Myra Skelton, founder of Myra Meilleure, has been in the corporate fashion scene for well over ten years. She recently decided to bring her corporate experience and contributions to a more appreciative audience, thus beginning her personal entrepreneurial journey. She loves sharing the latest news, fashion tips, trends, style guides, and happenings through her blog, Myra’s Message, to keep people abreast on how to look their best. She has spoken on behalf of and represented her company on many occasions as a fashion buyer and merchandiser for the top apparel brands from around the world.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I live and breathe fashion in all its many facets. It’s always been a passion of mine and the center of my universe. As a child, I was into collecting pieces from my mom and siblings and coordinating them to create a desirable ensemble for my peers. Honing that natural gift over the years led me to my first retail position as a shoe merchandiser, which helped start my fashion journey.
It was an unsettling feeling inside that lead me to start my business. I felt that I was more than what I was doing, which was working for a retail company for 13 years. I feel I was placed with the company to learn, grow and develop and now it was time to take the lead!
Tell us about your business.
I run an online fashion store for women where I sell apparel and accessories. I carry inspirational jewelry and I’m always looking for more apparel and accessories that carry a spiritual message.
Time after time, I received accolades and recognition for consistently transforming troubled stores within my company. Moving from city to city, it finally dawned on me to delve into this passion without the limitations of corporate politics or restrictions. Having an affinity for fashion in general, it was difficult to hone in on just one particular category, so I decided to curate an amazing online retail outlet to represent the best of me.
Since the beginning of Myra Meilleure, my aim has been to create an experience that celebrates fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, and vintage jewelry perfectly curated with the proper ensemble to enhance your look. Think of www.MyraMeilleure.com as your personal fashion hub with tips and industry level insight that you can’t find anywhere else!
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
For the summer we are offering 10% off all orders using code: SUMMER1. Additionally, the 100th subscriber to my email list will receive a free gift!
Where is your business based?
Online out of Washington DC.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I researched online platforms to use for building the website – Shopify is the one I went with. I learned how to operate the system in detail, then researched ways to fill the store with merchandise without spending a lot of money. I legalized everything and opened.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Word of mouth, pop-up shops, customers and wearing my own merchandise!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My challenge is social media. I have never been big or interacted much on any platform, until after I opened last year. I hate taking pictures, especially of myself. Building followers is tough because I am not posting picture after picture.
How did you overcome these challenges?
This is work in progress. I have an associate willing to take pictures when I need her to for posting.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I’ll call my sister and we will talk about the word of God and what verse or inspirational quote we read that day while my 2 year old niece talks in the background (talking as if she knows everything)!
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Have faith and know that God will provide everything you need. Find a team that supports your vision to help you reach your goals.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Don’t give up, never stop learning, continue to educate yourself – because knowledge is wisdom.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I really do not have a favorite business tool, but I read the flip-chart on my phone under ‘Style’. It gives you a lot of information on what’s selling, trending and more. I also read UBM fashion emails and attend several trade shows through this source.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
The Bomb Life by Claire Sulmers.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am looking to grow a loyal customer base and gain new customers.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goal is to create my own apparel line that truly represents me and what I am trying to accomplish.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram www.instagram.com/thefavor1
Facebook www.facebook.com/myrameilleure
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/myrameilleure
Website www.myrameilleure.com