S1 E27-Empowering Women to Look and Feel Their Best with Desiree Miranda
In this episode of "Women Behind the Millions," host Jessica Weaver interviews fashion industry veteran Desiree Miranda. Desiree shares her journey from high school intern at Nordstrom to launching her own fashion line, Miranda New York. The discussion covers her passion for empowering women through fashion, the challenges and joys of starting her own brand, her dedication to charity events, and her approach to personal styling. With insights into the fashion industry and the importance of genuine connections, this episode offers inspiration and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Highlights:
During this episode the discuss Desiree's fashion journey from Nordstrom to launching Miranda New York emphasizes the importance of networking and investing in one's career for future success.
Desiree's commitment to designing wardrobe essentials and her passion for empowering women through fashion are showcased in the episode.
They also discuss Desiree's dedication to understanding women's individual experiences and needs.
Contact Our Guest:
Instagram: desssmiranda
Instagram: mirandanewyork_
Website: https://www.desireemirandanyc.com
Website: https://mirandanewyork.com
Guest's Email: desiree@desireemirandanyc.com
Transcript:
Jessica Weaver 0:02
Hello money queens, welcome to Women behind the millions. Today we have my dear friend Desiree Miranda on with us. Desiree and I met several years ago. Yeah, this was pre kids. And you worked at one of my favorite designers, Alice and Olivia. And it was she worked at the store in Bryant Park in New York City. So usually around Christmas time, my husband and I will go into the city to see a Duke basketball game, to see the Christmas show, whatever the reason, and my husband knew how much I loved Alice and Olivia. So as we went by the store, he goes, Why don't you go in there and pick out something. And it was kind of a pretty woman moment for myself, just the shopping part. I mean, he already, we were already married at this point. But it blew my mind. And it was so much fun to go into the store that has and if you know Alice and Olivia, such a range of dresses, jeans, tops, shoes, accessories, such a wide range and I picked out this gorgeous black and gold dress. And we got home, a few weeks later I get this thank you note in the mail from Desiree who helped me pick it out. And that's kind of our relationship. We just kept talking and texting. She found out my first book -Strong woman, Stronger Assets was coming out and we did a book signing at the same store at Bryant Park in the city. We did a second book signing and I think between the two we raised between what Alice and Olivia donated and our book proceeds about $3,000 for the Susan G Komen Foundation, which is always important to you know, so many women in my family, friends, their moms have battled with breast cancer and Desiree who is on with us today has a huge charitable side to her as well. So we're gonna get into that. But ever since then she would send me a box of clothes that I get to try on, my daughter thinks it's the most amazing thing in the world. And I come and I do a little fashion show we say yes and no, I love Desiree because she always pushes me out of my comfort zone a little bit. My husband likes that as well. And then she told me she just launched her very own fashion line in New York. And here we are both wearing the blazers. She had a pop up shop at our last event the Hidden Power Change Summit. So just a little glimpse into Desiree as we're talking about this. But she is a New York City based multibrand stylist. She is now the owner of Miranda New York. She just loves helping women look and feel amazing in everything they wear and continues to just bring styling in a new way and whether it's in a virtual setting, in person and now with your own clothing line. So I know that was a long intro. Without further ado, Desiree thank you so much for being on women behind the millions today.
Desiree Miranda 3:08
Hi, thank you so much for having me. So happy to be here. Thank you so much for also all those kind words. I've like loved working with you since day one. Like I remember that day like it was yesterday. Like truly your husband was like so sweeping, like go give her this one, tell her to to try that one and you were like hesitant and then it ended up of course being one that you loved. So that's always how it goes.
Jessica Weaver 3:33
Always going to find something you love at that store. It's like Disney world for me.
Desiree Miranda 3:39
The boxes are Christmas morning every single time.
Jessica Weaver 3:43
I tell my my husband, my mother, I'm like just talk to Desiree. It's amazing. And I've been telling women about you because we're so busy that yes, I love shopping, but then I feel like I'm rushing through it. Or I get frustrated. And let's be honest, the fashion world right now, there's a lot of stuff going on.
Desiree Miranda 4:05
it's so saturated. It's insane.
Jessica Weaver 4:06
There's a lot 90 stuff going on. There's a lot of mid-century stuff going on. So figuring out what your style is or what your you want your style to be can be very overwhelming.
Desiree Miranda 4:21
Yeah, Well I think like I relate it to what a lot of women in business do, they outsource. So why wouldn't you outsource your wardrobe? Ask for help. And you'd be surprised. People are afraid and intimidated to do it. And then they do it once and they're like, I can't believe I've lived 10 years of my life without you. So that's how it goes. I'm just the stepping block. Like we'll get you there, just we have to start somewhere.
Jessica Weaver 4:45
And I love like Alice and Olivia just came out with bathing suits so I could ask you a trusted contact you know, how's the material? How are they? How's the fit? Yeah, any you know, dresses they'll fit differently? How stretchy is the material, when you're shopping virtually. So having somebody like you, I know what's the quality, what's my size probably going to be because you know me when you know my body changed, and I said no bikinis because that part of my life is over. No, it's true. Don't need to wear bikinis that my son will rip off in a second.
Desiree Miranda 5:22
Yeah, no it's funny. I feel like people always ask me too like, how do you remember everything about your clients? And I'm like, Well, this is my full time job. How does a doctor remember about his patients? It's it goes hand in hand , you know, like, I work with you guys. We talk, I talk to some of my clients more than I talk to my family. So it's like, it just is what it is like, we're friends. I know your entire wardrobe already. I know what you feel comfortable in, so when things come into the stores, I shoot text messages, because I think of you right away. And I'm like, Jess would love this. Like, I know she has that charity gala in a month. Like, I'm going to send her a photo and maybe this will be the one she wears. So yeah,
Jessica Weaver 6:01
I'm looking at the book cover. So yeah, that one was that was you. I was thinking I might need to get that one tailored. But anyway, so Desiree, tell us about what drew you into fashion. And you can tell you just love fashion and styling and how people feel good about themselves. What was it just always from when you were a little girl knew you love to dress up?
Desiree Miranda 6:32
No, to be honest, I think it was more so I feel like in life, like everybody tries to find ways in order to fulfill themselves. And I feel like I realized early on like I liked helping women feel good about themselves. And I noticed like when I would be with my friends and we'd all be getting ready. People would kind of be like, okay, like- Desiree, do you like what I'm wearing? And I would just be the honest one in the friend group like, no, don't wear this, wear this instead. And you'll you see people's eyes light up. And that for me is like the best feeling in the world. And that's kind of where like, I just leaned in. And I was like, This feels good to me. So I'm gonna keep doing it for others. And it's now turned into having my own line.
So you were your own friends Fashion Police?
Yes, that's a great way to put it. I love that.
Jessica Weaver 7:24
I do. You are right, because when you think of something in a new perspective, a new light or just mixing and matching a different piece within the outfit? How it can completely transform the look, the feel, the style and they knew something wasn't right, if they're asking you that
Desiree Miranda 7:40
Exactly. 100% Well, it's also body type too, like I feel like something I specialize in is helping women dress for their own particular body types. Like that is the biggest challenge all women face. They don't know their truest potential. So they'll put things on and they'll be like, I feel good in this like, this looks great. And then I'm like, You're right, it does. But hold on, you can do better. And then the second they put on what I tell them to wear, add a belt here or take move it to the side instead of the middle like whatever it is to just like little little changes to the outfit. It's insane the difference it makes. And that's where like I again, I it brings my biggest joy out of it.
Jessica Weaver 8:21
So let's keep going down your career path. So you're the fashion police for your friends. And then what was your first job or role in the fashion industry?
Desiree Miranda 8:30
So I remember literally being 16 years old, and I applied for an internship at Nordstrom. And I was just like, I want to work. I want to be around clothes. Like I like doing this. Like let's let me try. And so yeah, it was kind of like a high school internship. And then once I turned 18, it became a part time role that I would literally go to Nordstrom, like after like high school. And that's where I really fell in love with retail and working with people and getting my like that again, like my truest joy came from meeting strangers and hearing people's stories and helping them build their wardrobes right there. Like I just, I loved meeting new people and I realized that and then that's when I told my parents, okay, I'm going to fashion school in New York. They thought is like, okay, that's fine. Like, you'll go to Marketing, you'll be in PR, you'll do events, whatever it is. And like, Of course I did my first like PR internship and was like, Absolutely not. This is not for me. I started working at Saks Fifth Avenue, like Friday, Saturday, Sunday school Monday through Thursday, and that's where I was like, I love this. I just wanted to be like, again, it's meeting new people and fostering relationships. Building clienteling is what we call it that was like for me that where I like loved and then yes, so then after that once I started working at Alice and Olivia was when I was 22 years old, and that's kind of where I really saw like a career being built. And from from there. I think like retail is sometime's like frowned upon, in the sense of, it's similar to like, if you work in the restaurant industry or whatever, like those, like more more lower jobs called blue collar jobs. But for me, I saw it as like, I'm just paying my dues to get to the next like, level of wherever it is, I end up wanting to go, I didn't know I was gonna end up being a stylist, I didn't know I was gonna end up owning my own line. Like, I had no idea where it was gonna take me, I just knew like, I have to do this now to then get to where I was going. And again, I saw like, the biggest opportunity in relationships, building, and like meeting new people, fostering relationships, being real with them and making friends. And something that I always believed was like, your net worth is only as big as your network. And so that's kind of love that. Yeah, that, like, I feel like I heard that so early on, and I was like, we this is true. I need to like reign that in. Like, that's absolutely true. And even like, building my business, it was kind of like, I used my entire network to figure it out. Like I didn't know where to start. And I was like, let me just ask people see what, see what they tell me. And they kind of all just fell together one by one. But yeah, there's so much I could say.
Jessica Weaver 11:18
You were in Miami, right? Miami, Florida.
Desiree Miranda 11:21
Yeah, I was born in Miami, and
Jessica Weaver 11:22
Okay. Then you moved to the city, you were going to the Fashion Institute, and you were working at Saks. And then Alice and Olivia, once you paid your dues, this has been coming up a lot lately, and I've been telling kind of the next generation, there are times when you are kind of investing in your career. You're not reaping the benefits of it yet, but you're learning the operational side of it, the business side, you're making connections, the networks, all of these different pieces as you call it- paying your dues. And then there's going to be a time for like this growth period. Which seems what you're in right now. Right? You You're the network. And I love that your net worth is only as big as your network. We got to repeat that ladies, remember that, its a community, It's always about right, what are the opportunities? What are the connections of people that are supporting you, as well, for it? And it's interesting, because you said you, did you ever dream of having your own fashion line?
Desiree Miranda 12:21
No, I had no idea. Really like, Yeah, so like starting my line was kind of like, well, I'll start with saying this. Like, once I quit working at Alice and Olivia, that was how I was able to maintain my relationships, because there's only so much like, with my clients, there's only so much of one brand a woman can have. So I kind of was like I like it was like I had to, like I didn't have another option. If I wanted to keep these relationships, I needed to go out on my own, to be able to offer them new services, whether it's, I go to your house, and we do re closet organizations and then I add in other brands, we add an accessories, etc. I'd now start doing your husband all of that. And so then from there starting the new line was kind of like I saw, like, this is how they always say like businesses start right, like you see, like a niche and an opening in the market. And I kind of was like, Okay, wait, like, I'm looking for the perfect, like wardrobe starter essentials, right? And like, I can't necessarily like I can find them, but like, how do I find them consistently? Where it's like, it's not like, okay
Jessica Weaver 13:26
Its not just in and out for a season. You could always go back there.
Desiree Miranda 13:31
So that was literally like the blazer launch, which is what Miranda New York is right now, this is kind of like the very first essential piece for building your wardrobe. And then like, then I'll do the next drop, it'll probably end up being pants and then the one after that might be like the perfect dress or whatever it is the vision goes. But yeah, that's kind of the idea of it all like the start starting off with woman's wardrobe essentials. And then we'll get into more creative, being able to be creative, but it came from a place of wanting to assist my clients further. Like that was really what it started. I was like how do I help my clients find exactly what they're looking for? That doesn't necessarily exist. Oh, I can just make it.
Jessica Weaver 14:11
Yeah, so you found that opportunity, the gap in the market. So smart of you to jump on that. I remember previous conversations with you and you're explaining how as a stylist, there's two different ways you you can style right you can kind of almost force somebody into a box or you know what, what is out there or you create something.
Desiree Miranda 14:35
Yeah, so like a lot of designers in the like fashion industry. They think very like egotistically almost where it's like I'm telling the client what they should be wearing. So like that's where you get up really high end and the like the Balenciaga world, the bodega world they design with like, this is my vision for what is cool right now like you've I'm telling you what you should wear and I'm approaching it from a status point of like, No, my client is telling me what they should wear. Like, I'm listening to her. She's telling me she feels good in this. She's telling me what she wears on her day to day is XYZ like, Okay, I'm gonna make what you're telling me you're gonna wear. But just yeah, that's another way I like kind of thought of it which like, I think some contemporary brands like they do set contemporary brands like an Alice and Olivia like a Veronica Beard, they kind of think about it wider range where it's like, they have the pieces that they think are really cool and creative. And then they have their like, standard tried and true basics, which is like, I'm hoping to like I'm starting off and then we'll be able to launch into the more creative ends. But right now we're working towards the tried and true basics.
Jessica Weaver 15:40
You're tapping into a little bit on yeah what the vision is for Miranda New York and Miranda, that's your last name.
Desiree Miranda 15:46
Yes, it's my last name
Jessica Weaver 15:47
And then New York, That makes so much sense, where it's where you're located. And what kind of just blossomed your love for fashion.
Desiree Miranda 15:54
Yeah, No, really. It was like born on the streets of Soho, like walking up and down with like, multiple bags from like all the different stores. I'm like the Green Street bag lady I always used to joke.
Jessica Weaver 16:09
So you'll see Desiree trudging down New York City streets, bags and bags and bags,
Desiree Miranda 16:17
No matter what, like rolling racks, the whole nine yards.
Jessica Weaver 16:20
Do you see yourself having a brick and mortar store? Or more pop up shops? Would you? Where do you see that go?
Desiree Miranda 16:28
So right now I'm really leaning into the popups. I think that it's like a great way yeah, like brand exposure and kind of being able to see what people are liking and not necessarily having to invest so much into it. So that's where my head's at, will also too, like I can say from a styling perspective, the pop ups are kind of what I use as a way to like gain new clients. So like, I'll have clients all over the country and they kind of host an event with me. And I bring all the brands that I work with. And now like I have the chance to bring my own brand as well. And I'm introduced to their network. And then from that there, I now like work with all those women and it kind of just like it trickles down and that you find your little niche of people that end up being your forever clients. And that's, that's what the pop ups have brought me.
Jessica Weaver 17:22
Did you have that knowledge going into the pop ups?
Desiree Miranda 17:27
No, everything has always like fallen into place, it's so crazy.
Jessica Weaver 17:31
Very organic. Yeah. Is there a business plan going into Miranda, New York?
Desiree Miranda 17:37
Into Miranda New York, yes, in the sense that I knew I had the clientele. So it really started with okay, like let me make the first wardrobe essential piece that I could that I believe all my women should have. And then and then from there, it's kind of like now I'm reaching the point of starting to reach out to wholesalers and all that but I just launched a month ago so we're still I know we're still doing like the client my own personal client outreach. Like there's so many women that still haven't even gotten there yet. So like it's been a busy month but all good things
Jessica Weaver 18:12
A month of celebrating Yes. Are you blown away by the response so far for the Blazers?
Desiree Miranda 18:18
I really am it's been so beautiful to just like get I wake up to a new text message I feel like every morning like- wearing it to this press event, wearing to my office today, my Saturday outfit with the girls, like it's been so beautiful. I think like again it goes back to the relationships that I've had over the last like seven or eight years like my clients, they trust me they know they've been trusting me for eight years like of course anything I was going to make they were going to love and live in and I think it kind of really became full circle for them too that it's exciting that now like they're wearing something their stylist created and it all just goes full circle it's really beautiful. When women support each other it's nothing no end to it like so much good happens.
Jessica Weaver 19:05
The feminine economy, the feminine ecosystem. Yeah, what a beautiful time to have these pop ups with social media because now it feels we're all connected. For the fan the fan base the team around Miranda New York, I have my blazer, like I usually keep it in my office but then sometimes I forget I wore to a wedding. Yeah, so I know this isn't promo just for Miranda New York, but to be honest ladies, I wear a lot of jackets. This is the one that I feel I can breathe the most in.
Desiree Miranda 19:39
Yeah, cuz it's relaxed.
Jessica Weaver 19:41
It is it's relaxed. I hate when it's too far into the pits and it's uncomfortable. It just falls very nice because it's a very nice weight to it and texture. Yeah, well you can wear it with jeans. I wore it with a cocktail dress to a wedding, you could wear with biker shorts and a sports bra probably.
Desiree Miranda 19:57
Yeah, literally how I'm wearing it right now.
Jessica Weaver 20:00
You can roll the sleeves up a little bit to get more relaxed feel for it. But yeah, it is amazing. What was the time length of creating and launching a fashion line? Because it seems like a big endeavor, the material, the shape, who's going to actually sew it, put it together. What was that like?
Desiree Miranda 20:20
Insanity, honestly. So the whole like, I would say, like start to finish from idea to business, it took me about a year of like, really like thinking through everything doing the research, because for me, the research was the most important like, I'm already working with Alice and Olivia, Veronica Beard, ALC, all of these really top end brands that my clients love and trust, like, I had to make something that was going to be on par with that. And if it wasn't going to be like, there was no way I was going to be able to do it. Because it wouldn't make sense for me to give something to a client that isn't as good as what they already have. So I needed it to be perfect. So yeah, so doing all of the research the step, the first step is finding a pattern maker. So I did a ton of interviews across New York City to just find like the best person, like partnership wise that like they were going to like, take my feedback, and we were going to work together well. And then I really needed a big part of it to have was that I needed to have them have connections to another production team. Because so basically, you find a pattern maker, they are the ones that create like, the tech packs are no, I'm sorry, sorry, the designer creates a tech pack. And then the tech pack is given to the pattern maker. And the tech pack is what has like, all of the like, it's like your bill of materials, like what materials will be used the measurements for the sample size, sample sizing and how you want it like the actual design of it, and then you go into the pattern making of it, which is how the fabric will be cut. So so you'll cut like the the pattern will be like a one sleeve, the shoulder. And then like the interfacing and like all of that, those measurements and everything. And then it's run through the fabric cutting machine. And then it goes to, you have the cutting room, which is also another thing. And then from the cutting room, it goes to the production factory. And then that's when they put together all of the pieces. And in between all of this, you're sourcing, shell fabric lining fabric, threads, notions, buttons, zippers, if you're doing that, shoulder pads, sleeve heads, like all of these things,
Jessica Weaver 22:41
So much more than I ever would have imagined that.
Desiree Miranda 22:45
Yeah, and it's like, I used to joke while I was making it, like I had decision fatigue. Because I can understand that. Yeah, like it's like the but choosing a button is like not the end of the world. But it is. And there's like hundreds of different ones that you can choose. So it was just like every day like going to the stores and deciding and figuring out which one was going to be right and then making. And so then back to like the creation of it. So once the patterns made, then you make a sample. But it starts with like a muslin. So you have the muslin. And then the muslin is kind of like where you can play around and see like, open it up here more, make it more relaxed in the arm, give me an inch here. And then they go into the first sample. And this is where like, the most investment I want to say comes out of because you can make like three or four samples of something and still not get it right. And you and it's because of the fabrics that you've used. It's because of how like the Fit needs to be changed because you have to you also have the Fit Model come in. And yeah, so I went through like five samples on the first round. But just because again, it was like it was finding the perfect fabrics. Like I really, that was like the most important thing like I needed it to be seasonless. I needed them to wear well and you know them to look expensive. I needed them to have all these different features that I knew my my woman and even myself, if I was buying it myself, like I would be so happy to have that in my wardrobe because it would be on constant rotation. And so yeah, that was that's that's that that's the process.
Jessica Weaver 24:29
Wow, labor of love, a lot of discipline, patience, focus. Keeping, it's almost like your non negotiables like keeping those present. What am I not willing to settle for?
Desiree Miranda 24:43
Yes, exactly. Well that's that's the problem, you know, like, you end up wanting to get it over with and it's like, okay, like, I just want to get to production. I just want to be able to have the product already. But it's like no like, if this is not exactly what I'm looking for. Like I have to do it again like I need to have that peace of mind. So that's why I ended up taking a year because it basically like, from like, make a sample takes about three weeks. And at least in New York, because I'm doing it all in the garment district. If I was overseas, it'd be a different story, because then it's like the shipping back and forth, which is what most designers do. So, to be in New York, I had to pay a little bit more, but it was worth it in that sense. And yeah,
Jessica Weaver 25:23
You know, you can be a little bit more hands on.
Desiree Miranda 25:26
Yeah, exactly. It was the hands on.
Jessica Weaver 25:29
Thank you for sharing that process. No idea, I figured it was a long process. We were talking and you said it was about a year for it. What are the risks with starting your own line?
Desiree Miranda 25:40
Oh my god. 1,000,001.
Jessica Weaver 25:44
What keeps you up at night when it comes to
Desiree Miranda 25:47
Um, my inventory in my apartment right now.
Jessica Weaver 25:52
I love your stories, though. Because you read about Sara Blakely who started Spanx. The same way, right? She was everything was in her apartment. Oh, yeah, she's gonna be on Oprah's show for Oprah's Favorite Things. And they came to interview her and her staff. And she's like, it's me. And she had some family and friends come and pose as staff.
Desiree Miranda 26:12
Like they listened. They read my paragraph text messages every morning, listen to my two minute long voice notes. Like, this is my team. I know, literally. I mean, yeah, that's kind of how it starts. Like, I'm all in my apartment. I'm doing it all on my own like I am so like, fortunate I ended up hiring my old coworker to kind of design with me. And she kind of has really stepped up and become like a little bit of like a partner in a sense. And that's been like, so helpful. Just having like a sounding board, again, with the like decision making process, and all of that. But I think hold on, let me go back to your original question of what keeps you up at night. It's the it's truly it's moving the product. Like I think once I made the product, I was like so, so obsessed with it and like, oh my god, amazing. Now I have it. And it's like, now I have to put it out there. So doing doing the press, talking to my clients. And I have the added benefit. Like since I'm a stylist, I bring them to every appointment that I have. So like just yesterday, I had like a random woman DM me on Instagram, and was like I'm leaving on a trip on Thursday, like, can you send me like, how can we work together, I need help. And I immediately like called her, we figured it all out. I had some pieces messengered over to her apartment. And we kind of did a Virtual Consult and she kept my blazer. Because it was like it worked for her wardrobe in that moment. So that's kind of like, again, you asked me about business plan. Like that's kind of my business plan since I have like the styling background. I'm so like lucky that I have access to these women who who come to me for clothes. And now I have clothes to give them
Jessica Weaver 27:53
It is such a staple piece, whether it's with a dress, with jeans, or a business setting, like I have skinny black pants on with my hot pink shirt. So yeah, I love hearing and I love hearing the stories of how it started started with just this little idea. There's a gap, there's an opportunity, right, there's a problem, there's an opportunity, and spend a year perfecting it and getting it right without settling. And just think of how much you've grown. Stepping into this whole new area of your world of retail, after styling. You learn so much from picking. Where's the button, the button in it. And how much goes into picking them? But yeah, so you stepped into the unknown every single day last year. Yeah, you gotta feel like a different person at this point.
Desiree Miranda 28:51
Oh, 100 percent. Yeah, absolutely. I think that like, I love this quote, that you only grow outside of your comfort zone. And I just, that's what this was like, it was so risky, so terrifying. But I kind of had faith in myself. And I knew, like, if I don't do it, if I just I just have to act like just just do it. The second you do it, you'll figure it out along the way. Appreciate the process, you won't get there overnight, but it's going to turn into something that you will love and will get better in time. And that's kind of like been my approach to even when I went off on my own in my styling business. Like it didn't happen overnight that I was like successful where I had a woman reaching out to me over Instagram, you know, but now it's like when you're Yeah, and you just have to be consistent. Like I think like you almost brand yourself right? Like, I chose to brand myself as a stylist and like I became the go to person for wardrobe consultations between all of my clients and their networks. So it was like from there that kind of just like spiraled and then I started doing the pop ups because it was a way to incorporate charity which we spoke about. And then now like, again, like how the reason for launching the line was just to find a new way to help my clients like better style them really. And the Blazers are just the start like I really, there's so many other products that I want to make. And I'm so excited about it. And I can't wait to get be able to get more creative. And oh, theres so much coming.
Jessica Weaver 30:21
I feel like you already have the designs in your head.
Desiree Miranda 30:24
Yeah, I 100% do.
Jessica Weaver 30:27
You caught the bug. And now you I remember when after I wrote my first book, I caught the writing bug. I'm like, no, they're, you fall in love the process and birthing something beautiful to the world. And being able to see it transform people's lives or their wardrobes , which in the end transforms, right- How they feel about themselves, their self esteem, all of that. Can we go into , theres a lot different area I want to talk about. Lets go into the charity side, since you just brought that up. You're very passionate about getting involved with charities. What kind of, what does that look like? What's the work and what, what was the Where's it coming from?
Desiree Miranda 31:09
Yeah, so it honestly started, like, when I was younger, just talking to different women and hearing about like, different people's struggles, what they what they needed outfits for also too like, a lot of times, it would be, hey, I have this gala that I'm attending for human rights or human anti human trafficking, like whatever it could be. And then we would get into the whole story of why they support that. And it kind of like, for me, like I had my causes that I cared about. But then it really opened my eyes to like, oh my god, there are so many things in the world, that all of us need to like, have awareness about, like, my biggest thing was just building awareness. And so I came up with the idea of, let's just do it, let's do events, like I'm lucky where I had, like, I have the opportunity, and I have great relationships with all the brands that I work with, that it could be okay, like, Let me have a client host an event with us, she'll bring her network in, and it'll be a charity fundraising event. And we're gonna, all percentage of proceeds will go back to the foundation, we'll do a little like, write up on everything that foundation does and is inspired by and the reason for it, etc. And then the women will feel great afterwards, because you're shopping for a cause. It's the best of both worlds. And then it's kind of now like, as a business model really helped me too when it comes to approaching clients that I'm not necessarily like, super close with, I guess. So I have a Dallas pop up in about a month. And this client like and I were talking about it. And she was like, she approached me because of the Miranda, New York. And then I brought up the charity aspect. And her mind was like, yes, 1000 times over. This is what we're doing. And like, she got so excited, because it was like, a way to like give back to her community. Like, I think that when you we are part of these charity organizations, you're always trying to find like, another event, another way to like to support the charity. And this was like just a no brainer, where it's this is easy. Like, this is easy and fun. Like let's do this. And so now I do charity pop ups all over the country. And like, I have a huge pocket of philanthropic woman in Nashville, in Miami, in New York as well. And then in Manhattan Beach, California. And that's like, kind of in my network now.
Jessica Weaver 33:34
Oh cool ,I had no idea. Yeah, we do. It does make sense. Anyway, they're always looking for another different kinds of event, way to bring women together to talk about the important cause.
Desiree Miranda 33:45
Yeah, it's to build awareness.
Jessica Weaver 33:47
Yeah, the feminine ecosystem, man. It's amazing what we can do, those connections and the brainstorming, the collaboration between you and them and putting the event together, and all that energy it's just contagious.
Desiree Miranda 34:01
Yes, it's fun. It really is. And like the day of the event, like we're all running around, like I always joke it's like a welcome to the girls room kind of attitude. Because we're like 30 woman trying on super fun outfits. Like I like that on you. I want to try it on me now. Like it's just it's such a fun atmosphere. And it's something that you don't get from a lot of other places. Like you can't go into a store and get that, you need to be around your friends and women that are like supporting you. It's I love it. It's the best.
Jessica Weaver 34:30
Fantastic Yeah, we might have to do that for our next event.
Desiree Miranda 34:33
Yeah, Let's! I'm game, I'm there- New Jersey round two.
Jessica Weaver 34:39
And you said a stories as listening to these woman's stories and how something tragic in their life again, they saw problems and they found, you know, opportunities to be able to make changes maybe not for their lives, but the future lives. So somebody's going through that illness, disease, accident, whatever it is. Yeah, too. And I've always said how much power there is behind women's stories, and you just really take that extra step to get to know them, which is huge. Men always say that women aren't good at sales. But this is an example of, it's not sales, because you're just getting to know the person behind the scenes, making a genuine connection with them. And it's more of a heart alignment than a sale or an exchange.
Desiree Miranda 35:26
Yeah, no truly. And I think that like, again, it goes back to like making people feel good, you know, when like, you're having a conversation like, and I asked them about their story, and they feel how they feel empowered and able to be vulnerable, like that. It's an energy exchange, like, I feel so good that you were able to open up to me, because now I care about your cause as well. And then she was able to like vent about it and talk and build awareness, which is what what she really cares about. And it just, it all goes full circle. And to your point, that is something women do. Not that men don't but it's just a different, I guess a different tactic we could say.
Jessica Weaver 36:07
Yeah, it's I feel, we tend to get deep, probably a lot quicker.
Desiree Miranda 36:12
We do, we're more personable. We like this, like this truly, it feeds our souls as well.
Jessica Weaver 36:19
It seems too for women we want to be heard too. Heard and understood. And I'm guessing when women come to you for the styling, they probably haven't felt heard by maybe the retailers or fashion, or their friends they right they feel misunderstood. Like I want to look good. Why am I can't find the right pieces? Or even if I do it doesn't look the same.
Desiree Miranda 36:43
How do I put it together? Am I in the wrong size? Oh my god. So many things I see all the time.
Jessica Weaver 36:51
What are the top things that women are saying? That
Desiree Miranda 36:54
No, you know, so more often than not women are always buying, they're buying things that don't fit them. So like they'll buy things in bigger sizes, or smaller sizes. And I'm like, no, no, no, no, this is the true size and this is also like the style you should be in like if you're a curvy woman don't buy a slip dress. If you are more straight like you, you can don't do a skinny a don't do a skinny jeans, like you should be in a flair or bootcut. So there's like so many little like styling tricks like that, that again, it just like it nails women's true potential like they don't, it's not that they don't look good already, but they don't know how good much better it could be. So that's the biggest thing. But yeah.
Jessica Weaver 36:55
Okay so finding your right size, let's go into some styling tips for the ladies, the money queens. Finding the right size is huge. And you're right, whenever we put something on that's too small, we instantly don't feel good about ourselves, let's be honest and then we're uncomfortable. And we're sucking it in all day. And that's not good.
Desiree Miranda 37:57
Don't get a size 10 of your size six just because if you feel better in it, trust me.
Jessica Weaver 38:04
Right size, and then finding the right style for your body type styles for your body type. Okay, and you help women do this. So they don't have to figure it out by themselves. Yeah, everybody's body is different. I remember my friend was on a beach and she's trying to find on the beach, whose body her body looks like. And I'm like, This feels weird and one you're not going to find because everybody's
Desiree Miranda 38:30
Everybody's so different.
Jessica Weaver 38:32
It's so different. So different. And let's be honest, as moms our bodies change after Yeah, I can't even if, like I'm the same weight, but my things don't fit the same way, they just don't
Desiree Miranda 38:44
Absolutely not, I couldn't agree with that more.
Jessica Weaver 38:47
Is gravity takes over we can't control these things ladies.
Desiree Miranda 38:50
You got older, it changes.
Jessica Weaver 38:52
What's another tip Desiree?
Desiree Miranda 38:54
I really like the rule of thumb where if you're doing something loose on top, then go tight on the bottom and vice versa loose on the bottom tight on top. So like a Yeah, so like a really big like billowed out pant with like another oversized jacket on top. You're going to be swimming in fabric. You don't need to like let's cinch cinch it in where we can. So that's another rule of thumb. Fabrics are huge, very, very big deal depending on like the season and what kind of linen also so like some right now we're going into summer. A lot of people are gravitating towards linens and cotton's but those are fabrics that are harder to maintain. So I always say get blends, like a 100% linen is not going to like hold up well. You'll be able to wear it once or twice.
Jessica Weaver 39:45
You're gonna have like a wrinkled mess coming out of the car.
Desiree Miranda 39:48
Yeah, in one second. So little things like that.
Jessica Weaver 39:54
Blends in fabrics. That's good to know.
Desiree Miranda 39:56
Mm hmm. There's a few ,it'll come to me as we keep talking.
Jessica Weaver 40:05
Okay, but no, these are helpful for the women. Where do you see fashion going? Because let's, we had the pandemic. So athleisure was huge. I still feel like I work very comfy bottoms, because most of the time I'm here in front of the camera. I have a wardrobe rack so I can throw on.
Desiree Miranda 40:26
Yep, yeah.
Jessica Weaver 40:27
We're coming out of that, though. So what do you think that next phase is, re we going to get professional again? Or is that going to look different even?
Desiree Miranda 40:35
So I think people are having a lot of fun with their professional wardrobe right now. Yeah, so I feel like people are leaning into colors and they're leaning into also textures. So like texture texture is huge right now for the summer, whether it's like crochet a little like black with like, like the pops in between the fabrics. There's so many like little different things you can play around in terms of texture, but where I see like, wardrobe going a lot of denim also, I think like blazers like honestly, like the oversized look, that is such a staple because you can do it for the office with jeans with more casual pants. And that's kind of like your tried and true uniform, even into the weekend wear and I think people are still dressing for events. So whether that's like you're going on vacations, you're going on wedding guests attire, galas, any kind of event driven outfit, like that's here to stay and that's like over the top, and then yeah, not so like traditional suiting where it's like that kind of wool blended fabric that everybody has in their wardrobes. Those are kind of out. It's more so let's play with the textures. Let's play with colors. Let's have fun with it. A lot of like big belts cinched, higher necks are in as well right now. So that's that's kind of where where it's lead heading.
Jessica Weaver 42:04
I love that people are having more fun with fashion and I'm definitely having more fun, especially
Desiree Miranda 42:08
Thats the easiest way to put it.
Jessica Weaver 42:10
I would say yeah, we're in that financial industry. Yeah, it's so so traditional. You still see business suits, but I'm noticing even with the men, it's a business suit with a shirt. No tie. And really cool sneakers. Yep. Like air forces or their work shoes, but a sneaker on the bottom. Yes. I've been noticing that. So like at least even the men, I always feel bad for them, they're always in the stuffy suit, especially in the summer hot months. Oh my God, and I can walk around and dress and still be professional. I always feel bad for them. But they seem to be having more fun too. Yep, with it. I was just at the bank, and I'm looking around and they're still in that business suit. And it felt sad to me, I think people are figuring out what their style is, which is so cool. And it's different for everybody.
Desiree Miranda 43:06
Mm hmm. No, it's true. It's being seen, like, I mean, fashion is like a way to express yourself. And I think like so many people stress out when it comes to getting dressed in the morning, because they're thinking about how they're going to be perceived. And how like if they're what they're what they wear is like allowed in wherever it is that they're going. And it's now it's becoming like, no, if you like it, just wear it. Like people are almost having more confidence to wear things that they just feel good in. And it's like, as long as you're not like, a little risky. It doesn't necessarily matter as much.
Jessica Weaver 43:40
Yes, as long as they get to me if you look put together and you're not showing too much skin obviously. Right, you can dress however you want to. But if you're showing up and it's wrinkled, it's a mess. Yes. You look like you rolled around your bed and you came right out.
Desiree Miranda 43:56
Maybe you don't look for it together. You're not You're
Jessica Weaver 43:58
You can wear a nice dress with some nice sneakers and I'm cool with that. You look put together and you look polished with it. And a big theme on our show is permission. It seems like people are giving themselves more permission. Oh, yeah. To dress how they want to dress and what feels good to them. And that's very exciting to see.
Desiree Miranda 44:21
I'm with you. Agreed. I see it.
Jessica Weaver 44:26
Is there anything else Desiree that you want to share with us? About you, about Marinda New York, anything upcoming that you want to share with us?
Desiree Miranda 44:34
Um, yes. So we have our Dallas pop up that'll be in a month. I'm super excited about that. I think now so again, since we just launched a month ago, it's kind of been like, figuring it all out. You know, like they they always say that you don't really understand your business until five years in. We'll see hopefully I get there before five years but this that's what the past month has been, it's been working out the kinks. It's been working on different marketing campaigns and like all of that stuff, and reaching out to like I said, my own personal clients, but then now I'm, I'm looking into boutiques, and I'm looking into wholesale partners and trying to figure out that whole world because that's entirely different than what I'm used to. So just yeah, just doing all all of that, that there's just so much that goes into it. Um, but it's all exciting things. It really is. It's good. But yeah, that's Miranda New York. And then yeah,
Jessica Weaver 45:32
And what about you, you're big marathon runner?
Desiree Miranda 45:35
Oh, yes, I am.
Jessica Weaver 45:35
We bond over running, you run a lot more than I do. When's the next marathon? You just did a few right, and you were raising money?
Desiree Miranda 45:45
Yes, exactly. To kill two birds with one stone. I just ran London. For young kids young lives versus cancer. It was amazing. Such a cool experience these like world marathons. It's the best way to explore a city in my opinion. And running is always how I've been like, able to clear my mind. And it's where my ideas come to me like I don't know about you when you go on runs. But for me, like, I literally am opening my notes tab and I'm just like, bullet point bullet point bullet one like, oh, this idea.
Jessica Weaver 46:19
If I ever have a big speaking engagement coming up, I go for a long run. And I figure out what I'm going to talk about.
Desiree Miranda 46:25
Yes. Yeah. Always, always your version of meditation. Truly, it really is. And that's it's so important too I guess, like, have healthy hobbies, you know, and things that you do for yourself that you are truly excited to get out of bed to do like, I found such a love in it. But yeah, my next one will be Tokyo next March. So wish me luck.
Jessica Weaver 46:48
Good luck. I'll talk to you before then, but thank you so much. Where can everybody find you on social media, your website, they want a closet audit, they want one of those amazing packages that you sell.
Desiree Miranda 46:59
We love. We love Yeah, actually, before I go, I want to tell everybody what it is like offer as a stylist is what you are so great about the so what I call Shop at Home boxes, their Christmas in a box, the greatest thing in the world for all my women that don't live in New York, you can still have New York City Fashion at your doorstep. It's completely non committal, you try it all on before you buy it. I'm right there on Facetime, I'm a text message away, and how you like things and how to pair it, etc. That's the most amazing program. And then I love doing wardrobe consultations, where we just, I go to your home, I bring a ton of new stuff, we go out with the old we find new ways to rework your wardrobe. It's the best and women are so ecstatic after it. And then the last thing that I also am so it's so much fun to do. A lot of my out of town women when they come to New York City, they'll book me for like a shopping day. So we'll go to Yes, we'll go to Soho. And we'll kind of walk up and down all of the stores. And I have like fitting rooms set up at each brand. And we kind of like go through all of like, what we what we want for the day. And it's just so much fun because they do it either just with me or they have a friend with them as well. And it's a shopping day a fun shopping day. So yeah, that's what I do. You can find my Instagram as like the best form of contact probably. And that's desss Miranda so d e, three S's, so DESSS mi ra n dA. And then Miranda, New York has an Instagram page as well. And that's Miranda in New York with an underscore after and then my website desiree Miranda nyc.com If you want to fill out my questionnaire as well.
Jessica Weaver 48:45
Oh, good we'll have all those links with this episode of women behind the millions thank you so much Desiree for being with us and sharing us insight on the fashion side of it and ways that we can style ourselves, what it takes to launch a fashion brand and we cannot wait to see what happens with Miranda, New York and how it grows. Because I know that idea is already here. It's already basically birthed, I can't wait to see what comes next. So thank you so much for being such a huge part of our feminine economy and for your pop up shop at our event the other week , the other month. We love working with you and so much to come and thank you ladies for listening to another episode of women behind the millions. We will see you money queens on our next episode.
Desiree Miranda 49:31
Thank you