We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mary Beth Larkin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mary Beth below.
Mary Beth, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Twenty years ago, with dreams as vast as the city skyline, I journeyed to New York City, fueled by a burning passion to carve my path in the world of fashion design. What immediately struck me was the city’s unique fashion paradox – the streets were a runway where chic office attire met the unexpected casualness of sneakers. An intriguing oxymoron in the fashion capital of the world.
I soon discovered the reason: these style-savvy women were transitioning from comfort on their commute to elegance at their desks. I made a bold pledge then – to never compromise style for comfort. My commitment? A pair of Prada boots with 4-inch heels, a luxurious rebellion against the norm, chosen even at the expense of a month’s rent. I wore them like a badge of honor, day in and day out, a testament to my belief that style should always triumph over comfort.
But time has a way of reshaping perspectives. Fast-forward 20 years, and the fashion landscape has dramatically evolved. Yoga pants have become the new chic, and even Chanel graces the runway with sneakers. It poses an intriguing question: What defines style in our modern era?
As I’ve matured, so have my priorities. Comfort now takes the forefront, but not at the cost of feeling beautiful. Those Prada boots? They still hold a place in my wardrobe, though they now see the light of day less frequently. The truth I’ve come to embrace is that sacrificing comfort for style is no longer a trade-off I’m willing to make. And why should I? Why should any woman?
(IN)LARKIN® is born from this very ethos. It’s for the woman who finds strength in comfort, who exudes elegance effortlessly. Our brand is a celebration of the woman who is as comfortable in her clothes as she is in her skin. At (IN)LARKIN®, we believe you don’t have to choose. You can, indeed, have it all.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello, I’m Mary Beth Larkin, the creative force behind (IN)LARKIN®. My journey in the fashion industry began at the prestigious New York Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T), a foundational experience that carved my path into this vibrant world. My career took a significant leap during my ten year tenure at A/X Armani Exchange, where I thrived as the Senior Women’s Knitwear Designer. It was here that I honed my skills, with Mr. Armani personally vetting my designs. I’m proud to say that my creative contributions were instrumental in elevating A/X’s products in terms of quality and technical design, helping the division’s annual revenues soar from $7 million to $20 million. I proposed over a hundred designs each month at Armani, with an impressive success rate: more than 75% of them graced the retail stores. This period wasn’t just about success rates; it was a masterclass in understanding market dynamics, consumer preferences, and the art of balancing creativity with commercial viability. I believe this experience, working for a $500 million industry leader, is a cornerstone in the foundation of (IN)LARKIN®.
In 2005, I launched my debut line, eMBe. It was an exhilarating venture, met with instant acclaim and featured in high-profile stores like Barneys New York, Fred Segal, and Henri Bendel. Being hailed by Sportswear International as “one of the best new women’s wear collections in the world” was a humbling and motivating experience. eMBe wasn’t just a brand; it was my personal lab where I learned the ropes of being an entrepreneur and a small-business owner. I was deeply involved in every aspect – from product development and production to inventory management and sales.
However, one key insight from eMBe shaped my vision for (IN)LARKIN®: the value of direct customer interaction. I realized that wholesale operations, while expansive, often created a disconnect with the invaluable feedback of customers. This insight led me to champion a direct-to-customer approach with (IN)LARKIN®, believing it to be not just the future of fashion but essential in crafting a brand that resonates with, and continually adapts to, the evolving desires of our clientele.
(IN)LARKIN® is more than just a fashion brand. It’s a testament to the belief that style and comfort need not be mutually exclusive. This conviction comes from my own evolution as a designer and a consumer. Over the years, I have embraced the idea that women should not have to choose between feeling comfortable and looking stylish. (IN)LARKIN® embodies this ethos – it’s for the woman who is as comfortable in her clothes as she is in her skin.
I am most proud of how (IN)LARKIN® has grown to represent a blend of innovative design, practical elegance, and a deep understanding of what modern women seek in their wardrobe. My vision for (IN)LARKIN®is to continue pushing the boundaries of fashion, ensuring that every piece we create is a harmonious blend of style, comfort, and quality.
To our potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that (IN)LARKIN® is a brand built on the pillars of innovation, quality, and a deep respect for our customers’ needs. We are committed to providing you with not just apparel but a wardrobe that reflects your lifestyle, aspirations, and the multifaceted roles you play every day.
BE Bold. BE Comfortable. BE You. With (IN)LARKIN®.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The Covid-19 pandemic presented an unforeseen and profound challenge, compelling a significant pivot in both my business approach and mindset. Prior to the pandemic, my startup apparel business was flourishing, gaining momentum and recognition primarily through our ‘Style Parties.’ These gatherings, hosted in sponsors’ homes, were the heart of our business, showcasing and selling our apparel through personal interactions and fittings.
However, the onset of the pandemic abruptly halted these face-to-face engagements, which were crucial to our success. Additionally, our supply chain, heavily reliant on production in China and parts of the U.S., faced severe disruptions. This dual impact of losing our primary sales channel and grappling with manufacturing delays was a moment of reckoning.
In response, we opened a Pop-Up Shop from November through January, aiming to recapture momentum and maintain sales. This temporary brick-and-mortar store not only proved to be a lifeline during a turbulent time but also reaffirmed the invaluable role of personal connections with our customers and the local community.
Simultaneously, we undertook a strategic expansion of our production capabilities. Recognizing the vulnerabilities in our supply chain exposed by the pandemic, we branched out to include manufacturing in Portugal and India. This diversification effort was not just a response to the immediate crisis but a long-term strategy to strengthen our resilience and reliability. We are also continuously exploring options to expand and enhance our production within the United States and other countries.
These pivotal changes have not only helped us navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic but also positioned us for a more robust and adaptable future. The experience has underscored the importance of agility and proactive planning in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The Covid Pandamic and aftermath that we are still experiencing was a testament to the resilience of our business and the adaptability of our team
This journey through the pandemic taught me a profound lesson: success truly lies in the journey, not the destination. This ethos has become a guiding principle for me. In the relentless pursuit of business goals, it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty and learning in the journey itself. The pandemic underscored the essence of entrepreneurship – the ability to face challenges, pivot strategies, and persist with passion.
The Covid-19 pandemic and its ongoing aftermath have been a profound test of resilience for both my business and my team. This challenging period has not only been a testament to our adaptability but has also deeply ingrained in me a valuable lesson: the true essence of success is found within the journey, not just the destination.
This ethos, born from the crucible of the pandemic, has become a guiding light in my entrepreneurial journey. Facing the abrupt halt of our primary sales channels and the disruption of our supply chain, we were thrust into a scenario that demanded immediate and innovative responses. It was a moment that called for not just business acumen but emotional resilience and an unwavering belief in our mission.
The solidarity, creativity, and resilience of my team during these times were nothing short of remarkable. Together, we navigated these turbulent waters, pivoting our strategies and finding new ways to connect with our customers. The experience reinforced the importance of each team member, highlighting how treating them with respect and appreciation is integral to our collective success.
This period of adversity taught us the importance of being adaptable, maintaining our passion, and relying on the strength of our team. We learned that to thrive in the face of challenges, one must be flexible, embrace change, and keep moving forward with determination.
In essence, the Covid-19 pandemic was a defining moment in our story, emphasizing the value of resilience and adaptability. It proved that in entrepreneurship, every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen the bonds within your team. This experience has not only enriched our business perspective but also reminded us to cherish and learn from every step of our entrepreneurial journey, no matter how daunting it may seem.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inlarkin.com
- Instagram: @iaminlarkin
- Facebook: @inlarkin
Image Credits
HMUA – Annette Davenport | @annettedavenportbeauty Photographer – Jonas Jungblut | @jonasjungblut Models – Jessica Wall | @msjessicawall and Madeline Houk | @madelinehouk Producer – Christy Chee | @lifeofcchee