Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Gordon.
Hi Monica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started working in the fashion industry in my early 2000s. Back then, everything was so fast-paced. Bling was everywhere. I worked for Spanx first working for a rep selling the brand. And then getting hired on to Spanx corporate as a Brand Ambassador training department store employees how to sell. Flash forward to getting hired to work at Chantal Accessories and eventually buying the business.
It was 2008 and I was 28. I had bought a business and the recession started. It was one of those situations where you had to really think of out of the box to get through those times and now making it through the pandemic we are there again. Despite what the world has thrown at us, we are still here, almost 15 years later.
Today, I represent 7 brands from around the world. I try to partner with brands that have a voice or bring something different to the table. I would like to try to focus on sustainable brands who are moving info a more efficient manufacturing future. I also love working with women-owned business since we are 100% women-owned and run. We recently got certified by the Women in Business Enterprise Council.
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?
I think most businesses have peaks and valleys. Coming out the Covid 19 pandemic has been interesting to say the least. We were closed for a portion of 6 months. We also have had to deal with supply chain issues has most manufacturers have.
Looking forward out of this time, I think we taught ourselves how to be more present in the digital online world. I put myself in front of a camera to do video walk throughs of the brands we rep. We are now constantly looking into how we can be more innovative and conscious of our work time.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in strengthening the relationships between our brands and retailers. Not only do we work on sales, but help with design and trend needs. All of our brands like to make a stamp in their field and strive to produce relevant and innovative designs.
Our Brands:
Co-lab – Vegan Leather Handbags, PETA Certified (Montreal)
Hedgren – Sustainable Nylon Handbags, RFID, Travel (Belgium)
1822 Denim – Size Inclusive, Recycled Denim (New York)
Keaan – Leather Handbags, Fair Trade (British Columbia)
Jou Jou – Juniors, Plus, Kids Jackets (New York)
INKED by Dani – Temporary Tattoo’s, Woman Owned, Made in the US (New York)
Pacific Teaze – Outdoor, Sportswear Apparel Men’s and Women’s (Missouri)
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I have learned that if you are passionate about what you are doing and you work with that same passion, it all will work out in the end.
Business in a general sense always ebbs and flows. There are twists and turns. Be flexible and always try to create goals that are a bit higher than what you think you can do. Don’t think of reasons of why it didn’t work, think about what you can change to get you do that goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://chantal-accessories.com/
- Instagram: @chantalshowroom
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chantalshowroom
Image Credits
Credits: Monica Gordon
