October is National Women's Small Business Month! To celebrate, we are shining a spotlight on Deborah Ann Mack, the visionary founder and designer of Deborah Ann Mack Fashions. Her inspirational journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of following your dreams. Read her story and discover valuable lessons for women in business.
The Journey from Mediation to Fashion
Deborah began her journey in the Connecticut judicial system as a court mediator for 20 years. In 2004, her family moved to Pennsylvania due to her husband's job opportunity.
With a desire to explore entrepreneurship, Deborah launched a pickup and delivery dry cleaning business that quickly grew. This success led her to open a local drop store and then a plant, allowing her to take control of the entire cleaning process. During this time, her exposure to various fabrics and designs ignited a passion for fashion.
Deborah returned to school at 55 to pursue an education in design. She took classes at Drexel University and Moore College of Art and crafted her own curriculum by taking in-person courses in New York City and online courses. Following this, she started networking and establishing connections in the city, eventually finding manufacturers to bring her visions to life.
On August 21st, Deborah celebrated the grand opening of her new West Chester, PA location. In the heart of downtown, Deborah Ann Mack Fashions is a boutique fashion house specializing in bespoke luxury and sustainable clothing for women. The brand is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless designs, aiming to bring individuality and elegance to every wardrobe.
Leading with Purpose as a Woman in Business
Deborah's journey as a woman in business has been both fulfilling and challenging. She focuses her work entirely on women, recognizing how difficult it can be for many to find clothing that truly fits and flatters their unique shapes. Deborah believes custom-made clothing empowers women to embrace their individuality and feel confident in what they wear, regardless of size. She is committed to creating tailored pieces that celebrate each person's body, ensuring every garment fits perfectly.
Deborah candidly admits that, like many others, her biggest challenge as a female entrepreneur is being taken seriously. She emphasizes the importance of carving out a niche and proving the value of your work.
Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs
Deborah's advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs: "If it's on your heart, you need to do it because it's not going to go away. You're going to have people question you, they're going to doubt you, make you doubt yourself. If you don't do it, then it's going to be sitting there for someone else to pick up."
Her philosophy is simple: embrace what you love and never let doubts or your age stop you from pursuing your dreams.
Creating Lasting Memories Through Design
Deborah has recently ventured into wedding gown design, incorporating sentimental elements into her creations. For instance, she redesigned a 1985 wedding gown, transforming it into a unique piece that honored the bride's late mother. Deborah took special care to ensure the gown reflected the bride's vision and cherished memories.
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From a court mediator to a successful business owner, Deborah's story embodies resilience, passion, and determination. As we continue spotlighting local women in business, Deborah's experience proves it is never too late to pursue your passion and create something extraordinary.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating Deborah Ann Mack's inspiring career journey. We invite you to visit her West Chester boutique and experience her designs' elegance.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our series!
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