Meet Staci Pearlman and Melissa Marks of elfin, Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Pearlman and Melissa Marks

Hi Staci and Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We’ve been friends for about 20 years and both always worked in fashion: Melissa on the business side, and Staci on the creative side. One day, we were having launch while on maternity leave and thought it would be great to start a business together. We ultimately decided that a one stop shop for kids clothes and launched elfin. So, we figured with both of our skill sets and our interest in kids fashion, we would make the perfect partners and it’s all been such a fun ride from there.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely ebbs and flows. One month, things could be crazy busy and inventory is getting low, and another, it can be slow and scary. We’ve definitely made some mistakes but that’s part of launching a small business – it’s all a learning process for sure. For us, we’re learning how to innovate the kids retail space and make ourselves stand out by adding different elements like our patch bar, which sets us apart from the other kids boutiques in the area.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a one stop shop for kids pieces that were both stylish and functional. Also a space to find pieces that aren’t everywhere – we really make it a point to scour the globe for brands that aren’t at all the big department stores and all over the internet.
We’d like to say that the community space we’ve created sets us apart from other kids stores. We’ve made our store a space that moms, dads, and kids want to hang around in. We have comfy couches, snacks, drinks, alll the things. We want to get to know our customers and their families and creating this inviting space is definitely something we pride ourselves on. We’re so proud that we really scour the globe for brands that aren’t everywhere. We take great pride in really curating a selection that is handpicked and loved by us and our kids.

How do you think about happiness?
Running a business and seeing it grow is one of the most incredible feelings in the world. Also, getting to know our customers and seeing them happy with what we have is so special. We also love the idea that we can be inspiring. That said, we’ve made it our mission to carry a huge assortment of small, mama owned businesses. We love stumbling upon a small brand and bringing it into the store to watch it grow. This has happened many times already and it brings us so much joy texting the designer of the brand to tell her how well her line is selling. We also hope to show other moms that it’s absolutely possible to pursue a dream and also be a wonderful mama and present partner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elfinlosangeles.com
• Instagram: @elfinlosangeles
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elfin-los-angeles-woodland-hills

Image Credits
@nikkifinninphotography
@stephanielorenphotography