You launched Maison du Soir in 2013. Can you tell us a little about your background, and how you ended up designing luxury pajamas and loungewear?
I went from working towards a professional career as a ballerina in New York to starting at the bottom in the corporate world of action sports. I spent 10 years in that space and during the last two of them, I was The VP of new brand development. The chaos and hard work at that level was a magical combination of events and circumstances that pointed me in the direction to finding my passion and ultimately starting my brand. I got a bonus and treated myself to a nice set of pajamas. The rest is history…
What are your favorite pieces to wear in your line, and your two must-haves every woman needs for her pajama drawer? I love the very soft Monaco set and my favorite is the Isabella robe! I love how it looks hanging in the bathroom- so pretty!
We must have the same taste because those are my two favorite pieces as well. We recently sent out a newsletter breaking down how to update your pajama drawer. I recommend a classic set, like the Monaco, with the matching Palermo robe. All of our knits are designed to mix and match should you want a Kira tee to go back to the pants from the set, etc. The Isabella robe completes your collection. I recommend the cami (Luella), short (Lola) and robe (Isabella) for a set that makes you feel beautiful whether you’re getting ready in the morning, to go out or just need something to slip into that is comfortable but also beautiful.
As companies grow, they often branch out into other products. What other products or pieces will you be introducing into your line, or will you just stay focused on pajamas and loungewear?
We have been predominantly sleepwear focused for the past 6 years. Now we’re expanding our loungewear, offering basic tees and fleece that launch this Fall called Maison Du Soir White Label. I am so excited for these pieces! I’m telling you from experience, you will never want to take them off.
What were your biggest challenges starting a company, especially one in an industry you weren’t that familiar with? By the way, I love the fact that your line is made in the U.S.A. That is incredible, and also admirable in this day and age when so many brands source out of the country.
My biggest challenges (beyond cash flow) are most likely similar to any small company. The world is moving so fast. It’s difficult to keep up with ever-changing marketing tactics, retail strategies and trends. You can’t ever get too comfortable or take your foot off the gas.
It’s always been important to me to produce as much as I can locally. I have a small business and know how difficult it is. Working with my vendors that are also small and family run (and becoming so close with them over the years) has been one of the true joys I get to experience.
What are your biggest rewards in running your own company?
Making my own schedule, saying yes to what’s important to me and no to what isn’t.
There are so many women who I talk to that want to leave their careers that aren’t satisfying them or mothers who are getting ancy at home and want to start their own business. I think this dream is easier said than done, and a lot of women end up being overwhelmed or disappointed with what they thought would be an easy or “fun” transition or journey. What advice would you give them?
Nothing is easy and business is rarely “fun.” It has to be about the journey and not the destination.
You have grown so much in 6 years to now being in high end boutiques to stores such as Saks, Nordstroms, and goop, with a loyal celebrity following. Where do you see Maison du Soir going in the next 5 or 10 years?
We’re working on our direct to consumer experience right now. I love our retailers, but my passion is the customer. I want more access to her. I’m designing exclusive products that will be available only on our site. My vision for the next 5 years includes more exclusives, more collaborations and potentially International expansion.
How do you juggle running your company, employees, designing, production, shipping, etc. etc. etc. with being a wife and mother?
I do it the same way a mother of 3 juggles school, activities, doctors appts. We do the best we can. Women are super-heroes.
What is a typical work day like for you?
I start the day at my office with the biggest cup of coffee I can get my hands on, and after a bit of catch up its any number of ever-changing tasks. Yesterday I updated the website with our new summer collection, designed and sent a newsletter and today I’m working on a cash flow analysis and reviewing new prints.
You have such a great style! What is your go-to outfit, and who are your favorite designers?
I really have been living in the new collection samples. Fleece and tees from my new
White Label are my everyday go-to because I feel put together, not fussy. The sweatpants are a bit tailored and the tees, while basic, are still different enough. Typically I will mix those with my favorite pair of jeans or structured top. I am more classic so I use shoes and accessories to change my look.
You have such a natural beauty-can you share with us some of your favorite products?
What a nice thing to say! Thank you. Being a mom and business owner I don’t have a lot of time for myself so I am always looking for good multi-taskers. I use EltaMD tinted SPF as my moisturizer, sunscreen and for daily use it has enough coverage in lieu of a foundation. Dry shampoo is a life saver and Oribe Dry Shampoo is my all-time favorite. For quick, pretty makeup I keep it simple: Laura Mercier concealer, Charlotte Tillbury Beach Stick for cheeks and lips and one coat of Thrive Mascara.
Thank-you Courtney!
Maison du Soir
https://maisondusoir.com/
https://maisondusoir.com/pages/our-story
