As the spring turns into summer and another International Women's Day has come and gone, it is worthwhile to reflect on the many impressive accomplishments made by female founders of fashion companies over the past few decades. With that thought in mind, Justina McKee, Founder of the noted fashion and swimwear brand Matte Collection, wishes to call attention to some of her fellow female business founders and their triumphs, as well as highlight her own achievements as an entrepreneur. Through hard work, determination, and undeniable skill, each of these women have succeeded solely based on their own merit in an objectively cutthroat industry, and in so doing have added to the vast, rich history of notable businesswomen in the 21st century.
Christina and Teresa Jaide of JLUXLABEL
Sisters Christina and Teresa Jaide created fashion line JLUXLABEL in 2006 with just three sewing machines, an $8,000 USD investment from their parents, and a vision to design unique fashion pieces for women to wear to the special occasions in their lives. From their humble beginnings working in a 400 square foot apartment, the siblings grew the company into a fashion industry powerhouse without any formal design training whatsoever. Currently, the company boasts 28 employees and routinely posts revenues in excess of $5 million USD, conducting the majority of its sales through e-commerce.
Shirin, Shideh, and Shida Kaviani of Naked Wardrobe
The trio of Shirin, Shideh, and Shida Kaviani, another set of sisters, founded Naked Wardrobe in 2012 with the intent of creating a line of affordable, fashion forward clothing that celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. Although the sisters began the company with only $7,500 in startup capital, they managed to make their first $1 million in profit within a single year. These days, the brand is synonymous with elegant, down-to-earth style, and prides itself on its role in empowering women to be confident to express their own personal style through the latest trends.
Justina McKee of Matte Collection
Likewise, Justina McKee created Matte Collection in 2017 with only a scant few resources and a dream of enabling every woman to look and feel their best without having to spend too much money. Headquartered in Atlanta's bustling Buckhead district, Justina started her fashion and swimwear company with a philosophy of creating clothes for women made by women. As not only the business owner but also the sole designer, she developed the company quickly, recording robust profits and cultivating it into an online fashion heavyweight. Now, only five years after its launch, Matte Collection has made impressive gains within the fashion industry, attracting models and influencers such as Amber Rose and Jordyn Woods as brand advocates, and hip-hop and R&B artist Ciara, Bravo TV reality star Porsha Williams, and award-winning actress Gabrielle Union as repeat customers.
Reached for comment, an official spokesperson for Matte Collection made the following remarks: "Because of the bold efforts made by women who have founded successful businesses, such as Christina and Teresa Jaide of JLUXLABEL, Shirin, Shideh, and Shida Kaviani of Naked Wardrobe, and indeed, Justina McKee of Matte Collection, women and girls all over the world can see that it is possible to realize their dreams of recognition and ownership in the fashion industry. We applaud these women for their many accomplishments, and wish them nothing but continued success in the future."
For the latest on Matte Collection's global features, collaborations, and Justina McKee's innovative designs made for and by women, visit the brand's official website.