Why Sarah LaFleur Didn’t Resign

From: The M Dash at M.M.LaFleur - Sunday Nov 07,2021 03:31 pm

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Date: Sunday, November 7, 2021.

Letter from the CEO: Here’s something I’ve never shared publicly: If the pandemic had never happened, I probably would’ve stepped down as CEO of M.M.LaFleur. Juggling the three children we welcomed in 2020 (as well as our 85-pound pup, Ruggles) while trying to meet the demands of a more-than-full-time, very public-facing job would’ve been too much. But it was the pandemic that kept me here, because it was the pandemic that “afforded” me the ability to work from home, be present for my babies, and think strategically about the future of M.M.—all at the same time.

To be sure, it still wasn’t easy. M.M. was hit hard. At one point, our business was down 70%, we shuttered our stores (we’ve since reopened New York and D.C.), and we were forced to lay off dozens of hard-working employees.

To be sure, it still wasn’t easy. M.M. was hit hard. At one point, our business was down 70%, we shuttered our stores (we’ve since reopened New York and D.C.), and we were forced to lay off dozens of hard-working employees.

So we listened to our customers and the women in our communities, and we pivoted in a somewhat new direction. We leaned deeper into a look we’re calling “Power Casual” to better reflect the way women dress today (meaning I can wear the same sweater to walk Ruggles and meet with investors), and we launched virtual styling over Zoom, so our customers could continue to work with our stylists (interestingly, what we thought was a temporary solution became our fastest growing channel, and now it’s here to stay permanently).

So there wasn’t a “Great Resignation” for me; instead, there was a “Great Renewal.”

In September, M.M. worked with the Harris Poll to survey over 800 working women to learn more about the effects the pandemic had on their careers, passions, and life goals.

I am excited to announce that this week, we are hosting a series of free virtual events we’re calling “The Great Renewal.”

On Monday, we’re kicking off with “Where We’re Going, We Don’t Need Colored Parachutes” (don’t you love that title?), all about how we can redefine “success” in our lives.

Tuesday is a great one for our business leaders: “The Great Re-examination.” It’s about what the ideal workplace looks like in order to retain and inspire our women employees.

And last but not least, I will be hosting “The New Power of Self Presentation,” where I’ll be joined by a group of fashion experts to talk about what we’re wearing for this new era. This is just the beginning of our journey, and I hope you’ll join us.

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Overheard at M.M. “Just wore my garnet O’Hara blazer + Hadley pant suit (sans shirt, with bra) to a rehearsal dinner and got nothing but compliments. I never would have worn that combo at that setting in that way without M.M. giving me the thumbs up. It’s great to feel empowered by clothing and style it differently while still feeling 100% like myself.” —A customer who gets two thumbs up. Get the Look.

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What We’re Loving Right Now: This timely and powerful piece on the state of parental leave policies in the United States.

What We’re Loving Right Now: And this thoughtful and resonant reflection on aging, joy, and the potential of the moments we live through.

What We’re Loving Right Now: To The Lighthouse, by Virgina Woolf, since we are immersing ourselves in questions of self-reflection and time this week.

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Holiday Collection: For a Season of Celebration Comfort, elegance, and a touch of sparkle. Shop New Arrivals.

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