Meet Leah Kemnitz | Founder & Buyer

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

Hi Leah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been drawn to the fashion industry as far back as I can remember, even before attending Art School. Starting my retail career at the age of 15, I was hooked from the first day. Because I enjoyed connecting with people and putting together beautiful looks, retail made sense.

After having my daughter in 2018, I knew I wanted to create something for her and I wanted there to be a more meaningful purpose behind the brand. Having this platform to be able to give back to the community and beyond is important to us. Boutique shopping can sometimes be intimidating. My goal was to create a beautiful, relaxed space where everyone felt comfortable and welcome.

What should our readers know about your business?
My daughter, Ellery Ann is the inspiration behind the brand. The name, ELLA collective, is an homage to not only my daughter but also my grandmother, Sylvia Ann. She was a true lady, very chic, always put together, and a friend to all who knew her.

We launched our modern bohemian lifestyle brand, online with women’s clothing and accessories, home decor, and kid’s apparel during the height of the pandemic. While nobody knew what was to come, we knew we had to get our brand in front of people to test the market. That was one of the greatest challenges… navigating the unknown. While, this has not be an easy venture, it has certainly been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

I have always enjoyed many aspects of retail and I have learned so much about this business from working for others. Beginning as a Sales Associate and working my way up to Buyer and District Manger with five stores, I did my best to soak up all the knowledge. I learned what worked well and what not to do. We do our best to go above and beyond for our customers, whether it is home deliveries, entertaining their little ones while they try on clothing, offering a hug, or a cup of coffee when life gets hard. So many of our customers have become friends and some feel like family. We treasure each and everyone of them and we truly support one another. I believe that is one of the greatest rewards… the community we’re creating.

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?
Thankfully, many of our friends are local. However, if we were having a girls weekend in the city, our first stop would be Lorena Luca for a relaxing massage and facial. Next, we would head over to Jubala in Lafayette Village for an almond milk vanilla latte and avocado toast for brunch, plus a fun try on session at ELLA collective.

The next morning, we would hit the trails at the NCMA, with coffee in hand to catch up on life. Finally, we would wrap up our visit at the beautiful Umstead Hotel for a delicious and elegant dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have contributed to the success of our brand and I cannot thank them enough. Each and every person who has shopped with us, every employee, friend who has supported us from afar, my husband and family members who believed in us from inception… THANK YOU!

We are going to make BIG impacts in this community because of you.

Website: https://www.shopellacollective.com

Instagram: @shopellacollective

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellacollective/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellacollective

Image Credits
Kristin Austin – Studio Aray