Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia McConnell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lydia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Seattle, WA but relocated to Miami about a year and a half ago. I have degrees in both Interior Architecture and User Experience Design.
After finishing design school, I knew I wanted to do something creative and design related but I wasn’t sure what. I also knew I wanted to work for myself and not work in an office.
After moving down to Miami, I joined a makerspace where I learned how to use their laser cutter. I started making earrings and decided to try and sell them at a local weekend market. After that, the business just took off.
I started Le Chic Miami in March of 2018. We are now currently in 20 stores throughout the US.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve faced many challenges along the way. One of the biggest ones has been time management. I had no idea how much time running a small business would take. It’s been hard to find a balance between work and social life. When you love what you do, you don’t mind working long hours seven days a week. Remembering to make time to take breaks and do non-work-related activities is so important.
Please tell us about Le Chic Miami.
Le Chic Miami creates unique hand-painted wooden earrings. Everything is made here in Miami by hand. We are most known for our use of vibrant colors and playful designs.
As a brand, I am most proud of our relationship with our customers. We really appreciate our customers and take all their suggestions to heart.
Whenever one of our customers asks us to make them custom design, we’re more than happy to do so. Many times, their earring ideas have ended up being apart of our permanent collection.
We want our customers to not just wear our brand, but feel a part of our brand.
Is there anyone, in particular, you would like to recognize? Mentors, etc?
My boyfriend and his family have been very supportive of me throughout this journey. Since all my family lives in Seattle, they have been like a second family to me here.
In the beginning, when I was selling the earrings at markets every weekend, they were always there to help me set up/breakdown and cheer me on.
My boyfriend and his sister are also very creative individuals. They have helped me to design and build some of my earring displays in stores. I’ve also been able to bounce new earring design ideas off of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: Lechicmiami.store
- Email: lydia@lechicmiami.store
- Instagram: Lechicmiami
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/lechicmiami/
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