Meet Mallory Sanchez | Owner of Paige.

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

Hi Mallory, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
If I say that starting my own business was an easy and obvious decision for me, I’d be lying. I had known for many years it was something I wanted to do, but like any entrepreneur, taking the leap was a scary thought.

Ever since I graduated high school, I have always had a job. I enjoyed learning how to manage my finances and having that bit of freedom. Although I had to miss out on weekends with my friends, I honed much of my work ethic at a very young age and for that, I always found myself ahead of the game. I spent much of my college years as a sales associate at a boutique in Miami. This is where I fell in love with the idea of having my own brand. I loved the creative aspect of it all. There is just something about adding a touch of accessories to any outfit that makes getting dressed up that much more fun. When I graduated college, I found myself back at that same boutique as a manager, where I really learned the back end of the operations, including website development and social media content creation. I loved being able to meet and connect with individuals through their sense of style. It became more clear to me that this was something I wanted for myself in the future.

When the pandemic hit, like most people, I started to pick up new hobbies. I began researching and learning more about launching and maintaining my own business. It was the perfect way to keep my mind busy during these unpredictable times. I have always loved accessorizing, but I realized it was very difficult to find good quality pieces that wouldn’t break the bank. This is when that light bulb switched on. I should create a curated accessories collection for every style and every budget. That is when Paige was born.

It has been very trying to create a business during a pandemic, but the challenge has kept me on my toes and helped me dig deep into my creativity. I have learned how to keep my brand relevant and build my clientele. This adventure has been challenging at times, but it is everything I wanted and more.

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.
As I mentioned, every since I graduated high school, I have been working. I think this sets me apart from others because my work ethic and drive is strong. I do what it takes to get things done and get my brand noticed. I am constantly researching trends and finding what helps keep my brand relevant.

I have learned a lot of my customer service skills through my previous sales associate and manager positions in the retail industry, and I am very thankful for this. It is very important to create long term relationships with my clients. Because I am solely an e-commerce business, it can get difficult to connect with my clients, but I find ways through social media and e-mails to get to know them on a more personal level. I love to send handwritten letters with every order as a way to personalize the shopping experience with my clients.

Launching Paige has definitely had challenging times, and I know I will continue to face challenges, but staying true to my brand and my clients has always been my priority. I try to create an experience that will leave my customers happy and feeling like they can trust my brand and come back for more. I love that I have the bond with my customers, and this is what keeps me going. I feel like not only do I have the support from my friends and family but from my customers as well.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Miami. I was born and raised here, and what I love most is that you have a little bit of everything, from the beach to the city to a small town home-y feel.

Being that I’m Cuban-American, I’d definitely take my friend out to visit the delicious Cuban spots here in Miami. There’s nothing like Islas Canarias croquetas or a late night pan con bistec from Mary’s Coin Laundry.

When you’re visiting Miami, you have to experience a day on South Beach. Laying out getting a tan and having some tropical drinks is the perfect touch to a Miami vacation and after grabbing a delicious burger from Big Pink. For dinner, Joe’s Stone Crab is a must, if you’re in Miami for stone crab season. Nobu is another delicious place for some fresh sushi. To get the full Miami experience, I would suggest to have my friend stay at the infamous Fontainebleu or Eden Roc. As most people know, there’s nothing like the Miami nightlife.

Wynwood is the new hotspot in Miami, so you can’t leave without visiting the area. Mayami, 1800-Lucky, Astra, Proyecto Tulum are just some of the few places in the Wynwood area that are amazing to stop into. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat or just having some drinks, Wynwood has many bars, restaurants, shops, and cafes that are perfect for everyone.

Honestly, picking the best places in Miami is difficult! Miami has it all. I guarantee, not matter what your idea of fun is, Miami has it all. From adventurous to party to relaxation, you can find it all here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have played an important role in my success and in my ability to jump out of my comfort zone. My mom and siblings have always been my inspiration. They have constantly believed in me even when I have doubted myself. They have always reminded me of my talent and my ability to pursue my dreams and get things done. I always turn to them for any major business advice.

My fiancé has also played one of the most important roles in creating and launching Paige as well. He challenges me to do the things I never thought I could do. He reminds me daily why I started Paige and reminds me to push through all the challenges I face. He has helped me learn about business finances and how to keep them organized and in check since he is a CPA. I am very thankful to have a partner who pushes and believes in me no matter what is thrown my way.

My friends have supported me throughout the entire process. From attending my pop ups, spreading the word, or helping me take pictures for social media, I know they have my back and I can count on them for help.

I truly don’t know what I would do without the family and friends I have.

Website: www.shop-paige.com

Instagram: @shoppaige_

Facebook: @shoppaigeaccessories

Image Credits
2 of the images: credit to Andrea Alessandrini