Today we’d like to introduce you to Milan Harris.
Hi Milan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I launched my business in May of 2020, my younger self always dreamed of opening a boutique. I never imagined opening my boutique would lead to e-commerce, however in today’s society, online is the new way of life and generating financial freedom. I remember vividly having a dream and the next day I woke up and decided to just start, no announcement. Before I knew it, I was registered and selecting pieces to open my online store.
I started promoting my brand in person by wearing my product to work and finding aesthetically pleasing locations around the office on my hour lunch break to take photos. During Covid, I transitioned to working from home where I was faced with the challenge to pivot, I could no longer promote in person and had to be creative. I then built my grass-wall backdrop to continue pushing forward.
My inspiration comes from years of experience working in luxury retail and generations of entrepreneurship. I grew up watching the strong women in my family create the life they dreamed of by having multiple streams of income in addition to their careers. My grandmother sold Avon, and my mother owns a storefront in Jamaica where she sells goods and designs clothing from traditional African fabric. I was destined to own my business.
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?
Full transparency, it has not been a smooth road, trying to find the balance while working a 9-5 and remaining committed to my business has been a challenge. Hunger and dedication are the key components to keep pushing forward and remembering the reason why I started.
I would also say at some point in my journey I dealt with Imposter Syndrome and perfectionism but once I got over it and stopped overthinking, I realized my biggest roadblock was myself. A wise person told me “Count your blessings, not your challenges”. My advice to all entrepreneurs and women in business, you can do it. Just keep going! Also, people will always have something to say. Do it anyway!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My brand’s motto is “For the multifaceted woman. Empowering you to be your authentic self, one look at a time”. I believe fashion fades but style is forever. The cost of the item you are wearing does not make it fashionable, but how you accessorize and the confidence you have while wearing it makes all the difference.
I am most proud when my customer’s expectations are exceeded by trying the piece on and loving the transformation of how they look. The hanger may not do the item justice but when my customer loves how the item makes them feel, my goal is accomplished. I believe if you look your best, you feel your best.
What sets me apart from my competitor, is my inspiration from my travels and being a Miami native. I handpick all of my merchandise by color, prints, silhouettes, and texture. My goal is to provide a luxury experience and fashion-forward pieces at an affordable price for the feminine of all shapes and sizes. Milan Lauren is just getting started, there is so much more to come in the future! Stay tuned.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am filled with gratitude to have so many supportive people in my life. My friends, family, and strangers, have shown up in so many ways, more than I could imagine.
J. Harris- Cheerleader/Mentor
E. Harris- Cheerleader
L.Samuels-Cheerleader
M. Wright- Cheerleader/Mentor
H. Harris- Cheerleader
K. Liburd- Photographer/Supporter
N. Grant- Photographer/Cheerleader
S. Garcia- Mentor, Cheerleader
G. Jean- Supporter
M. Bailey- Mentor/Supporter
C. Palacios- Mentor/Supporter
A. Gomez- Mentor/Supporter
Contact Info:
- Website: milanlauren.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @shopmilanlauren
