Meet Kristy Schireson | Owner

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

Hi Kristy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Opening a clothing store had always been a dream of mine. However, it wasn’t until I faced a challenging period in my life that this dream became a reality.

Following a divorce and with the responsibility of caring for a toddler and a newborn, I had to rethink my future and find a way to support myself and my daughters. The thought of starting over was scary, and traditional 9-to-5 office jobs proved difficult for me. I struggled to balance work, life, and parenting while barely making ends meet. The lack of control over my time and circumstances led to frustration and a deep desire for change.

That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith. Despite the risks, I felt a strong drive to create something of my own, something that would not only provide for my family but also align with my passion for fashion. Starting Elle from LA was a bold move, and initially, it was a significant challenge. Brands were hesitant to work with me due to my lack of presence and market footprint. Building a strong online presence through our website and Instagram became essential, and I had to grow them quickly to gain credibility.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Elle from LA captures the essence of West Coast style—trendy, laid-back, and effortlessly cool. Our clothes are so comfortable and stylish that kids love wearing them and sometimes don’t want to take them off! There’s nothing quite like stepping out in your favorite outfit and feeling great about it, no matter your age. That’s the joy of fashion we aim to bring to everyone, from kids to adults.

What Sets Us Apart

There’s something special about shopping in person that online experiences just can’t match. Personally, I’ve had my fair share of Instagram purchase regrets. Sadly, with the rising rents in LA, the traditional shopping experience isn’t what it used to be. That’s why I love having a mobile boutique—it allows me to bring that personal shopping experience directly to people, offering a private and tailored approach wherever they are.

Our Proudest Achievements

My proudest achievement is giving back to the community by organizing fundraisers for local schools. It feels incredibly rewarding to support the kids and families who are part of our community.

Our Journey and Challenges

At the beginning, my expectations for sales were a bit unrealistic. I launched with a lot of support from friends and family, but after that initial excitement, sales slowed down significantly. I realized I needed a new strategy to boost sales.

Opening a brick-and-mortar store wasn’t an option financially. Having worked in and managed stores, I never understood how they managed high rents when sales didn’t always match up. I couldn’t see myself getting stuck in that cycle, worrying about rent and being tied to one location.

That’s when I had my “aha!” moment: a mobile boutique. With a store on wheels, I could go anywhere and be available at any time. It felt risky and I was nervous about how people would react, and sometimes I still am. But the feedback has been incredibly positive, opening doors to opportunities and events I might never have discovered otherwise.

Lessons Learned
While social media is crucial for online sales, it can also be draining. I’m trying to navigate it while focusing on the present and taking each day as it comes. This approach might not be traditional business advice, but it’s what works for me. In a world where everyone is showcasing their successes online, it’s easy to get caught up in comparisons. I’ve realized that being realistic and true to myself is essential because you never really know what’s going on behind the scenes. So, my advice is to be authentic and stay grounded.

What I Want the World to Know

What I want the world to know: Elle from LA is a small shop run by a single mother who has a deep passion for fashion for kids and families. With experience as a personal shopper, stylist, and designer, I aspire to be your trusted fashion advisor. Whether you need help styling an outfit or finding the perfect look for you or your kids, I’m here to assist.

I take pride in creating joyful experiences and making my clients happy. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing videos and pictures of kids or adults dressed in outfits from Elle from LA. Life is short—let’s look cute and enjoy every moment!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s funny you asked that! Years ago, when I managed a store on Melrose in LA—a very trendy spot—I constantly got asked by tourists, “Where should we eat? Where should we shop? What should we see?” Many times, their itineraries were so off that I couldn’t help but shake my head and think, “Oh no!”

This experience inspired me to create something special: the Elle from LA City Guide coloring book, which I recently launched. It’s filled with all our favorite spots and sights—the places we love to revisit time and again.

One of the things I adore about this city is that it always feels like I’m a tourist myself. There’s constantly something new opening up alongside timeless classics that never fade away. So, let’s kick off with where I’d stay if money were no object!

The Beverly Hills Hotel is like a picture-perfect oasis in the heart of the city, surrounded by the very best of everything. For a stunning backdrop and luxurious experience, it’s hard to beat.

Moving to the Getty Museum, I prefer the villa on PCH—it’s absolutely breathtaking, and the Instagram photos will be phenomenal, I promise.

When it comes to dining, Malibu Farm on the pier is a favorite of mine. The food is exceptional, and being by the ocean is simply breathtaking. It’s my go-to place for resetting and appreciating the beauty of living here.

Then there’s the Venice Skate Park—it’s incredible what they’ve created right on the beach. The people-watching is unmatched, and renting bikes to cruise along the path adds to the experience.

For a perfect family beach day, Paradise Cove has it all—drinks, food, stunning views, and a laid-back vibe right on the sand. There’s so much more to discover in LA even after living here for ages—I’m always finding new places to explore and enjoy. LA truly offers endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation alike.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge thank you to the incredible team at Hammer Down Studios for turning my idea into a reality! They transformed a FedEx step van into a stunning luxury mobile boutique that exceeded all my expectations. From custom doors and racks to beautiful shelving, they crafted every detail with precision and style.

Website: https://www.ElleFromLA.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellefromla/

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

Image Credits
Angel Osorio
Jett Luna