With over 800 retail stores across the nation, Macy’s has committed to serving the customers who support their stores. In an effort to create spaces for up and coming brands and minority and/or women entrepreneurs, Macy’s launched their Vendor Diversity program. Through this program, women and minorities are given the unique opportunity to gain the resources, tools and build a network — all at zero cost to them.
Using Macy’s as a springboard to success, these small business owners below were able to catapult their businesses to a new level and become a Macy’s vendor.
LAMIK Beauty, an eco-friendly cosmetic line, was founded by an alumni of the Vendor Diversity program, Kim Roxie. Before Roxie was a beauty mogul, she was a small business woman with a dream and Macy’s on her side to give her the support she needed to become the national success she is today. LAMIK carries cosmetics for all hues and ranges from facial care to false eyelashes. In addition to products available at Macy’s, Moxie owns and operates boutiques in Houston and Atlanta. What sets LAMIK beauty apart from other cosmetic lines is that in addition to her all-natural products, the containers she uses are recyclable.
Matthew Harris moved to the United States from Jamaica at 16. Upon high school graduation, Harris discovered a passion for jewelry and fashion design. He decided to start his own jewelry brand, Mateo Bijoux. Through the Macy’s Vendor Diversity Program, Harris learned how to grow his business and has been featured in WWD, Elle and Vogue.
Kane & Couture
Pets are often considered a non-human extension of a family. With some pets receiving better treatment than some humans, Detroit native Amber Lee decided to capitalize on the spoiled pooch market. After graduating from Fordham University with Bachelor of Science, Lee took on jobs in the marketing and special events field and after successfully building brands for others, she decided to build a brand for herself. Kane & Couture was launched in 2009 and through the Workshop at Macy’s, Kane & Couture expanded as a brand from chic puppy couture into three additional brands.
Making Crain’s Business’s “40 Under 40” rising stars is no easy feat but dedicated jewelry designer and Workshop alum, Alex Woo accomplished just that. Woo’s workshop and showroom is in the heart Rockefeller Center. Her work has been labeled “most sought” after by her jewelry peers. Her eponymous collection is eco-friendly and on trend with a mix of Woo’s personal experience.
In 2009, Cenia Paredes launched an eponymous clothing line featuring day-to-evening dresses. Paredes’ line is a representation of acute tailoring, classic style with modern appeal. Paredes set out to create the line with a very clear vision of empowering women through style. Cenia took her ideas and turned them into reality with the help of the Workshop at Macy’s.
The application process is currently taking place and applications for the May 2014 Workshop class are due February 2, 2014.
