REVEALED-12-web - Flipbook - Page 8
A Family Affair
à la Mode
Annapolis
and Baltimore, MD
When Pat ti Plat t retired from the
Mar yland Judiciar y, owning a small
business was an intriguing next chapter.
Frustrated by the lack of fashionable bra
choices for larger cup sizes, Patti decided
on bras. In French, à la mode means “in
the fashion.” The shop aims to offer
the latest and most fashionable pieces
in the lingerie market. “Our mission
is to ensure every woman is properly
昀椀tted in a comfortable, supportive, yet
fashionable bra.” [As told by Sarah Carter,
Platt’s daughter.]
The business started…
The business succession plan…
When my mother decided to open a
When that time comes, we will see what
lingerie boutique, I planned to fly to
options are available and who wants to
Thailand to teach English. She asked if I
step in to take over the business.
would change my plans and help her start
this new business. My brother also joined
The best part of working with family…
the business as a co-owner and CFO.
I love that my mom is one of my accounts
We opened the 昀椀rst store in Annapolis,
-- it gives me an excuse to call her often.
Maryland on December 24th, 2003.
She provides me with good advice
when I need it, especially when I want
In 2004, I moved to San Francisco where
a retailer's point of view. I love that we
I gained valuable experience working
travel together to trade shows. I am a
for major brands such as H&M and
better rep because I understand what
Bare Minerals. I also earned my Masters
my accounts go through.
degree in Marketing. I ultimately started
my own business as an independent sales
The worst part of working with family…
rep. The 昀椀rst brands I represented were
Honestly, I don’t have any issues with
Fleur’t Intimates, Montelle Intimates,
working with my family. It may help
Soak Wash and Cake Maternity. I’ve been
that we don’t work in the same space
with them for almost 15 years.
together. Even when we did, we got along
very well.
The family business operates…
My mom and brother are co-owners of
Only members of my family can bring…
À La Mode Intimates. My mom handles
We all bring unique skills to our business.
all of the employee hiring, buying and
day-to - day operations. My brother
handles the e-commerce site, payroll
and 昀椀nances. I am always available to
help in any way I can. I am her sales rep
for Montelle, Fleur’t, Rya, Soak Wash,
Curvy Couture, Nessa, Louisa Bracq, Cake
Maternity and Sugar Candy Collection.
R E V E A L E D - THE W INTE R IS SUE #12
Alamodeintimates.com
Sfshowroom.com
