In a world where fashion is often driven by trends and conformity, Ramy Brook emerges as a visionary force, fearlessly defying conventions and setting her own distinctive path. With her fashion brand, Ramy has defied conventions, reimagining what it means to dress with confidence and celebrate personal style.
Ramy’s Beginning…
Having grown up in a small town in New Jersey, Ramy’s mother, a teacher with an innate passion for fashion, instilled in Ramy a love for dressing up and the power of clothing. From weekend shopping trips to making their own clothes, fashion became a thread that wove beautiful memories throughout Ramy's formative years.
Getting Started…
Following her college years, Ramy pursued advertising and marketing. However, when she later became a mom, she found herself faced with the challenge of balancing work and motherhood. But, when her youngest daughter reached school age, a newfound abundance of time and internal drive propelled her back into the workforce.
Ramy not only returned to the workforce, she fearlessly founded her own company. Ramy embarked on a mission to fulfill a need she identified in the market: sexy yet affordable tops that could effortlessly complement a pair of jeans. She saw a void in the industry, where many of the tops available were designer brands with crazy price tags. Undeterred by the challenges ahead, Ramy declared, “I’m going to learn how to do that.” And so, in 2010, armed with a fierce determination, she began her journey.
In 2011, Ramy's dedication paid off as she secured a coveted spot at Bergdorf Goodman. This breakthrough not only validated her vision but also captured the attention of other retailers. Soon, Ramy’s designs graced the racks of Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, and over 350 specialty stores nationwide. Her brand's growth and success were a testament to her unwavering commitment and, of course, her great sense of style.
Navigating the Unknown
Setting foot into uncharted territory can be scary, especially when starting a business. Ramy, however, embraced the unknown with an open mind and a strong belief in her ability to learn. She sought guidance from friends in the industry, absorbing knowledge from garmentos and seasoned professionals alike. Meeting with anyone who would lend her their expertise, Ramy asked questions, took copious notes, and embarked on a journey of trial and error. With a determination that wouldn't accept no for an answer, she confidently declared, "I can learn how to do this." Ramy reflected, “It took a little bit of vision, a lot of my style, and just some hard work.” Alongside a dedicated pattern maker and a skilled sample maker, Ramy gradually began to grasp the intricate workings of the fashion business, from line sheets and wholesale to branding and marketing.
Facing Challenges…
As Ramy's brand started to gain momentum, she realized she couldn't do it all on her own. Learning to trust others and delegate tasks marked a pivotal moment for her. Finding individuals who shared her vision and possessed the same drive was crucial. It was a lesson in letting go of control and recognizing that success is often a collective effort. Even today, Ramy continues to refine her skills in building a team that aligns with her brand's message and embodies the values of hard work, kindness, and trust.
Mentorship, Role Models, & A Fierce Girls Network
No journey to success is complete without the support of mentors and role models. Ramy acknowledges the pivotal role played by her friends, family, and industry peers in her path to success.
Ramy highlighted the invaluable help of women like Stephanie Greenfield, the owner of Scoop, and Jennifer Miller, an accomplished jeweler. With their first hand experience of starting their own businesses, they could truly understand and empathize with the challenges that come with building a brand and putting one's name on the door.
Ramy’s friends introduced her to key connections, provided valuable advice, and even served as her dedicated sales team during trunk shows. Ramy shared, “My friends couldn't be any better or hardworking. They came to all the trunk shows with me and were my salespeople. They didn't get paid, but they didn't care. They just wanted me to succeed, and they were just so happy. Even to this day, they don't miss a beat. If I'm being honored at something, they show up. If I'm doing an event at the store, they show up. If I need help with anything, like maybe they know somebody I'm trying to get to, they will help me. It's a fierce girls network that I have.”
Resisting Norms and Redefining Expectations
From the inception of her brand, Ramy sought to create sexy tops that defied conventions, celebrating women’s expression and confidence. With time, her brand expanded to include a wide range of clothing catering to different body types and styles, all with the common thread of empowering women to embrace their individuality. Ramy shared, “I understand women's bodies and what we need. Every garment is something that either I would put on my body, or my daughter would wear, or my mother would wear, or friends would wear.”
Today, Ramy Brook offers a full collection that includes tops, bottoms, dresses, swim cover-ups, denim, outerwear, occasion wear, and shorts. There truly is something for everyone. When you explore the brand's website or visit their stores, you'll notice that many of their pieces have a dual purpose, designed to seamlessly transition from desk to dinner or from the beach to the bar. Ramy Brook strives to accommodate the diverse needs and lifestyles of modern women, ensuring that each garment serves a purpose and makes them feel their best.
In an industry where neutrals like black, navy, and ivory dominate, Ramy dares to embrace bright and eye-catching colors. She believes that something colorful brings happiness, and when you put on a vibrant piece of clothing, it instills a sense of confidence and joy.
Embracing Resilience: Advice for Aspiring Women in Fashion
Ramy’s advice to younger girls is rooted in resilience and determination. She acknowledges that starting a business is challenging, and that many people will discourage or doubt you. However, Ramy emphasizes the importance of persevering, learning from mistakes, and drawing inspiration from others’ experiences. She explained, “learn from your mistakes, but also learn from other people's mistakes. I've been doing this for a little over ten years, and I've made a lot of mistakes. I'm happy to pay that forward so you don't make the same mistakes.” She believes that failure is a natural part of the journey and should not deter aspiring entrepreneurs. Ramy shared, “It is hard and a lot of people don't succeed. But I always say somebody's going to succeed. So you have to just keep on trying and trying.”
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