We are so excited to bring you a new feature . We are announcing our new weekly series- West Island MomPreneur. Every week we will feature a local west island mommy that has her own business and lives in the west island. It’s so important to support local and after the year we have had, we need to support our community more than ever. The month of March features, is sponsored by Plaza Pointe Claire– your one stop shop for your entire family needs.
We are so excited to introduce you to our second mompreneur : Karen Alguire- owner of Moda Elle boutique located in Plaza Pointe Claire. Ladies retail clothing and accessory boutique. Karen carries many designer brands such as Desigual, Lisette L, Dex, Point Zero, Esqualo and many more. Her personalized service is what makes her shop so unique. You can read all about it below. Please show some love and support local.
- What is the name of your business and what is it about?
I own a ladies clothing store in Plaza Pointe Claire called Moda Elle
About Moda Elle
We are fashion experts who support our community. We are dressing women to be, feel and look beautiful all of the time. Moda Elle is your go to destination for a fun, no pressure shopping experience. We are always on the lookout for new trends and brands and promise to have the most up to date selection of quality and unique pieces. After 20 years of serving the West Island, we have been blessed to develop a loyal following, and in turn love to give back and support local charities and organizations.
We value:
- Personalized service
- Heartfelt commitment
- Undeniable passion
- A no-pressure atmosphere
- A never-ending selection
- Value
- A unique shopping experience
2. How long have you been an entrepreneur and why did you become one?
My journey with Moda Elle began in August 2000. I love fashion, and have always wanted to work for myself. It has been a very rewarding experience and I love it more today than when I began.
3.What advice would you give to a Mom considering opening their own business?
My advice to mom’s thinking about opening their own businesses would be…Most importantly love what you do! It is a lot of work, so if you love it, it is so much easier! Don’t start a business with your sole focus being the financial reward…you will also find it rewarding in so many other ways as well! You need to be flexible because sometimes with having a family at the same time you will need to juggle. Lastly find great help, and don’t be afraid to lean on them! I am blessed to have a great team at Moda Elle and it’s success is thanks to them as well.
4.Seeing we are all about our West Island Community, where are your Go to places?
I love the West Island, I grew up in Pierrefonds, and now work in Pointe Claire. I can’t imagine having a store anywhere else. The West Island is filled with fabulous businesses and has something for everyone. My daughter has Celiac disease and needs to eat a gluten free diet. There are some pretty incredible local businesses in the West Island that I depend on to make my life so much easier like Delicieux Sans Gluten on Brunswick. They have an incredible array of gluten free bread and goodies for those who need and even those who don’t! Another of my favorites would be Allo Cuisto restaurant on St. John’s in D.D.O., chef Wajihe greets you with a smile and prepares delicious meals for on the go. Pastamore on Sources has a fun selection of gluten free dry goods as well, and they also make great prepared pasta dishes which are very convenient for those with a busy schedule. It’s a little more difficult for us to find restaurant options that are safe for my daughter so I am so appreciative that these exist! Westmount florist…Le Gourmand….and of course all of my fellow businesses in Plaza Pointe Claire would all fall into my favorite go to places.
5. The past year has been a struggle for everyone, what has helped you the most get through it?
I don’t even have the proper description of what this year has been….on a personal note it has been very difficult not seeing family and friends, but luckily we are healthy. My heart goes out to those who suffered loss this year. It is always difficult to experience, but having to go through anything like that, during this time would have just been heartbreaking. Business wise with the closures and uncertainty it was definitely stressful and worrisome. I feel for those that remain closed and for those that just didn’t or are not going to make it. I had to get creative, and stay proactive during the closures. I can honestly say that I don’t think that I have ever worked so hard. People’s lives changed, their work places moved from their offices into their homes, events and social gatherings were cancelled….consequently their wardrobes and needs also changed. I had to flip everything almost instantly, it went from dress pants, blazers and blouses to comfy and cozy …but of course still feminine and cute. I relied much more on social media, created a website and started doing deliveries…I now definitely know every corner of the West Island! My customers were incredible. They reached out to me through emails and phone calls and reassured me that they would be back. Their concern and support was heartwarming and pushed me to continue to work even harder. I am so appreciative of them.
6. To wrap up, what are your must have items that you use or need everyday….
- A great fitting jean jacket…layered over a camisole, tee, blouse or dress…you can take all of your fancier pieces and tone down the look in seconds with this piece.
- Great fitting undergarments…not the most fun thing to shop for but SO important. The whole fit of your outfit will change when you replace your old ones for some new ones.
- Black pants….Absolute essential. A great fitting pair of black pants can be dressed up or down to take you almost anywhere.
- A dark wash pair of jeans…everyone loves jeans, but the ripped, embellished and really distressed ones should only be purchased after you already own a great pair of dark wash jeans.
- A cashmere or knit scarf in a fun colour…will brighten up your outfit, is cozy and can we draped over your shoulders if its cool or wrapped in a fun way around your neck.
- Next I would have said a little black dress (doesn’t have to be that little)…maybe not for now but the light at the end of the tunnel is starting to shine through. Travel, restaurants, friends are all on the horizon…
Social Media and Website:
Website: www.modaelle.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/modaellepointeclaire
Instagram: @modaelle
If you would like to be featured as a local MomPreneur, click here to fill out the form. Please feel free to contact us for more information on becoming a monthly sponsor of the weekly series. You can email us at westislandmommies@gmail.com