Today we’d like to introduce you to Elyce Arons.
Hi Elyce, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my first brand, Kate Spade New York, in 1993 alongside my best friend Katy Brosnahan, Andy Spade, and Pamela Bell. Katy and I had always dreamed of going into business together, but the experience of building Kate Spade into a multi-million dollar brand was beyond anything we could have imagined. In 2006, we sold the company and took some time with our families. We didn’t expect to start another brand, but Katy and I really missed fashion, and in 2016, we launched Frances Valentine. We started off with Katy’s favorite things to design: handbags and shoes. We later added clothing, and now we are a full lifestyle brand, with women’s clothing, handbags, and shoes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When we started Frances Valentine, we really thought we knew the ropes! In the years we were out of the fashion world, so much had changed. When we left Kate Spade, there was one person in the office working on our E-Commerce business. Once we started Frances Valentine, we realized how much the world had changed. E-commerce was king. Influencers had replaced editors. We had a lot to learn. But we put together an amazing team, and kept learning every day. I am still learning every day, 10 years later!.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Frances Valentine creates clothes and accessories with heart and soul, designed to tell a story and inspire consumers to share theirs. (Our)pieces transcend trends, sparking joy and connection across generations. With a focus on timeless fashion that makes you smile every time you open your wardrobe, Frances Valentine blends fun, nostalgia, and friendship. At its core, the brand celebrates the spirit of friendship and joyful dressing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is a funny thing! I really believe that so much comes down to recognizing opportunities when they come your way, taking risks when you are young and you have less to lose, and the idea that we become what we think about.
That said, a little luck always plays a role! I was so lucky that KU assigned rooms alphabetically, and that I, Elyce Cox, lived next door to Katy Brosnahan, setting the stage for a friendship and partnership that changed my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://francesvalentine.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francesvalentine/
