Community Highlights: Meet Madison Emami of Maison De Madisse

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Emami.

Hi Madison, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The concept of making European fashion and quality more accessible to the U.S. market was what inspired me to create Maison de Madisse. Some would say I started my online luxury handbag boutique on a whim, but in reality, Maison De Madisse was several years in the making. I’ll explain. One day during the pandemic while scrolling through TikTok, I saw an ad for a platform that enables entrepreneurs to create a website for online business. Without much thought, I spontaneously signed on, and for the purposes of completing the process, I had to quickly decide on a product to sell. I’ve always loved handbags (especially high-quality, well-crafted leather bags) so I went with that. I really didn’t take any of it too seriously at first, but as I navigated the platform and started to build the site, I felt with every step forward that I was working on something special.

I was truly enjoying building this online platform as it gave me an outlet to be freely creative, which is the core reason I have always been attracted to the concept of entrepreneurship. After graduating from California State University Fullerton with a degree in Business and Finance I spent the following 10 years in the fashion industry managing several major corporate retailers. Later I moved on to work for two advertising agencies specializing in creative content for tv ads, ad strategy and data analytics. As my skills and experience broadened I made my first attempt at an online startup business along with a business partner. That first business came with a crash course in web development and social media marketing. Now, looking back, I see all my past work experiences as pieces of a puzzle that perfectly came together, offering me exactly what I needed to start my online handbag boutique. So, although the inception was on a whim, it really had been years in the making.

We’re very grateful to have had an amazing response since day one. Only 6 months after our official launch, I was invited to present our various handbag designs on the fashion runway for OC Fashion Week. It was an amazing experience and I felt such a sense of pride knowing others really appreciated the products we were offering and found them to be as special as I did. We’re very excited for what is to come in our second year as I am striving to offer more unique luxury pieces, new designs and a very affordable price range compared to commercialized designer brands.

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?
Of course, there have been struggles. I can’t imagine any business not having that. Every day there is something new to learn. Most days I am grateful for that, but some days it feels like an impediment. It’s hard to always be patient and to remember that things don’t always go as planned or on your desired timeline. The real challenge when owning your own business is being your own cheerleader, day in and day out, regardless of outside factors.

Another struggle has been dealing with overseas logistics issues from Europe while the availability of materials changes daily. Some of our very exclusive bags are made to order, meaning they are made by hand specifically for the ordering customer. When the demand for quality materials sourced in Europe goes up it can affect our waiting time for the finished product. Fortunately, our customers have been understanding and patient when it comes to items that are crafted by artisans because they have an appreciation for the quality and know it will be worth the wait.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I created Maison De Madisse to offer designer leather handbags that are exclusive and unique. I had traveled to Italy a few times and loved shopping there, returning home with my special European finds. My friends would always say “I love your bag, where can I get it?” And I would tell them they’d have to travel out of the country to get it! I realized that most women love having a distinctive bag that is envied. So I set out to find leather handbag designers in Italy that crafted luxurious, high-quality pieces. Many of the designers I work with are well known in Europe but a well-kept secret here in the U.S.

For those who focus more on the quality and construction of a bag, I wanted to offer hard-to-find pieces that aren’t carried by all their friends or found in local shops. Each handbag is purchased in very limited quantities to stay exclusive for the customer. Most of them are made completely by hand. When curating a collection for Maison de Madisse, I focus on high-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship and functionality.

Being unique takes confidence and there are a strong group of people out there who are leaders when it comes to fashion. They don’t like copying anyone’s style or following trends. They simply want to be themselves and express their individuality. We’ve had a great response from them! So I’ve made it my goal to offer a wide variety of unique handbags that can make anyone feel more confident, expressive and special.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If you want help from someone don’t be afraid to ask. Also, know exactly how you want to be helped and be very specific in your request. Most people are limited in time these days and they can’t read your mind! If you’re wanting to network, sure you can try through social media, but the best way is still face-to-face. Get out and meet people! It’s amazing the possibilities that come your way once you put yourself out there!

Pricing:

• Use Promo Code Voyage15 for 15% off thru 3/27/2023

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MaisonDeMadisse.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maison_de_madisse/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaisonDeMadisse

Image Credits
Pic 2 (with green handbag) Please credit: Photographer: Stanley Tran Model: Monika Slavinskaite Pic 3 (with red handbag) Please credit: Photographer: Steve Manivong Model: Margo Balan