Meet Joelle Meaghan | Founder & Womenswear Designer

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

Hi Joelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I’ve wanted to have my own womenswear line since college, but it was my years designing and working in the industry that helped me understand the hole in the market for brands that target women who look like and are shaped like me, and how I can fill it.

During my time in corporate America, I’ve learned how mass market brands approach fit and design for their customer bases. At multiple companies I worked at, most times the fit models were slim with little to no curve in their bodies, which was tough because we know that the average woman’s size in America is a size 16 or XL. Most times the inspiration and mood boards would be filled with images of white women and culture references I couldn’t quite relate to, but outward-facing marketing would have Black and brown people sprinkled throughout. There was always this sort of disconnect and lack of thought concerning anyone who didn’t meet Eurocentric beauty standards. I knew myself and some of my friends had so much interest in fashion– we’d watch the runways and even discuss what was happening in the luxury sector–but always were aware of the lack of brands that actually designed for us.

What should our readers know about your business?
I recently launched my namesake womenswear brand, JOELLE MEAGHAN, in October. It exists to provide size-inclusive, elevated essentials designed with versatility and longevity in mind.

I’m so excited to put my passion and industry experience to work for women who look like and are shaped like me! While anyone can shop at my brand, I’m very intentional about designing so that curvy and plus-sized women can fit the pieces as well, as they’re still so often overlooked in the industry. Throughout the past year I learned to just take it one baby step at a time, to leverage my network, and to know that all of my hard work would be worth it because it would make women like me feel seen. I want my customers to know and feel the difference of shopping with a brand that truly caters to and cares about them and their needs, not just their wallets.

It has been challenging as a designer who’s not located in a fashion hub like New York or LA, who didn’t have a lot of capital to get things started, and as someone who was looking for vendors who could take on low minimum production orders. The industry is very much set up to produce for massive brands with ample resources. But after about a year of research, factory tours and material sourcing, I’m proud to have gotten my first drop designed and ordered in small quantities, working with a Black-owned factory in Brooklyn.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Around this time of the year, I’d definitely take them to check out the State Fair for the food (of course!). Besides that, my friends and I frequent Barcelona Wine Bar, Glasshouse, and Coletta for their great food and service. I love hanging out at Fenton in Cary, and for shopping I like to check out North Hills–Vermillion and Voda boutiques specifically.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shout out my mom who raised my sisters and me to be kind and compassionate towards everyone, and who always encouraged and cheered me on to do and be anything I wanted to be. Her creativity and passion for storytelling has undoubtedly helped me achieve everything I have in life. My dad, who bought me my first sewing machine and who always encouraged my desire to be a businesswoman. My nana, an 87-year-old style maven who teaches me to this day how to work hard with integrity, and to do what I can with what I have to serve my community. My sister, Danielle, who shows me how to speak truth to power and let my brilliance shine. And my “twin” sister, Gabby (we’re 11 months apart), who has inspired me with her own creative talent and pushed me along my journey.

I’d also love to shout out my friends and larger community, who have helped me raise funds to give my dream wings!

Website: www.joellemeaghan.com

Instagram: @joellemeaghan (personal), @joellemeaghanofficial (womenswear brand)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joellemeaghanofficial

Other: https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/joelle-meaghan-contemporary-womenswear-brand-0 (my fundraiser for my brand, running through the end of this year)

Image Credits
Johnathan ‘Slim’ Robertson of Creative Camp Studio (headshot and product photos on website)