Today, there are more success stories than ever of designers who started from nothing. They have dared, tested, sometimes failed, but above all persevered, building a flourishing brand… without a showroom, without a boutique, sometimes even without a website at first. What do they all have in common? Determination, creativity and faith in their vision. In this article, we share their inspiring stories with you, as well as concrete, duplicable tips on how you too can get your fashion brand off the ground from the comfort of your own home.
Victoria Adjanohoun, founder of Chou au Carré: the impetus for solidarity
From her Paris apartment, Victoria has transformed a deeply human idea into a high-impact project. Her turbans, both aesthetic and useful, meet a real need and reach thousands of women. Her brand was born of an intimate conviction: it’s possible to combine fashion, dignity and commitment.
His keys to success :
- Creating a meaningful product: for her, every accessory is a statement.
- Rely on the strength of the collective with participative financing (Ulule)
- Humanize your communication with simple yet powerful visuals
MicroStore tip: A good brand story is worth more than an advertising budget. Tell yours with authenticity and rely on sales tools like Instagram Shopping and MyFashionWholesaler.com for your first suppliers.
Marie Dewet, founder of MaisonCléo: luxury craftsmanship from home
What started out as a mother-daughter initiative in a living room has turned into a home that is a favorite with fashionistas the world over. MaisonCléo seduces with its total transparency, its assumed rarity and its asserted retro aesthetic. Here, every piece is handmade to order.
What we remember:
- Being transparent about costs and processes is a win-win situation
- Cultivating anticipation with weekly drops creates excitement
- Putting the human face behind the machine (even if it’s your mom!)
MicroStore Tips: Add value to every stage of production. Your customers love to know where what they’re wearing comes from. Stories and reels are your best allies.
Margot Dargent, designer of Nénés Paris: responsible and desirable lingerie
Margot decided to shake up lingerie codes by launching a brand 100% designed for women, by a woman. From her apartment, she imagines comfortable and ethical models, while relying on an intelligent production model: pre-ordering. The result: a brand that’s good for your body and good for the planet.
Lessons learned :
- Pre-ordering = less waste, more cash flow
- A soft, coherent universe strengthens brand loyalty
- Transparency, commitment, aesthetics = the winning combo
MicroStore tip: Use flexible suppliers to test without pressure. Target the right contacts on MyFashionWholesaler.com.
Emma Reynaud, founder of Wear Marcia: the viral dress that started in a student’s bedroom
No budget, no team, no workshop: Emma just had a strong idea and the desire to defend it. Her first pieces were sewn in her bedroom, worn by her friends, photographed with a telephone. But the magic happened. One dress created a buzz, the brand exploded and orders poured in.
Good reflexes:
- Behind the scenes, even in their simplicity
- Playing with scarcity to create desire
- Be available, sincere and close to your first customers
MicroStore Tips: You can start without a site, but not without a structure. Use Nanoshop to manage your product sheets and orders right from the start.
5 keys to launching your brand from your living room (and succeeding!)
1. Start small, but think big
Don’t wait until you’ve got it all before you start. Test quickly, improve as you go, and adjust as you go.
- Pre-order or manufacture in mini drop
- Collaborate with flexible suppliers
- Take care of your brand image right from the start
2. Become your own media
Networks are your showcases. Use them to the full:
- Stories, lives, backstage, before/after, fittings
- Video tutorials, Q&A, customer feedback
- Useful, sincere and aesthetic content
3. Rely on social proof
Testimonials, reviews, customer photos: all this builds trust.
- Ask for hot feedback after purchase
- Display your ratings and reviews on your product page
- Reuse customer photos in your stories or newsletters
4. Create a simple but professional showcase
No need to code. What counts is to exist with clarity:
- Use Shopify, Wix, or Systeme.io
- Or create your own store space via Nanoshop
5. Surround yourself, even virtually
Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but you’re not alone.
- Join a community of designers
- Use MicroStore to save time, find the right contacts and access practical resources
You too can create your own success story
The designers in this article all have one thing in common: they dared to believe in their project before anyone else did. They launched their brand from home, with the means at hand, and turned every limitation into strength.
With today’s tools, you’re even more likely to succeed:
- Access to suppliers worldwide via MyFashionWholesaler.com
- Management solutions like Nanoshop
- Resources, templates, how-to sheets on MicroStore.app
Start where you are, with what you’ve got. And make sure it’s enough.
Read more on the MicroStore blog:
- Comment obtenir des avis clients et les valoriser ?
- Instagram Shopping, WhatsApp Business, Linktree : bien débuter dans la vente en ligne
- Pourquoi créer une newsletter même quand on débute ?
Article written by the MicroStore team – your partner for professional, accessible and connected fashion.
