Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherina Mena.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My mother and father immigrated to this country from Dominican Republic. My dad was a very successful accountant and the breadwinner of the family Years later, he suffered a heart attack and was incapacitated, so my mother had to become the breadwinner of the family. Some of my most vivid childhood memories were of my mother selling clothing out of our home. Often, I would help her pick out styles and make suggestions on what to buy. People started to notice that I had an eye for fashion. When I was in 2nd grade, I would often come home from school to find everybody waiting for me, because they valued my opinion before they would make a purchase.
I encouraged my mother to opening a retail store in Salem, Massachusetts. When she opened it, she was the first Hispanic woman to open a business in Salem. The business was called Katherina’s Fashions. It was a successful business for many years. Until a fire broke out in the upper floors and devastated the building and all the inventory. My mother continued selling out of her house for many years following the fire. I went on to high school and college, then I went and worked for an advertising agency, soon to branch out on my own. I founded my own media agency called Ambition Media. Through these years, I still maintained a fashion clientele & I was a personal shopper. In 2009, I opened up Glitterati in Salem, Ma, in the exact same location my mother had previously had her store. I originally intended to open the business moreso as a hobby and for personal enjoyment. The entire community loved my mother and her store, so with that legacy behind me, Glitterati was instantly successful. I decided to go full time and expand the business. I attribute my success to listening to my customers as I had always done, and having done my research and brought in the dresses that they wanted to wear. (Plus, I do have an eye for fashion) Due to the explosive growth in Salem, we were contacted by local industry insiders that suggested we take over the old Lorraine Roy location in Danvers, MA to expand. We moved our flagship location to 30 Maple Street in downtown Danvers, and the business has been thriving since.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest learning experiences for us has been with hiring employees. Through our 5 years since we’ve been at the Danvers location, we grew from having one employee to having over eighty employees during peak season.
Please tell us about Glitterati Style.
We are known for our superior selection of evening wear, with the majority of our business service dedicated to prom and pageant. We also have gowns for attending red-carpet events, galas, guest of wedding, quinceaneraa, graduations, destination weddings, Sweet 16’s, Military Balls, etc – any major milestone or celebration in your life, Glitterati has your dress.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Some of my most vivid childhood memories were of my mother selling clothing out of our home. Often, I would help her pick out and suggest what to buy. People noticed that I had an eye for fashion. When I was in 2nd grade, I would often come home from school to find everybody waiting for me, because they valued my opinion before they would make a purchase.
Contact Info:
- Address: 30 Maple Street, Danvers Massachusetts
- Website: www.glitteratistyle.com
- Phone: 978-539-8580
- Email: info@glitteratistyle.com
- Instagram: @glitteratistyle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlitteratiDanvers/
Image Credit:
Professional Photographs of the models are by Jeff Jean Photo
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
