Meet Angela Maleh | Owner of White Lotus Boutique

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Maleh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a classically trained cellist with a master’s degree from Yale University, I have spent the past 18 years performing with the Miami City Ballet and in esteemed orchestras like Boca Sinfonia, Orchestra Miami, and the Atlantic Classical Orchestra. My life has always been defined by the artistry, creativity, and self-discipline demanded by classical music. Each performance is a delicate balance of precision and emotion, a blend of technical mastery and creative expression.

But when the pandemic struck, the music world came to a standstill. Concert halls across America shuttered, and the vibrant life I had always known as a musician was suddenly silenced. I found myself at a crossroads, struggling with the absence of the creative outlet that had always defined me.

Rather than surrendering to uncertainty, I saw this moment as an opportunity to channel my creative energy in a new direction. I had always been drawn to beauty, elegance, and artistry—not just in music but in fashion and design. This passion inspired me to open White Lotus Boutique. Here, I discovered a new stage where I could curate and present fashion with the same dedication and creativity I had always devoted to my performances.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At White Lotus Boutique, our story is rooted in one word: service.

What sets us apart is the intentional, wholehearted experience we create for every woman who walks through our doors. We aren’t just selling clothes—we’re offering care, connection, and confidence. Think back to the golden era of customer service in the 1970s—the shoe stores that brought out every style, sat you down, and gently placed the perfect pair on your feet. That’s the level of service we provide every day, with every customer. Our team is trained to style each guest personally, with the goal of helping them feel beautiful inside and out. That’s not just a mission statement—it’s a purpose.

The journey to get here wasn’t easy. Opening a store comes with a mountain of stress—big bills, big risks, and the fear of the unknown. But I’ve learned to embrace the mud. Through my mindfulness and meditation practice, I’ve come to understand that there is no lotus without mud. The hard times are what allow us to grow, transform, and ultimately bloom.

I’ve cultivated a mindset of constant learning. I visit other boutiques, research trends, and—most importantly—listen. I listen to my customers, who tell me what they want, what they need, and what makes them feel good. I listen to my employees, who share their wisdom from years in fashion and retail. And I listen to the quiet needs behind the conversations. Some women come in not just to shop, but to be seen, to be heard, to feel less alone. That’s when I know we’re doing something truly meaningful.

Sometimes I think I’m not selling clothes at all—I’m selling feelings. Confidence. Friendship. Self-worth. If a woman leaves my store feeling understood, that’s a success greater than any sale.

At White Lotus Boutique, our brand is a reflection of life: beautiful, imperfect, evolving, and deeply human. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to take a friend on a long weekend trip, I would probably skip South Florida—no offense, of course. Growing up in Alaska and North Idaho, I’ve always been drawn to cooler, drier climates, and South Florida’s tropical humidity just isn’t my style. Instead, I would whisk them away to Paris, a city that perfectly captures everything I love—art, architecture, and a touch of European charm.

Paris is a feast for the senses. I adore the breathtaking architecture that lines the historic streets, from the grand facades of Haussmannian buildings to the awe-inspiring majesty of Notre-Dame and the Palace of Versailles. And as a lover of impressionistic art, I find myself enchanted by the world’s largest collection of masterpieces at the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre. Wandering through these galleries feels like stepping into the pages of art history.

But my love for Paris doesn’t end with its museums. I am also a devoted fan of the city’s culinary delights—savoring delicate macarons from Ladurée, enjoying a perfectly brewed cappuccino at a charming café, and indulging in buttery pastries that melt in your mouth. Strolling through the lush gardens of the Tuileries or the expansive grounds of Versailles is another favorite pastime. There is a sense of tranquility and beauty in these green spaces that I can never get enough of.

When I travel, shopping isn’t on my agenda. Instead, I focus on meeting new people, immersing myself in the local culture, exploring new flavors, and losing myself in the beauty of art and architecture. For me, Paris is the perfect place to experience all of this—a city where every corner tells a story, and every moment is a chance to discover something beautiful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Any success I have achieved with White Lotus Boutique is deeply rooted in my partnership with my husband, Steve. For many years, I was focused on raising our children while continuing to play the cello professionally, performing with the Miami City Ballet and other orchestras. Music was my world, and I embraced the discipline and creativity it demanded.

But as life evolved, so did our roles. My husband, who comes from a family of longstanding entrepreneurs in the retail industry, brought a wealth of business knowledge and wisdom. Together, we became partners—not just in life, but also in business. Steve taught me the fundamentals of retail, sharing his experience and insights, while I brought my creative flair and disciplined approach from the world of classical music.

We often joke that we are like the “Wonder Twins,” a lighthearted reference that perfectly captures our dynamic. We each have our own strengths, and we respect each other’s abilities. Steve excels in business strategy, operations, and customer insights, while I focus on curating collections, design, and the artistic elements of White Lotus Boutique. We stay in our lanes, trusting each other’s expertise, and that mutual respect has been the secret to our success.

This partnership is more than just a business arrangement—it is a harmonious blend of two different but complementary talents. Just as in a musical duet, we each play our part, creating something far greater together than we ever could alone.

Website: https://whitelotuswoman.com/

Instagram: @ WhiteLotusboutiquefl

Facebook: @Whitelotusfla

Other: WhiteLotusflorida@gmail.com