Today we’d like to introduce you to Valérie Mélanie Engel.
Hi Valérie Mélanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved to Miami about 10 years ago from Paris.
After graduating I went to arts school followed by a well known fashion school in Paris.
After that I worked for Chanel in the South of France and afterwards got promoted to the ”Image” department in Paris. I was given a lot of responsibilities, got access to the entire fashion world from fashion shows, press, celebrities, private events, fittings, window decor, team training, exclusive openings, travel etc… It was my dream job and till that day I am so honored to have worked there for many years.
Meanwhile, I grew up traveling a lot, I grew up in the Islands and after several years in Paris I wanted to see something new, mostly before I have my own family and fully settled!
My mom loves Miami and always told me about it. One day while being stuck in the subway on my way to work I decided to quit everything: pack my bags and move to the other side of the world by myself!
Alright, 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?
The answer to this question is so long I can’t even answer!
This would take an entire book but what I can say is that nothing worth having comes easy and pressure is a privilege!
The goal is to never let go no matter how hard it seems.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a french boutique for women baby and kids. For over 6 years we had a physical location in Miami Beach but after Covid, a rent that doubled and so much more I decided to move it online and add personal shopping to it.
A new and fun concept with an established loyal clientele who already knew the business.
We offer local deliveries, for example: ”a selection for a 6 year old girl and women size S” we prepare everything, have it delivered to their front desk/doorstep and pick up what did not work. Easy and comfortable shopping while avoiding parking, crowds etc…
Also, we offer extra service to any online orders and ship quickly.
We sell everything we love but pay extra attention to the quality, fabrics, cuts etc… Actually, before adding any new designer to our selection I purchase a piece for myself or my kids and test test try it!
Finally, we participate in lots of local events like school bazaars but also private events, birthdays, baby showers etc… Also organize classes for our community (mostly kids classes). We also like to support local designers. The competition of ”online” is big, you have to stay present.
We are not the typical boutique, we are a personal boutique and offer the best service we can, each purchase, each customer is important to us.
For many years we have received the award of best boutique in Miami.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been very determined and since I am a child I have always wanted to do 2 things:
1/The career I have now.
2/A psychologist for children or inmates. (I know this is not the typical answer but I find the psychology behind these individuals very interesting!)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rosesanddreams.us
- Instagram: @rosesanddreamsmia
Image Credits
photographer for photo is @mareacasadophoto
