Today we’d like to introduce you to Elyse Smith.
Hi Elyse, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Muz & Rose was started 5 years ago after I left my life in the fashion industry in NYC and my life running a sustainable butcher shop in VA and combined those into my dream – a sustainable boutique with a focus on community!
Muz & Rose is a collective of vintage sellers and independent makers in the heart of downtown Leesburg, VA.
We serve as a place of community gathering and support. We invite local artists and photographers to exhibit on our walls, we hold maker-led workshops and invite smaller vendors—ones who don’t quite have the capital for a full-fledged brick-and-mortar store—to host pop-up shops on Muz & Rose’s front porch. We don’t charge for the space or take a commission on sales.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have faced a few obstacles on our road, like signing our lease right before covid or investing in a few concepts that didn’t work out. At the same time, the challenges might be my favorite part of being a small business owner. Small being the key word. It only takes one person to make a decision and pivot and try something new. My brain is always looking ahead and asking how we can be better. I don’t think Muz & Rose will ever be complacent, but that’s why I chose this route in life. I love that this shop will always be a work in progress and will hopefully always be moving in a more positive direction whether it comes to the customer experience or our community outreach, but the sailing does get smoother and my decisions have come with more confidence in time. Every challenge we’ve faced and every pivot we have made, has always made us better.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Muz & Rose?
Muz & Rose is a collective of vintage sellers & independent makers in the heart of downtown Leesburg, VA. I am most proud of the community of sellers we have curated. We sell sustainable new items from small independent brands & makers as well as a curated selection of vintage. I am especially proud of our selection of new and sustainable apparel. The brands we work with (local & independent) take such care in the fit and the fabrication while also keeping items reasonably priced. We are hopeful the new items we stock will be future vintage and will hold up for many years to come. Most of the shop is stocked with incredible vintage and we add new items daily.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is when my Mom took me to NYC for the first time when I was 11 or 12 and we went to all the department stores on fifth avenue. It was magical and probably changed the trajectory of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://muzandrose.com
- Instagram: @muzandrose
Image Credit:
Purple Fern Photography
