Hermon Alem usually knew that she desired to open up a boutique. “I have usually had the idea inside the back of my head at the same time as residing in Los Angeles; however, in no way took the bounce to make it manifest,” she defined. So, while she moved from the City of Angels to Colorado, Hermon revisited that idea. She turned into having a tough time finding stores that promote the fashion she was conversant in L.A. — brand new and style-forward — and felt there had been women with a similar way who have been no longer being served. With that aim in thought, Hermon got down to open up her boutique, Elevate Fashion & Lifestyle, a contemporary boutique in Aurora that caters to girls who love modern-day, horny, amusing pieces and, most importantly, like to face out. We these days sat with Hermon to find out extra about her new boutique, to formally open this weekend.
303 Magazine: Growing up, did you always have a hobby to work in style?
Hermon Alem: Yes, I have consistently had a love for clothes and fashion. When I was given to the age wherein I could store for myself, purchasing have become my preferred interest. Finding unique pieces and a fantastic deal was part of the adventure. It became now not till later that I determined I might make fashion my career.
303: What especially approximately the retail element of the enterprise called to you?
HA: I lived near the Fashion District in Los Angeles, and it uncovered me to the enterprise of fashion. I became intrigued by way of the factories and showrooms with garments offered to boutiques national, and this is wherein the seed turned into planted to open a store.
303: What is your vision and factor of view for your boutique?
HA: I envision Elevate being a go-to keep for fun and sexy pieces that aren’t observed at other shops in Denver. Also, I would like for it to evolve into a place where nearby designers — especially ladies — may be spotlighted.
303: Where do you buy your clothes? And what inspires you while you are deciding on manufacturers?
HA: I buy from exchange suggests in New York and Las Vegas in addition to the showrooms in L.A. When choosing portions to sell at the shop, I think about the form of girls or ladies I see carrying the piece in unique settings, whether it’s nighttime out or a Sunday brunch. Something with a view to make her experience precise and stand out.
303: If you could go lower back and inform yourself one component before starting your profession, what wouldn’t it be?
HA: I would inform myself to stick to my gut — have a clear vision and do now not stray from it.
303: Who is your cross-to fashion icon?
HA: It is a combination between Solange and Rihanna.
HA: Digital advertising and social media are massive parts of any enterprise. It is how you speak in your target market. Consumers are extra than, in all likelihood, introduced to your brand/store through social media. As a brand new save, I sense as although it’s miles my first impression. I do no longer use social media strictly. However, I am fast learning its importance for my shop and emblem.
303: Who are your impacts while purchasing for your boutique?
HA: When making purchases for the shop, I am motivated a lot using superstar fashion — as I stated, Rihanna, Solange — and there’s no escaping Kim K. I also comply with and get the idea to shape Instagram influencers/entrepreneurs like Kahlana Barfield, Nichole Lynel and Ishateria. All those women make trends or take a direction positioned their spin on it. That is what I need girls to do with the pieces in my store.
303: What are the challenges or setbacks you’ve got skilled and how did you conquer them?
HA: As a brand new shop owner, I needed to learn how to delegate and ask for help rather than seeking to do everything.
303: Why must people be drawn to keep at Elevate?
HA: People ought to be drawn to shop at Elevate if they’re inside the temper for something new, clean, and a laugh.
303: Who is the Elevate Fashion Boutique Customer?
HA: The Elevate client is any girl who desires to be adventurous with her apparel and loves to stand out.
303: What factors of your past do you feel helped you end up a successful businesswoman?
HA: Managing my figure’s liquor shops taught me the maximum about walking business and gave me the self-assurance to open my clothing store. I worked for a brokerage firm for many years; however, running a small enterprise gave me sensible talents for what I am doing now.
303: What changed into the most severe rookie mistake you made while just beginning out?
HA: My biggest mistake turned into no longer pushing my social media presence earlier than the shop opened. As I point out, social media performs one of these central positions within the fulfillment of a commercial enterprise.
303: What is a number of your pointers and hints for placing an outfit collectively on a busy morning?
HA: If I am brief on time, I take an outfit that I recognize I like and remix it. Change the pinnacle or the footwear and create a brand new exquisite outfit.
303: What recommendation could you provide to young women hoping to comply with your footsteps in the future? Where do they even begin?
HA: I would advocate running for or shadowing someone who has the activity or position you want. Learn the ins and outs of the business and get the total expertise before beginning your commerce al enterprise.
303: What are you looking ahead to in the year to return together with your new challenge? What desires do you’ve got for your enterprise?
HA: I look ahead to developing into a shop that girls like to go to and with the intention to inspire them to try new matters with their fashion and, most importantly, love how they look.
Elevate Fashion & Lifestyle’s grand opening birthday party is this Saturday, March 2, from four to eight p.M. The boutique is located at 12203 E. Iliff Ave., Aurora.
