I met Chloe years ago actually through an internship I had when her business was first starting out. Since then we've become friends, bonding on a mutual love for fashion and becoming networkers in crime! You might remember our recent trip to NYC to see Mrs Lilien at Jonathan Adler and Chetna Singh's show. But enough about me, let's talk about Chloe and her business!
From
Philadelphia to Paris, where did you develop the idea for Chloe Johnston Tours?
From
my love of Paris of course! I first visited the city when I was 12 on a family
trip. At the time, being only 12 years old, the fact that I could eat chocolate
for breakfast was a big draw! Fast-forward into the future where my exposure to
fashion, design, and the arts (it’s simply woven into our family’s life) took
over and landed me in grad school in NYC.
I was studying to get my MBA in fashion entrepreneurship, and honed in
on what I believed was missing in the market place. I was constantly asked about where I got
certain pieces and each time the answer was Paris; it was always the same
response: “How do you find things like that?” “I didn’t see anything like
that!” I decided there was definitely a niche for something like this and
decided to turn one of my school projects into a business. With the help of my
Mom I was able to make a dream a reality. The relationships we’ve developed,
the friends who have helped us as my business picture got colored in, are
indescribable!
What
has been your biggest battle as an entrepreneur? Your biggest success?
My
biggest battle would have to be sales.
Connecting the dots from idea, to making a living, requires selling and
selling on so many different fronts. The
secret sauce that finally connects all the dots is quite a process; nerve wracking,
fun, exhausting and sometimes costly but oh so necessary! My biggest success would be growth and
expansion, looking back at where I started to where I am today, is such an
amazing feeling!
Chloe
Johnston Tours offers several different fashion tour packages for their customers. How else do you
specifically cater to your customer’s unique style?
Well,
that is the secret sauce!! Everything we do is customizable based on our dialogue
with the client, our boots on the ground in Paris, including our trend
forecaster and our designers. We really make sure that every client has the
best experience possible with the emphasis on experience. Remember, style lasts
forever.
What
is the fondest memory you have of the City of Lights as a little girl while
visiting with your mother?
Such a difficult question! I think
the fondest memory would be during my first trip to Paris. We were going to spend Christmas in Paris,
which for my brother and I was such a scary thing… even Santa had a different name (clearly the cookies and
treats got to our heads). Once we arrived I insisted that we purchase a
Christmas tree: it’s not Christmas without a tree of course! We went to the flower market and found the
perfect tree for the little apartment (it was flocked!) As we were walking down the quay back to the
apartment, the shopkeeper came sprinting after us shouting something I did not
understand. I of course was terrified. I
thought we did something wrong!! After he caught up to us, he gave us each a
gift, for good luck, and wished us a very Merry Christmas! I wish I had a photograph of those smiles….priceless!
What
are your plans for Chloe Johnston Tours in the next 5 years?
We
definitely have plans for expansion into other cities, which I am extremely
excited about!
What
is the story behind your most prized piece of clothing or accessory?
Right
now I would have to say my most prized piece of clothing would be my wedding
dress and my most prized accessory would have to be my engagement ring. That
little accessory is NOT a Paris find but certainly prized! Back to “La Robe” (the dress!) She Said Oui, a new tour idea was in development
and my mother and I were visiting bridal boutiques in Paris. We walked into a
shop recommended by a designer/colleague.
I loved how different everything in the shop was and there was just a
very special vibe. One dress in particular, on a most elegant mannequin spoke
to me. I had no intention of trying anything
on as I was really in research mode, but that dress called out to me. It was explained to me that this dress was a
prototype and a very special one, but alas, no ability to replicate it…so it
either fits or not! Of course now I had to try it! Low and behold it fit almost
like a glove! It was the first dress I tried on, even looked at. It was the one! To add to the moment, another
beloved designer I work with is adding his special magic …can you say fairy
tale!!
Thanks Chloe!
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