Exploring Life & Business with Carlye Morgan of Chalonne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlye Morgan.

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. 
My inspiration and thought process for Chalonne emerged organically when I purchased my first Apple Watch a few years ago. I loved my watch and the easy access to all the amazing features and apps but wasn’t satisfied with the accompanying silicone band. I did some research and couldn’t find any high-quality Apple Watch bands out there. I didn’t want to sacrifice my personal style to sport the latest tech, and I knew other fashion-forward women must have felt the same way. According to Precedence Research, the global wearables market is around $140 billion and is expected to grow to nearly $400 billion by 2030. Bain & Co estimates the personal luxury goods market grew to $375 billion in 2022 and is projected to climb to around $570-615 billion by 2030, so it seemed like fertile ground to carve out a niche at the intersection of these two categories. I had been wanting to start my own business for a while and I had so many design ideas in my head, so I decided to go for it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since we originally set out to become a new luxury brand, it was absolutely essential to find the right manufacturer and collaborator who could deliver the highest quality product but I was surprised at how difficult I found that to be. After an extensive search and several attempts with other potential manufacturers, I found the perfect partner in Manufacture Jean Rousseau who lends Chalonne its 65 years of expertise and artisanal heritage, working with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands like Vacheron Constantin and Omega. All of Chalonne’s bands are made in Pelousey, a town imbued with a centuries-old history of watchmaking and zest for craftsmanship. The team at Jean Rousseau have been incredibly enthusiastic and supportive of the brand from the start, working with me to achieve the quality and aesthetic that Chalonne requires. Product is paramount and I am very proud that we are delivering the utmost quality bands. Guaranteed.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Chalonne is the premier line of luxury, leather-based smartwatch bands for women. Each beautiful band is designed in Bel Air, California and hand-crafted in France by skilled artisans using masterful techniques. These impeccable bands aren’t just hand-made with care, they are made from materials utilized by only the most luxurious brands.

I founded Chalonne with the firm belief that consciously sourced fine materials paired with timeless design results in the most sophisticated styles. Our gorgeous bands are made to be easily switched, to adorn wrists for formal occasions or to add a touch of luxury to everyday looks.

Chalonne was named to honor the intersection of two locales: the iconic Chalon Road in Bel Air and the quaint French town of Chalonnes-sur-Loire. The symbolism of two paths crossing is beautifully incorporated and anchors each design with a sense of time and place. The notable purple color that lines each band was inspired by the Jacaranda trees that bloom each spring in Los Angeles.

At the heart of it, all is my deep-rooted commitment to giving back and empowering women. Since day one, Chalonne has donated 4% of the purchase price for every band sold online to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrf.org. Our ultimate goal is for Chalonne to be successful enough to extend our mission of empowering women, by supporting other organizations who champion physical health, economic and educational opportunities and inner strength of women everywhere.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I wish someone had told me to do more personal introspection before starting my company and to take the time to really be objective about my own personal strengths and weaknesses. I did a full SWOT analysis for my product and business, but I should have started by doing one on myself. I realized along the way, that while I am good at many things, I am certainly not good at everything. There’s nothing like becoming an entrepreneur to shine a spotlight on your weaknesses! Once I realized that (the hard way), I was able to identify the tasks that were outside my comfort zone and sought outside help, which freed up time for me to lean into the tasks that are in my wheelhouse.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chalonne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalonne.la
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlye-morgan-122200/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOeGEq_XRXeYJu4uLh_1Q7w