Vienne Cheung Brown is the founder of VienneMilano, a luxury hosiery brand. Her passion has been to

see products come to life from concept to market. Throughout her career, Vienne has served various clients from international corporations to startups to nonprofit organizations, focusing on marketing and product management. Today,

Vienne also serves on the advisory board of Uncommon Threads, and previously served on the Board of ASPIRE.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

My background is in fine arts and psychology – which were the two areas that I majored in college. I also studied business and administration, focusing on marketing in graduate school. My studies have been helpful throughout my career, which has always been in roles that allowed me to launch products and bring concepts into creations. 

What inspired you to start your business? 

Bringing and designing fabulous stockings from Italy inspired me to start my business.

I created VienneMilano as I could not find thigh highs that would stay up on my leg and be worn for every occasion. I knew this type of stockings existed in Europe – particularly in Italy.

 

Where is your business based?

My business is based in Boston, MA. Our suppliers are based in Italy – which is where all of our products are made from. 

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

The first steps I took in starting my business were conducting research, learning about the industry, and developing a brand. I spent a lot of time in stores that sold stockings and took notes on its availability.  

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

Both micro and macro-influencers have helped raise awareness for VienneMilano – especially those who share our passion for hosiery. We welcome fashion influencers to collaborate with us! 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me is finding help – I try to overcome this by meeting as many people as possible.

How do you stay focused?

I stay focus by keeping a checklist of priorities. Each morning, I focus on the top four to five items. I reprioritize my list as soon as I am done with each task.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

We provide unique products that are unavailable anywhere else in the world. We also try our best to provide excellent customer service.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

The most effective marketing strategy for our eCommerce business is social media. Social media has been a fabulous way for us to connect with customers who happen to love hosiery or products made in Italy. 

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Buy the shoes (to go along with your stockings). First impression matters, and if I had to redo it all again, I would have started my business by investing in an iconic pair of heels to go along with my stockings.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app is Instagram. It's a fabulous app to use for inspiration and to connect with customers and influencers.

I don't have a favorite blog, and I don't have a favorite book, but at the moment, I am enjoying: "I'm Not Really a Waitress: How One Woman Took Over the Beauty Industry One Color at a Time" by Suzi Weiss-Fischman, the Founder of OPI Nail polish. Suzi's journey is inspiring. 

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Currently, I am a fan of Rebecca Minkoff's Female Founder Collective. This is a fabulous resource for female entrepreneurs to connect and to learn from other female founders. 

Who is your business role model? Why? 

My business role model is Vera Wang. It's always inspiring to see a successful Asian American woman in fashion.

How do you balance work and life?

I think the key to work-life balance is through the act of prioritizing: The first step is to decide which is the most important (work, family, or friends). The second step is to prioritize accordingly. "Rinse and repeat" these two steps weekly.

What's your favorite way to decompress? 

I decompress by shopping online!

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

I am really excited about the next six months as we launch new designs and patterns into our collection. Seriously, you will love what we have in store for you! 

How can our readers connect with you?

Your readers can connect with me via email or twitter:

Email: vienne@viennemail.com

Twitter: @viennemilano