When you're looking for suitable work clothing--where one style fits all--and it doesn't exist; you do the next best thing: create it! It's what co-founders Dorie Smith and Emelyn Northway OF MERCER endeavored to do. When the business-savvy duo met at a Wharton Business School welcoming event wearing the exact same dress; their retail enterprise was set in vibrational escrow. The desire for timeless professional attire ignited the attraction for the first year graduate students. Fast forward with strategic planning, niche marketing, the use of technology and social media; the commissioning of a Parson's graduate (who is a tailor clothing specialist), and the direct-to-consumer dedicated "workwear" line was realized.
OF MERCER found its home in the Flatiron District on Manhattan's east side in October 2015. Evolving from an e-commerce business, the destination for career wardrobing welcomes clients of the professional, entrepreneurial and the celebrity kind in its contemporary, 2,500 square-foot transitional embrace.
Lining the racks in the brightly lit space are "power outfits" designed for every aspect of conservative engagement without compromising the working woman's 'sexy.' Similar to OF MERCER'S modern interior, simplicity rules in the intelligent formation of precision tailored pieces, crafted from luxury Italian wool and specialty Japanese fabrics, Add to that bold modern aesthetics; a brand of empowerment suitable for lasting impressions for the new generation workwear. The range of staple options from stylish dresses, suits, mix-and-match separates to accessories are fashioned to meet their clients' demand for comfort, value and affordability, while bearing a label of love that's "Made in New York."
Leveraging the second story walk-up to help other women-empowering brands showcase their work or provide space for shoppers' networking events, the founders OF MERCER opened its doors towards the years' end for a "special evening" with Bloomberg TV News Anchor, Betty Liu, as she hosts a conversation on building the next generation of women leaders with founder of BBG Ventures, Susan Lyne and co-founder of Bauble Bar, Daniella Yacobovsky.
The intimate gathering of aspiring minds, with sprinkling of photographers and press throughout, were all hospitably greeted with an offering of Prosecco, along with an opportunity to network. Among the questions asked on this night:
- Are women held to different standards than men?
- What has changed since you became the boss?
- Tips on handling yourself in meetings.
- Is there a changing mentality toward women leaders in the workplace?
- How do we bring men on board to build women around business?
Audience took copious notes from the distinguished panel offering advice for successful navigation as entrepreneurs as well throughout the corporate maze. Jewels of knowledge accessorized the broader issues such as working with competitors and creating a diverse workforce to the number of hours of sleep required to function at maximum potential.
Mentorship and coaching are absolute essentials to the dream, the panel contends; a message to burgeoning leaders as well to established veterans. Echoing subtlety throughout the talk: Backbone and guts does not have to equate with masculinity; the asking for what you deserve is a birthright. While poised and beautiful as front-cover models; the panel stood as towers of manifestation conversing on "game changing" paradigms for women to realize dreams in fields once unfathomable.
Glimpses into their personal world mirrored experiences typical of any women, only they persisted with laser focus on what they wanted...not what IS...and they are expanding. The overarching message to the new generation of women leaders: You are the creator of your reality! Then, double your potential, as the women OF MERCER have, clearly demonstrating that "Together, we go further!"
Jennifer Burton is a writer, TV producer, filmmaker and founder of ALEXZUS Media. She is also the author of the Telham Park series, contemporary fiction for teens. Jennifer advocates empowerment for girls and women through education and supports efforts in bridging the disenfranchised divide.
