Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Christoph McMahon.
Carla, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a love for fashion. Whether it was looking at every fashion magazine, fantasizing I was sitting at a runway show, or owning my own store, I felt this was the field for me.
I went to fashion design and merchandising school in Chicago and worked in retail When I moved to Texas, I did secretarial work to pay my bills and also continued to work part-time jobs on weekends in retail.
Fast forward, I got married, had a son, and was a stay at home Mom. My husband and I had several events that we were attending in the spring eight years ago. I had looked in my closet and pulled out a few caftans that I owned and thought about how I would love to wear one but something new. My arms were not as toned as once were and everything I thought interesting in the stores was sleeveless. I was reminded of the way I felt when wearing a caftan. It hides your flaws but accentuates all the good. You feel a bit exotic and always comfortable. So, I set out and designed three caftans and had them made. Every event that I wore them, I had women and men approach me and say how beautiful my dress was and who was the designer.
After a month or so, I thought maybe I have something here and decided to design 25 pieces. I had a show at my home. It was a tremendous success and I have not looked back since. I can honestly say that my business has grown through word of mouth. I love designing and sourcing my fabrics and trims. I had wonderful help with my website and label and started using Instagram which has found me, new customers.
I have always said, that every woman needs at least one caftan in their closet. They really are the most comfortable clothing to wear!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I can honestly say that it has been a relatively smooth road. First and foremost, I have a wonderful support system from family and friends. I think a lot of entrepreneurs have that little voice in the back of their head saying, “Am I going to fail?” As much as I heard that little voice saying those words, I continued to work hard and turn out a product that I believed in and was very proud of selling.
I did have a few issues at the beginning with quality control and finding that perfect seamstress. I am so thankful now, as they do a beautiful job.
I guess my best advice for women starting their journey, is to ask a lot of questions. Before jumping in with both feet, seek out as many people in the field your interested in and get as much advice from them as possible. The more conversations you engage in, the fewer mistakes you will make.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Carla Christoph Designs story. Tell us more about it.
I have been designing and selling caftans for the past 8 years. I love color and prints but do some solids too. The process begins by finding that beautiful fabric or trim and designing around it. Everything is made here in Houston. I am a very visual person and can see the finished product in my head.
I always have caftans ready for purchase. Everything from casual to dressy but also have designed caftans for many special occasions. I have been honored to design for mother’s of the bride, and groom, caftans for pregnant women and their upcoming baby shower, black tie events and last year I designed seventeen bridesmaids. I work with many different fabrics and many of my trims come from India.
What sets me apart from others is my caftans are predominately one of a kind and are custom-fit to each customer. My customers know they never have the fear of “running into themselves.” I travel all over Texas and other destinations where customers have hosted me in their homes for trunk shows. It is so wonderful meeting so many ladies I can now call my friends.
Nothing is more rewarding than hearing all the positive feedback from my customers. I love receiving texts and emails with pictures of them wearing their caftans and telling me how they received so many compliments. I know this is why I have huge repeat business. Everyone likes to feel confident and I do not know anyone who does not like hearing, “You look great!”
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Find a career that you’re passionate about because then, it does not feel like a job. I cannot wait to jump out of bed and get to work.
Contact Info:
- Website: Carlachristoph.com
- Phone: 713 542-1160
- Email: carlitamac@gmail.com
- Instagram: Carlachristophdesigns
Image Credit:
Carla Christoph
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