ADVICE FOR FASHION ENTREPRENEURS (12/3/14)

West Midtown is about to get a new fashion retailer in 2015, with an online store already running.  Owner Chelsea Horan is planning to take Atlanta’s Ready-to-Wear market by storm.  Haven Boutique is already getting national attention.

Hometown News was recently invited to the beautiful Aqua Building in Midtown for a Haven Boutique photo shoot with some nationally famous people. 

“My Dad always told me if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough,” said a laughing Chelsea Horan, owner of the new Haven Boutique “…I am absolutely terrified right now, so I must be on the right path.” 

Horan, who is a model in addition to being an entrepreneur, was directing a photo shoot of 67 of her and friend Abbie Koopote’s latest picks from fashion hubs across the planet.  The duo travels together, and Koopote helps with buying trips in several countries.

Horan chose famous photographer Andy Allen to shoot the catalogue. 

Allen walked around snapping photos of models in the ensembles from different sides. It took a while to set the shot.  He seemed calmer than any photographer on the reality television shows.

“Andy Allen is talented with choosing the angles, knowing what’s best on the models and the lighting is even better.” Said Horan. 

In addition to the sixty-plus outfits, there were shoes, belts, jewelry, scarves and other accessories to consider.

 Suzanne “Q” Kremer was assisting off-set by getting the outfits “digitally shot” for the online store.  “Q” is no beginner in the business, with a great reputation as an imaging expert.

“It’s just drive, and when you find your passion you find it’s not work anymore,” said Horan.  She points to “Q” and they exchange smiles. “We all have it.”

In the other room, two expert organizers, Anita Finklestein-Temple and KC Ehlers were tweaking the models and helping with styling, make-up and hair before they move to the set and Andy Allen’s cameras.

 “You try one thing, it doesn’t work so you change it,” Chelsea Horan explained the experimentation with the fashions.  “Sometimes an item looks great on a hanger and then you see it on your models and it looks absolutely terrible.  Abbie Koopote helps with this, and we trust our eyes.  Sometimes the item doesn’t shoot well, and we use this dual feedback to determine the line.”

Horan and Koopote encourage people that are looking for fashion as a career to keep trying.  “You take it as an experience.  I’ve failed multiple times with ordering things and inventory.  You learn and move on.  I prefer to mess up, fail, and take it positively because I aim to do better next time.”

In addition to her fashion business, Chelsea Horan is involved as a foster parent for Georgia Homeless Pets. “Animals have the biggest soft spot in my heart, so I gladly open my house to them.”

---Ray Macon