We were lucky to catch up with Debra Gottfreid recently and have shared our conversation below.

Debra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Being a business owner is something I tried in 2017 it didn’t work. In 2020, I found myself without a job, and in a pandemic, I was also pregnant. From there, I became a stay-at-home mom. I started waking up in the middle of the night having visions of owning a store and being an entrepreneur again and here we are, Malli’s Clothing and Accessories, LLC. I also have ventured out and started Fashion Shows to get The awareness of Malii’s Clothing out to a broader audience. I also have Fashion Shows for Special causes, so now we are embarking on new ventures.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Debra Gottfreid the owner of Malli’s Clothing and Acessories LLC. grew up in Wilmington N.C. She’s been a resident of Raleigh for twenty years. She is the mother of six children and seven grandchildren. Malli’s name is derived from her two oldest granddaughters, Kali and Madison. Debra wanted a name that had a meaning to it, so there you have it Malli’s. Debra always had an eye for fashion and a love for modeling. Within the last year, she started organizing Fashion Shows which led to the physical presence of Malli’s in different locations around the triangle. She enjoys watching the models walk the runway with confidence and poise. The most important thing to her is that they are having fun while supporting local businesses and designers. By combining the Boutique and Fashion, Malli’s dream and goal is to be world known.

The next Fashion Show that Malli’s will have is to support Families with Autism. Having friends and family members affected by autism, she felt and saw the need for increased awareness in the community. So Saturday, July 8, 2023, she will have a fashion show at Kouture Kreations & Events 230 Forest Hills Drive, Garner N.C. starting at 4:00 pm. There will be guest speakers that will be giving out information and resources for autism.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Most of my clients come from social media Facebook and Instagram. I also have met many clients through popup shops and word of mouth. I also send out emails to customers to keep them abreast of what’s going on with Malli’s. One of the biggest ways I brand myself is I have signature Malli’s t-shirts I wear almost daily.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Malli’s funding started with the savings that I had put away from the job that I was working before the pandemic. I also worked on my business credit and obtained a credit card as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: mallisclothing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallisboutique
• Facebook: Mallis Essential
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/debra-gottfreid-40

Image Credits
Images By Willie Miller Malli’s Boutique Presents Imperial Designs FashionShow