This week we'd like to introduce you to Emmy Preiss and Harriet Mills, the founders of Wine & Design. Wine & Design is all about "getting your art buzz on"; get a group and bring some wine and learn a little about painting. Their concept has taken off, and Emmy and Harriet have had franchisee locations open in over 20 locations since 2010. The two long-time friends share a sweet bond, and in addition to staying busy with their growing business they share a love of style and fashion.
***Meet Emmy & Harriet***
Tell us a little about your lifestyle?
Harriet: We started this business three years ago and it has taken off; now after only franchising for about a year in a half we have 26 franchisees, with 4 more signing on this month. Emmy and I have learned so much over the years, and have grown to love being called the Mompreneurs of Raleigh! I also love being a mom. I have a 4-year old son named Patrick, and my 18-month old daughter, Abigail; both are wild and the love of my life. We also have an 8-year old golden retriever who is my first real baby! I love playing tennis and working out-my obsession is hot yoga and heat-and being with my family.
Emmy: In addition to overseeing each franchisee, we personally run the corporate studio in Raleigh. Needless to say work keeps me insanely busy, but my 3 children (God love them) are what really just keep me insane, ha! Luckily for me my job encourages the consumption of wine!
Tell us about your personal style?
Harriet: I would say that my day-to-day style is more casual, a Wine and Design t-shirt and lululemon shorts or pants. But when I want to get out of my workout gear, I love to put on a pair of colored skinny Hudson jeans and a top from Troubadour or Lauren Moffatt. For special events I love a good dress from Shoshanna or Erin Featherston. I always accessorize; I love a big chunky necklace or my grandmother's simple, gold vintage necklace with either her ram or heart charm on it.
Emmy: My personal style is casual comfort, which I try really hard to pull off while not looking like a hobo. I basically live in skinny jeans and boots in the winter, and cutoffs and Rainbows in the summer. Now when it's time to get dressed up, I would describe my style as sassy sleek. I love dressing up in pieces that are fresh and sleek, with just a touch of sassy. It's what makes me feel high-spirited and lively!
What are some of your favorite lines at Fleur, and what do you love about them?
Harriet: I love Troubadour, Erin Featherston, Calypso, Lauren Moffatt, Shoshanna....
Emmy: To be quite honest, I don't even know what lines they carry! All I know is that whatever lines that are, I must love, because it seems that every single piece of clothing I've ever purchased from Fleur are my "most faves" in my wardrobe! I don't have a lot of time to go shopping so whenever I do, I have to make that time count. That's why Fleur is really the only place I hit up because their clothes have proven over and over again to me that they are timeless while still being trendy-which is probably the most important characteristic to me when it comes to my clothing.
Do you have a favorite "forever" piece from Fleur?
Harriet: I love my Erin Featherston pink lace dress I got this winter! It is a classic and forever piece I will keep in my closet for a lifetime (and hope one day my little girl will want to wear it)!
Emmy: I'm not trying to toot Fleur's horn, but seriously, every piece I've ever bought from them I have absolutely loved and am still wearing years later. My favorite "going out" tops, which I usually pair with jeans, as well as every dress (which can almost always be dressed up with heels or down with flats), have ALL been purchased from Fleur.
What do you love about fashion? How does it play a role in your life?
Harriet: I love fashion because it can really make you feel good about yourself, especially when you wear good pieces from great designers that will last you for a long time. I love looking into my closet and seeing all of my beautiful clothes (in which most are from Fleur). If I ever need a boost of self-esteem, I put on a fabulous outfit and a little makeup and my world has changed! Fashion is timeless and I plan on saving a lot of my great pieces for my children one day, which I know they will appreciate, as styles always come back around.
Emmy: My favorite thing about fashion is its ability to boost my self-confidence. When I like the way I look, I love the way I feel, and I'm all about feeling good! Even though I am a mother of three (which I absolutely love), I do not want to feel like I've got to dress like "Old Mother Hubbard". The owners of Fleur help me do exactly that; they always help me pick things I love, while being honest in their opinions and never pushy.
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