Hi guys welcome back! I am so excited about today’s post! If
you are a new reader, welcome. We have a new series on our blog that highlights
individuals who aren’t afraid to take a leap of faith to achieve their goals
and aspirations. Today we’re shining our light on Carnisha Daniels and Brittany
Darby-Smith the owners of House of Melrose. These phenomenal women put their creativity
together to produce an amazing retail brand that is on the rise. HOM offers
more than fashionable merchandise; it provides inspiration while spreading the
good word! Keep reading to learn how these childhood friends launched an online
powerhouse.
Here is
a little background of the women behind House of Melrose:
They are best friends who have known each other since high school. They’re both
vivacious and creative women who have a strong relationship with Jesus Christ
and strive to be more like Him daily. Carnisha and Brittany are notorious for
being funny and laughing all the time.
Carnisha is very optimistic and makes great efforts to
spread more positive love. Brittany has the biggest heart she will pray for you
and give you her last literally! They both are family oriented and support each other in all
areas of each other’s life.
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| Carnisha Daniels and Brittany Darby-Smith |
“We know that God is Love and want to spread His love as
much as possible. “
Carnisha and Brittany work well together. Carnisha focuses
on the newest trends in fashion and marketing and Brittany creates the inspiring
wear yielded by her heart. These ladies balance each other when planning
events, photo shoots, and ordering new shirts. If one founder goes overboard
with the budget or implementing too many new concepts the other gives gentle
reminders to get on track.
“It’s like we are yin and yang. We intertwine our visions to make Holy Ghost magic."
“That's why it’s FUN to create inspirational clothing for
the world to enjoy. Our biggest downfall is both having multiple jobs and
finding the time to create, produce, and sell the inspirational magic. :)”
Their best-friend bond, great work ethic, ability to
collaborate, and passion for Christ fosters House of Melrose. Who they are
successfully coincides with their inspiring brand.
“We are great success independently and phenomenally
dynamite magic makers together. “
1. I
love how you incorporate positive and inspirational messages on your apparel.
What inspired this theme?
Our idea for inspirational clothing definitely started back
in 2014. This was a very popular and trendy time, people were starting to put
random slogans or memes on clothing and rock it as a part of their outfits.
We thought about how
cool it would be to actually use inspirational things and sayings. To use
something that gives a positive impact on clothing and does it in a fun, chic,
and fashionable way! BTW, be on the lookout for our Christ de la Christ
sweatshirts, (a playoff of creme dela creme,) insinuating Jesus is the cream of
the crop, the best! You can rock this sweat shirt with tattered skinny jeans,
leggings, and skirt with thigh high boots, etc...
Our motto, "Inspiration is a lifestyle" coupled
with our desire to be chic and timeless inspires much of our clothing.
2. Your
company name is so dope. How did you come up with the name House of Melrose?
Thank you! We truly appreciate that. House of Melrose was
derived from the fun, fashion forward and upbeat California environment that
you get when you shop on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California.
Melrose Ave is where you go and find all your fun and unique
pieces that you can't find in a typical mall.
That's what House of Melrose brings "Inspiration in a unique
form!" A lot of times people don't stick to gluing fashion, Jesus and
Inspiration together, but we do.
3. What
is your favorite t-shirt design?
Our favorite t-shirt design is our FIRST design. Our Rated PG
(praying girls) design, it's definitely an original piece and foundation for
HOM. When this design was created we were like WOW that's dope and the customers
agreed. At our initial launch we received the most compliments for this design
and purchase orders (the men folks wanted one... it's coming soon). When we see
a lady with our Rated PG shirt on we think, yep, that's a House of Melrose
original piece! It's our first baby!
4. Your
business is approaching 4 years soon!! What is your biggest team
accomplishment?
Our biggest team accomplishment would be having people who
we hold high ask us to create more personable designs for their grand events.
It is humbling to see people in your fashion at their event(s).
P.S. We do create inspiring chic clothes we don't sell on
our website for orders of 15 or more.
5. What
advice do you have for someone looking to go into a business partnership? Name
two important characteristics you should look for in a potential business
partner?
Going into a business partnership can be challenging at
times for various reasons, whether it be scheduling conflicts, different ideas,
and things of that nature. But having a business partner who at the end of the
day has the same goal in mind, same morals, same values, and same drive to push
each other is very important. I love being able to get into a creative space
and feed off each other's energy. The celebration moments we share together
when you create something special is unique. I truly believe you can get so
much more done with two instead of one!
Communication is the biggest key to any relationship
business or personal so building that foundation has to be established in order
to be effective. Respect would be the second thing I would say is an essential
part of a business partnership. You have to respect each other while
understanding that a disagreement will come up but it doesn't have to be bad
because sometimes this allows you both to reevaluate. You just go back to the
drawing board and come up with something EPIC together. Make sure that whoever you
involve yourself with, you are equally yoked!
6. Name
something that motivates and drives you?
Carnisha:
Fashion and design ideas you have come to life motivates me definitely! Being a
part of the fashion industry for over 10 years I have grown and learned so
much, but the best part would be merchandising a look and have people ask for
the entire look that you put together. How exciting is that?! Seeing people
wear and get excited about House of Melrose motivates and drives me at the same
time to continue to create!
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| Carnisha Daniels |
Brittany: I love
creating the garments worn. I love the process of creating, researching
creating, revising and reproducing my idea. I like to pair the newly created
clothing with other apparel and I love styling people. I love to create moments
(that magic) when putting our designs with everyday chic looks. I'm motivated
by the creating, the planning, and driven by seeing the vision come to life.
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| Brittany Darby-Smith
7. What
advice can you share for someone looking to start a small business?
|
Be consistent! It's simple. When people don't see results
fast enough they stop and allow other things to take up their time. Consistency
and Patience is the key to perfect timing. Pray about the moves you make and listen
to Him for guidance. God will open doors that you never saw coming in your
obedience, consistency and patience.
8.
Lastly, Where can we purchase one of these beautiful tees? How can we stay in
touch with the House of Melrose?
Yes please visit us at www.homtease.com or follow us on IG:
@house_of_melrose_ and join our FB page: House of Melrose
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