I’m so happy you are here!
Building a fashion or lifestyle goods brand is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. As a creative business strategist, I’m here to be the cheerleader in your corner, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence at every stage.
I've been where you are. As a co-founder of a handbag startup, my partner and I built the business from the ground up with just a vision, a lot of determination, and often more questions than answers. There were moments of doubt, impossible decisions, and plenty of sudden disasters. We figured it out and grew that brand into a million-dollar business, but I will never forget how hard (or how exciting) those early stages felt.
That's what drives my work today. With over 20 years experience, I've developed an end-to-end perspective spanning design, sourcing, creative direction, and business infrastructure. My background runs deep in the fashion world — from apparel and handbags to jewelry, shoes, and skincare — but the core needs of a direct-to-consumer brand have much in common no matter what you're selling. I like to say that my superpower is my highly creative yet highly analytical brain, and my work sits at the intersection of brand identity and operational reality — because a beautiful brand without a solid foundation won't last, and a solid foundation without a clear point of view won't connect.
I work with women entrepreneurs building or scaling all kinds of product-based businesses, and bring a wealth of experience guiding strategy across a wide range of categories. Whether you're launching your very first product or looking to grow an existing line, chances are I've navigated the challenges you're facing and can help you find a clear, confident path forward.
Bachelor of Science in Product Design from Art Center College of Design, providing a strong aesthetic and technical foundation.
Over 20 years experience in the fashion industry, including sourcing and manufacturing in Europe, Asia, South America, and Los Angeles.
DTC end-to-end specialist : Full scope understanding of building and launching a product-based, direct to consumer brand.
August Handbags
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Trina Turk Bags
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Ella Moss
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Splendid Handbags
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Sakti Rising
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Ella Skye
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True Naturals
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AnEk
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B.Makowsky
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Elle
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August Handbags | Trina Turk Bags | Ella Moss | Splendid Handbags | Sakti Rising | Ella Skye | True Naturals | AnEk | B.Makowsky | Elle |
A Little More Detail
If you made it this far, you know my name is Melissa, and here are a few more fun facts about me! I’m an entrepreneur, designer, and mother of two active and curious kids. KAIA is an acronym of my kids’ initials - people always wonder where it came from!
I live in Los Angeles, although my clients are global. I love the vibrancy of this city, and the way each neighborhood feels totally distinct. I love to travel, garden, hike with my family, and read.
I work mostly with women because we are a consistently underestimated group in the entrepreneurial world, and I am always inspired by the passion and creative solutions we come up with together.
Ready to launch your dream?
Book your free consulting call today and let's start building the business you've been dreaming of.