How I Built This with Guy Raz M.M.LaFleur: Sarah LaFleur (2020)
Jan 10, 2022
Sarah LaFleur, Founder and CEO of M.M.LaFleur, shares her journey from corporate life to launching a fashion line for professional women. Frustrated with her own closet, she partnered with designer Miyako Nakamura to create elegantly tailored clothing. The conversation delves into her struggles with fundraising, the importance of fit, and innovative marketing strategies. LaFleur also discusses overcoming financial challenges without venture capital and the balance of luck and hard work in entrepreneurship, especially during the pandemic.
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Biracial Childhood
- Sarah LaFleur's childhood as a biracial child of an American diplomat and a Japanese mother shaped her perspective.
- She felt like an outsider in both Japan and the US, hiding her American last name in Japan while struggling with prep culture in the US.
Mother's Influence
- Sarah LaFleur's mother, who ran a successful travel jewelry business, was a significant entrepreneurial influence.
- Witnessing her mother's hard work and dedication instilled in Sarah a strong work ethic and a normalized perspective on women pursuing careers.
Shifting Aspirations
- Sarah LaFleur's initial career aspirations involved working with refugees, inspired by a transformative volunteer experience in Zambia.
- Witnessing the stark realities of poverty and limited resources, coupled with observing the financial rewards in the corporate world, sparked her curiosity in business.
