STYLE PROFILE - Arti and Komal of NUMARI

Name: Arti Anand and Komal Kushal Raj

Current Title/Company: Co-Founders NUMARI 

Location: Washington, DC 

NUMARI is an e-commerce brand that offers custom fit women’s wear at off-the-rack prices. The brand ethos is all about fit, functionality, and fun. The Preview Collection, designed by Project Runway alum Bert Keeter, features day-to-night dresses for the stylish, modern woman on the go. Prices range from just $130-$225 and the customer service obsessed company offers free shipping and free returns.

 

1. What does a typical day look like for you?

AA & KK: As is true for most start-ups, every day is different. We typically do strategy oriented working sessions 3 times per week and reserve the other days for a slew of meetings related to marketing and brand partnerships, raising capital, providing guidance to interns and staff, and general networking. During our working sessions we try to make progress on every aspect of the business - whether its product development, working on improving web and customer experience, planning marketing campaigns and events, and refining our business strategy based on the most recent learnings. We use the early morning (for Komal) and late night (for Arti) hours to catch up on e-mails and miscellaneous activities. There's never a dull moment!

 2. How would you describe your personal style?

AA: Having spent my past life in Corporate America, I generally gravitate toward a more conservative and minimalistic apparel style - but have been making a more conscious effort to introduce more color in my wardrobe. I absolutely love accessories - jewelry especially - and use those pieces to complete my look.

KK: For me style is all about comfort and confidence. I like to experiment and am constantly expanding my wardrobe with various new colors, fabrics, accessories, etc. Fall is my favorite season and I love pairing a great fitting dress with stockings and great boots. My go-to accessory is a handbag. I invest in chic bags that are also very functional. 

3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?

AA: While this sounds completely biased, it's my diagonal color block sheath NUMARI dress! I wear that dress as often as I can as it genuinely makes me look and feel my very best. It's stylish and comfortable all at the same time - which is very much needed in my dynamic days full of daytime and evening meetings and events. I also adore the bib/collar-style statement necklaces and they are my go-to accessory.

KK: Since launching NUMARI I have developed a deeper appreciation for fit. Irrespective of what garment or designer you're wearing, fit can absolutely make or break your look. My favorite pieces in my wardrobe are no doubt all my NUMARI dresses that fit me perfectly!

4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?

AA: For style- Less is more. Invest in quality pieces that you feel great in and speak to your style. For beauty- practice really does make perfect. If you're wondering how some women seem to apply their make-up flawlessly, it's because they've invested time into perfecting that skill. It's an art that comes with practice.

KK: For style - No matter what the trend is, invest in pieces that truly make you feel beautiful. Your personal style is all about you based on your unique personality and not about what's trending. I don't use a lot of beauty products but love my red lipstick. Sometimes a great lipstick is all you need.

5. How do you spend your "me" time?

AA: Working on a fast growing start-up, there is little "me" time to be enjoyed - but when I can get a quick break, I love reading and also experimenting in the kitchen. I have a new found love and respect for running and am training for my first half marathon this summer. 

KK: I hit the gym. As a start-up founder, I have a million things running through my head all the time. A good workout lets me relax and clear my head. I love hot yoga, which is my best remedy when I feel stressed out.

6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?

AA: Patience and perseverance are requirements for success. Things will often take twice as long as you expect and cost twice as much. Stay focused and always remember that risk equals reward. 

KK: Building genuine relationships is key. When you're running a business there is a direct correlation between your success and your ability to build long term relationships. This includes your relationships with your partner, team, and customers.

7. What is your mantra? 

AA: "Carpe Diem." Seize the day. And the opportunity.

KK: "Listen". One of the things that can really hurt you in business is assuming you are the smartest person in the room and not listening to other ideas and feedback. 

Style Profile is a bi monthly style column featuring creative and talented entrepreneurs and business owners. I feature the stylish women behind these successful businesses and brands, their personal style, and share a glimpse into their typical work day.  

STYLE PROFILE- Stephanie Olvey of Fortique

Name: Stephanie Olvey

Current Title/Company: Fortique, Founder

Location: Washington DC 

Fortique is an online marketplace of hand-selected creative service providers like stylists, photographers, interior designers, and more.  We take the guesswork out of hiring creative service providers by discovering and curating the best talent in Washington DC.  

1. What does a typical day look like for you?

My day usually starts with a quick breakfast and a few minutes of the Today Show before I settle into my home office (designed by Fortique interior designer Teri Clar!).  I like to get all my emails answered before I head out to my first meeting - usually with an awesome creative at one of DC's finest coffee spots.  I then split my time between updating the website, blogging, managing social media, and scouting new talent.  The best part about being an entrepreneur is you literally get to do it all! 

2. How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is ever evolving.  I love experimenting and changing things up every season.  Growing up in Florida, a melting pot of culture and style, I've grown to appreciate all types of looks.  One day I'll be urban chic and the next day you'll find me in ripped jeans and cowboy boots.  One thing that is always constant, though, is how much I love color!

3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?

My red patent leather Christian Louboutin heels.  A few years ago, my sister and I went on an impromptu shopping trip only to find Christian Louboutin himself signing shoes at the mall.  We waited in line for 6 hours for my sister to get a signed pair when she surprised me with a pair of my own.  I wear them (ever so cautiously) on special occasions and will treasure them forever!

4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share? 

 Don't over think it.  Half of style and beauty is confidence.  If YOU love your look, everyone else will. 

5. How do you spend your "me" time?

With my family!  My sister and mom live in town, so I try to squeeze in as much time as I can with them and my 10-month-old nephew.  We tend to get ourselves into some pretty ridiculous adventures and projects.  Over the holidays, we spent two days building a popsicle stick mansion.  I know, we're nuts!

6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?

To take everything one day at a time.  Running a business can get overwhelming if you try to look too far ahead.

7. What is your mantra? 

Don't sweat the small stuff.  It can be easy to get caught up in the details and forget to move forward. Just keep swimming!  

Photos by Laura Fruchterman

Website: www.fortique.com

Twitter: @FortiqueDC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4tique

STYLE'N on Fortique

Style Profile is a bi monthly style column featuring creative and talented entrepreneurs and business owners. I feature the stylish women behind these successful businesses and brands, their personal style, and share a glimpse into their typical work day.  

STYLE PROFILE- Uyen Tang of STYLECABLE

Name: Uyen (Win) Tang

Current Title/Company: Founder, STYLECABLE

Location: Washington, DC

STYLECABLE is a new DC-based online marketplace that showcases emerging fashion designers and their unique pieces. STYLECABLE brings a new kind of online shopping experience to shoppers by giving them the opportunity to explore and buy or pre-order exclusive, must-have pieces, sometimes before they hit the market. It also offers an outlet for fashion forward shoppers to discover new designers and contribute to the making of the next big designer. 

1. What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no “typical day” and I love it that way. One of the most fun parts about running a business is that every day brings something new. This constant change keeps me excited and motivated. One day, I might be running around New York City, meeting awesome inspiring designers and overseeing photo shoots. Another day, I might be at 1776 – the cool startup coworking space in downtown DC – analyzing website metrics and working with our developers to make technical fixes to the STYLECABLE.com site during the day and then listening to updates from my awesome teammates at our team meetings. I’m really lucky to be inspired daily by my passionate teammates, talented designers that we work with, and cool entrepreneurs at 1776.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style can be described as “tough-luxe,” a simple, modern look with a bit of edge. I like clean lines and neutral colors with surprising metallics. I have a lot of blacks, grays and whites in my wardrobe, which make it easier for me to mix and match items for outfits every day.   

3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?

Do I have to choose?! This is hard. I love clothing and all the pieces in my closet. My favorite items though are the go-to staples that I pick up whenever I have a hard time deciding what to wear. My black moto jacket with gold detail always pulls any outfit together and makes me look polished, yet cool. I also love my shark tooth dangle earrings from giantLion. The silver color stands out against my black hair and they’re perfect for a fun night out.  

4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?

One of my favorite beauty products is Guerlain’s L’Or Radiance Make Up Base. It has 24k gold in it and - no exaggeration - every time I use it, someone always compliments me on my glowing complexion. Pretty decadent, but trust me, it’s worth it. I love sharing my beauty secrets, so if you want to see what products I use, check out my Pinterest board.

5. How do you spend your "me" time?

With friends and family. I work a lot, so I don’t have much spare time. Therefore, I save up my “me” time to spend as friends and family time. I’m an introvert by nature, so I love grabbing low-key drinks with friends or relaxing with my family over holidays and special weekend visits. My friends and family are the people who have made me into who I am today and I always enjoy spending time with them.

6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?

Ask for what you want. I’ve learned to be more bold in asking for help and support in running the business. This is something that I have struggled with throughout my life and I know many others have this same problem. My advice for others out there is to just ask for what you want or need. You can find a way to ask for a favor or resources that remains authentic to your personality without coming across as demanding, entitled, or presumptuous. You have to become comfortable with rejection as well. So what if you get rejected. Deal with it and move on. But most often, you’ll be surprised and emboldened with confidence by the support that you receive.

7. What is your mantra? 

Keep calm and carry on. I used to live in London and have adopted this as my own personal mantra. This mantra reminds me to react to life’s challenging moments with grace and dignity. It also helps me to relax, not sweat the small stuff, and persevere towards achieving my ultimate mission. Overall, it’s helped me to achieve balance and a generally more happy life.

 {STYLECABLE Team-Left to Right Haya Tetroashvili, Sabrina Butt, Uyen Tang, and Christine Poisson}

Facebook www.facebook.com/Stylecable

Twitter @stylecable

Pinterest @stylecable

Instagram @stylecable

Style Profile is a bi monthly style column featuring creative and talented entrepreneurs and business owners. I feature the stylish women behind these successful businesses and brands, their personal style, and share a glimpse into their typical work day.  

STYLE PROFILE- Ali & Bri of Rack It Up

Name: Alexandra (Fishlinger) Calame {right}, Briana Pashcow {left}

Current Title/Company: Co-Founders, Rack It Up {www.rackituponline.com}

Location: New York & D.C.

Rack It Up was created in 2012 by two great friends, Alexandra Calame {Ali} and Briana Pashcow{Bri}. They created their website for all the busy women out there who couldn’t shop flash sales during the work week. They were tired of their inboxes being filled with sale alerts for items sold out in our size & tired of flash sale pressure purchases. Ali and Bri wanted to create a place where women could go to track the clothes they want for the price they want!

1. What does a typical day look like for you?

Ali: My morning always starts with checking my email in bed…is that bad?  After I run through a quick email review then I’ll get myself ready for the day.  I then open up my computer to post on the RIU blog and start with some early morning social media.  I’ll check our RIU Facebook and Twitter, and then check our RIU “contact us” email to answer any questions from users on the site.  By this time it’s 10 am and Briana and I have already called/texted/emailed and g-chatted about 10 times.  But, that’s what we love about technology it keeps us connected even though we aren’t in the same place all the time! The rest of my day usually varies with meetings or conference calls or other types of events.  

Bri: My day starts with coffee…a large pot of coffee. I am not a morning person at all so until I’ve had those first few sips I am a total zombie. Then, I head to my computer and open my email accounts. Working on a website is, obviously, very tech based so every hour of my day is consumed with emailing, designing graphics, facebooking, tweeting, pinning & instagraming. Ali and I are also constantly brainstorming ways to update and enhance the site, making design & functionality decisions with our development team, jumping on conference calls and when we’re in the same city- NYC- running around to meetings & networking events.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

Ali: I like clean classic looks with a little bit of an edge.  I always prefer pants to a skirt or dress because to me it’s just more comfortable. I am a bit of a shoe and accessories addict.  You can wear the same black skinny jeans and blouse 10 times and make it look different by adding new jewelry and shoes.  

Bri: Feminine & classic. I don’t often dress for comfort so it’s rare to find me in pants or a pair of flats. I love feminine cuts and prints. I can’t get enough of pencil skirts right now & the higher the heels the more I’m in love with them.

3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?

Ali: I have a classic white Burberry trench coat in my closet that my dad gave me one Christmas.  My dad is sort of my “style icon” since he is always trying to push the envelope with his fashion choices, but he stays true to his classic style. He’s a great shopping partner (and gift giver!).  That year he got my mom and I matching coats, mine in white and my mom’s is black.  

Bri: I hope to one day say my investment pieces like a Celine handbag or my Christian Louboutin pumps {a girl can dream!} But my current favorites are the multifunctional staples. I have a perfectly tailored black blazer that I can wear with pretty much anything. I also love my leather jacket this time of year. It adds the perfect amount of edge to my outfits and I can wear it with a dress or sequin skirt for a night out or wear it with jeans and a white tee to go grab coffee.

4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?

Ali: Style wise you should never judge anything on a hanger. Until you try it on you have no idea how it will look. Also, dress for you, not for someone else.  Wear what makes you happy and makes you feel like a rock star because ultimately you shouldn’t care what other people think.

Bri: I’m a big fan of curled hair whether it’s soft beachy waves or just a little curl on the ends for that salon blow-dried look. It just polishes off any outfit even on those casual days in your jeans or comfy leggings. Having my hair done in the morning just makes me feel more put together and ready for the day.

5. How do you spend your "me" time?

Ali:  I try to spend most of my down time hanging around with my husband and my dog Jackson.  We both are really close to our families and friends so we like to spend weekends and free nights catching up with them.  I am also a reality TV junkie, so any time I can catch up on the Real Housewives I’ll take it.

Bri: When I have down time I love to spend it with my boyfriend & our pup Chloe. A typical Friday night includes cooking dinner together, movies & wine in our apartment. But I’m also a big girls girl so I love nights out with my girlfriends complete with high heels, red lipstick & extra dirty martinis.

6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?

Ali & Bri: Two heads are better than one. We think it would have been a lot more challenging to start a business individually. So “cheers” to anyone who is doing that!  Since we started Rack It Up we have come to realize that if you truly believe in something and work hard enough you can make it happen. In the world of startups, we’ve come to accept that daily challenges and complications are simply a right of passage. Also, you have to learn how to carve out your own niche & find your voice in the market while staying true to yourselves and your brand.

7. What is your mantra? 

Ali: “Do what you love & love what you do”

Bri: “Behind every successful woman is herself”

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rackituponline

Twitter: @rackit_up

Instagram: @rackit_up

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rackitup

Style Profile is a bi monthly style column featuring creative and talented entrepreneurs and business owners. I feature the stylish women behind these successful businesses and brands, their personal style, and share a glimpse into their typical work day. 

STYLE PROFILE- Neat Method DC

Name: Catherine Zinn {right} and Raelynn Johnson {left}

Current Title/Company: Owners and Luxury Professional Organizers / Neat Method DC

Location: Washington DC metro area

Welcome to the new Style Profile series where once or twice a month I will profile stylish and creative women in business. Since I started STYLE'N over three years ago I have had the pleasure of meeting so many creative, stylish, and intelligent women along the way and I am excited to introduce some of these fabulous women {and friends} to you as well.  If you're a regular reader of STYLE'N you know that I like to spotlight my favorite items and collections from various jewelry and clothing designers.  I will definitely continue to share more of those posts but this new series is about profiling and learning more about the stylish women behind these successful brands and businesses. And first up in this new series is Catherine Zinn and Raelynn Johnson, the owners and luxury professional organizers with Neat Method DC.  

I hope you enjoy the new series. I may tweak it as I go along so please feel free to provide feedback and your suggestions about the types of questions you would like me to ask in the future. Thanks! 

1. What does a typical day look like for you?

C&R: Our day always begins with coffee.  Whether we are networking with a potential partner, working from home or preparing for a big organizing job, our first order of business entails a warm caffeinated beverage.  The rest of our day is always dictated by  a bulleted list and our calendar.  We are typically juggling networking meetings, social trips to the Container Store (our second home), and helping others live the NEAT life.  event You can find us out and about in every DC neighborhood.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

C: Comfortable, casual and classic

R: Modern Chic, polished and trendy

3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?

C:  My American in Paris dress that is the perfect combination of classic, edgy and formal. I also adore my Louis Vuitton bag and Zara nude heels.

R: My black suede Cole Haan pumps that yield plenty of toe cleavage.  Also, my black blazer from Club Monaco with gold and leather accents. Lastly, my cream colored blouse from JCrew that can be dressed up or down.

4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?

C: Wash your makeup off every night, no matter what (I use cleansing oil to remove impurities followed by a foaming cleanser).   Also, invest in pieces that are timeless and can be mix-and-matched for years to come.

R: Every girl should own a great statement necklace. Beach wavy hair is the perfect compliment to any outfit (use texturing spray infused with sea salt).

5. How do you spend your "me" time?

C: My "me" time is always spent with my English Bulldog, Mr. Juice, a glass of wine and a magazine.

R: Catching up on any Bravo reality TV shabookand reading with a side of salted dark chocolate.

6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?

C&R: Be patient, disciplined and learn to think outside of the box.

7. What is your mantra? 

C: Just keep going.

R: A place for everything and everything in its place.

You can follow Catherine and Raelynn on Twitter @NeatMethodDC and learn more about Neat Method and their organizing services at www.neatmethod.com