We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Caroline Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Caroline, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Caroline Leary is a brand nearly four decades in the making, rooted in a lifelong passion for sewing and design. I can’t recall a time when sewing wasn’t a part of my life. As a child, I helped my mother create ballet and school costumes, and as I grew older, I began making my own prom and formal dresses. By high school, I was selling party dresses at a small bridal shop. Sewing was my creative outlet, a way to express the over-the-top, shiny side of my personality. However, for many years, it remained a hobby rather than a career path.

Growing up on a farm in South Carolina in the 1980s, I was immersed in a culture where being appropriately dressed was a cornerstone of social life. That Southern sensibility left a lasting impression, even as I moved to New York and later to Philadelphia. My ten-year career in medical device sales—working as a clinical engineer for ablations and pacemakers—taught me discipline and precision, but eventually, I encountered the glass ceiling. By early 2020, I decided to leave that field behind, though I wasn’t yet sure of my next steps.

At the time, my son was three years old, and I considered becoming a stay-at-home mom. I renovated a space in our home into a sewing studio, learning to lay hardwood floors and experimenting with bold wallpaper designs. My passion for creating was reignited, but it was clear that I needed a new direction—especially when my husband discovered me pulling kitchen cabinets off the walls in the middle of the pandemic.

A turning point came while watching an episode of Project Runway featuring Nancy Volpe Berringer, a Philadelphia-based designer who pursued fashion as a second career. Inspired, I began researching graduate programs in fashion design and discovered that Drexel University, one of the country’s top design schools, was just four blocks from our home. It felt like fate.

Returning to graduate school at 40 was an exhilarating experience, and the vision for my clothing line quickly crystallized. Living in Philadelphia, I’ve come to appreciate the city’s rich culture and history, as well as its vibrant social scene. From art museum galas to private club events, there is a consistent demand for formalwear among women in leadership roles, entrepreneurs, and those who simply love making a statement. Yet, these women often struggle to find options that balance individuality, elegance, and modernity—something between “grandmother of the bride” and “sweet sixteen.”

Drawing inspiration from the 1950s Balenciaga aesthetic, I aim to design formalwear that reflects the multifaceted nature of contemporary women. Unlike the societal norms of 1947, today’s women are more than adornments; they are trailblazers, leaders, and unapologetically confident individuals. My goal is to create pieces that empower women to feel graceful and confident, with just the right touch of sexiness to assert their femininity.

My dream is to open an atelier in Center City, Philadelphia. The first floor would serve as an elegant salon, offering champagne and showcasing a curated selection of one-of-a-kind, off-the-rack pieces. The upper floors would house a workshop where local artisans craft custom couture garments. When a woman wears one of my designs, she should feel like the most empowered version of herself—an embodiment of individuality, strength, and sophistication.

Caroline, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given a second chance to pursue my dream career, and this opportunity has taught me a great deal about what success means to me. While financial stability is necessary, I have no interest in living solely to earn money. True success, for me, lies in doing work that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

What I left out earlier is that I initially moved to New York after college to try my hand at fashion. I wasn’t ready then. I lacked confidence, and the industry at the time was intensely competitive and unforgiving. Now, with ten years of experience, a family, and a fair share of mistakes behind me, I feel prepared to face whatever challenges come my way. Back then, I was focused on trying to fit into the fashion world of New York. Today, I’m building something entirely my own—a brand for women who are bold enough to stand out. My goal is to uplift those around me and contribute to Philadelphia’s growth.

Many have told me that I need to move to New York to make my business successful, citing a lack of money or interest in luxury fashion in Philadelphia. I disagree. Philadelphia’s “Black Tie Circuit” is vibrant, and I’ve met women in their 30s and 40s who are excited to invest in distinctive, high-quality pieces. They want dresses that help them stand out and become cherished items in their wardrobes.

I’m not interested in competing with other designers. Instead, I thrive on collaboration. Working with designers who have different perspectives pushes me to question and validate my convictions and designs. I believe this collaborative spirit, combined with a focus on individuality and quality, will help my brand flourish in Philadelphia and beyond.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Initially, it was on instagram- But word of mouth is a powerful tool! Build a reputation and then the clients come!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Each piece I create is custom-made, drawing upon techniques I honed during my time in Paris under a master couturier. While my clients may not always recognize these techniques by name, they can undeniably feel the difference in how the garments make them look and feel. My favorite moment as a designer is when someone tries on one of my creations and is thrilled to discover that it’s not only stunning but also comfortable. Well-made clothing should feel as good as it looks.

Once someone experiences the comfort and elegance of couture, it becomes almost addictive. There’s simply no comparison to the feeling of wearing a garment that has been meticulously crafted to fit both body and spirit. This commitment to quality and individuality is what makes my designs stand out and keeps clients coming back for more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.carolineleary.studio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinelearystudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-l-brown-126a083/

Image Credits

Dennis Rhodes, DRhodesProductions