Amanda Akoum (EDHEC Intl BBA 2009) and her sister Clara, who graduated from a Parisian fashion school, have combined their complementary skills and embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure to create their own clothing brand, Manda Clara.
Tell us briefly how your business came about.
I’ve been passionate about fashion since a very young age, and after working for multinationals in management and franchising overseas, I was driven by an appetite for professional independence. The idea was to sell a premium women’s clothing brand. My sister Clara studied at a fashion school in France, so we saw the complementarity of our educational backgrounds as an advantage and decided to team up. We launched Manda Clara in 2019.
Manda Clara stands out with a style that has many different influences, giving it a unique identity. It has origins in Paris and Beirut and represents a blend of diverse cultures and a shared passion: creativity. Entirely handmade, our items are designed by our own stylists in close collaboration with our couturiers. We emphasise the “tailored” aspect of all items in the collection, with a product line that pays attention to detail and is demanding, original, urban and feminine with an oriental touch.
What is your initial assessment of this entrepreneurial adventure?
Entrepreneurship is far from being a smooth journey. No two days are alike and the project tests you at all levels, whether in terms of organization, strategy or finance and even human resources.
With hindsight, I now know that I was looking for two things above all else:
- The ability to manage my own time and working methods
- And to be able to take charge of all the responsibilities that running a business entails
And these are by far the most important aspects. I am free and responsible for my own actions. For me, that’s priceless !
Have you ever benefited from the network of EDHEC graduates?
Yes and we extend them our warmest thanks. They support us and are quick to respond.
What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
Never give up on your project and be aware of the problems you might encounter along the way, for problems do arise and always will. Entrepreneurs often ask themselves the following question in such situations: “why did I decide to leave my salary-paid job?” And in contrast, when objectives are achieved and success comes your way, there is no greater satisfaction. So in short, keep your chin up and go for it without waiting for everything to be perfect, as that is something that comes with time and entrepreneurial experience.
What’s next for your business?
Now that we’ve launched our e-commerce platform, we are focusing on communication, organising a Manda Clara event and our retail presence in several multinational chains and concept stores. I won’t say any more just yet – I prefer the element of surprise!
What are your expectations from the community of EDHEC graduates?
The EDHEC network is a major asset. We are available to discuss anything by email or in person, even the possibility of recruiting staff or interns from EDHEC.
More info
Website
Instagram: mandaclaraparis
Facebook: mandaclaraparis
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