.com
- Phone: 800-972-2456
- Email: melanie@italianfinelinens.com
- Facebook: @[623317681:Aiko Luxury Linens}
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