We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Arkin-Malacsina recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I started my business LA Boudoir Miami in Spring of 2010, I was newly graduated from college and with working only about one year with the Florida Grand Opera costume department. Since I was in high school I always dreamed of having my own shop and started collecting vintage pieces since 9th grade. I was always drawn to this one very quant building in the MIMO district of Miami and envisioned my shop occupying a space there. I met the owner of the building when I was having lunch there one day with my mom while I was a senior in high school and he we talked about the idea of me opening the shop but unfortunately for me it wasn’t the right time being in school and going to start college, but I wished it was. This was prior to the recession of 2008.
If I would have started sooner I wouldn’t have been able to manage or enjoy last year of high school or college and would have lost out on so many wonderful opportunities and experiences I had. But I do feel that my business would have grown must faster then it did since the economy was in a better place then 2010.

I don’t think I would have changed anything about my experience because I learned from mistakes that happened and grew much more independent. I do wish I was able to start a little sooner then I did but still grateful for how my business has evolved.

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

I got into the fashion/ costume industry back while I was in high school, so it has been 17 yrs. I went to Design and Architecture Senior High School which had a fashion strand that I studied for four years. Teachers at the school were industry professionals which used their connections to give real life experiences to the students. I own LA Boudoir Miami which is a online vintage store. I do also offer wardrobe styling services for photoshoots, film/tv, theater, etc. Sometimes I use product from my store or clients items.
I can help clients find certain vintage items they are looking for either to wear to a party, special event or just to collect.
I am most proud of keeping my business going and persevering through hard times. This shows that I am goal oriented and passionate about my business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2017 I had to pivot my business from being a brick and mortar store to online only store. The landlords of the business raised the rent so high it was not going to be profitable for me to stay in the location. This turned to be a blessing in disguise because my husband had a relocation opportunity arise shortly after so I was able to temporary move my business before moving back to Miami. Since then being online has been an easier work/life solution for my family and less stressful during the Pandemic.

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

I keep in touch with my clients through social media outlets of Instagram, Facebook and I send out a newsletter to subscribers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laboudoirmiami.com
• Instagram: laboudoirmiami/instagram.com
• Facebook: laboudoirmiami/facebook.com

Image Credits
Bohemian Overland Sonju Photography