Meet Lisa Kanouse, Founder of Saurette

December 3, 2008

A couple months ago I was searching for some new girl brands and ran into Saurette, the beautiful fabrics and sweet details caught my attention. If Anthropologie wants a new kids’ line, they should take a look at Saurette, it’s a great fit for them. Really, any boutique who appreciates unique, modern design and quality in girls fashion should hop on over to the Saurette site and give Lisa Kanouse a holler to learn more about what she has in store. As I’ve learned more about Lisa and reading her responses here, I am confident Saurette will have a great launch. I say this because yes, it’s lovely, but because Lisa didn’t just wake up one day and say, “I want to be a designer”, she has the professional background, connections, and history in this industry which gives her an edge in a very competitive space. Saurette is launching officially in 2009 and already has captured the attention of media and has great representation to distribute her line. You can tell that Lisa has a photo stylist background because not only are her designs stunning, but the photos really “sell it, baby”! Can’t wait to shop Saurette for my two preschool girls. Can’t wait to meet Lisa someday…perhaps in NYC in 2009 for our NYC Startup Princess retreat!?



Enjoy Meeting Startup Princess Lisa Kanouse:

Hometown: Detroit , MI

Current Residence (City, State): New York, NY

Education: BS in Fashion Merchandising

Professional Background: 18 years in the fashion industry, as a freelance Photo Stylist for the Chicago Tribune and Marshall Fields, buying for Montgomery Wards, and Product Development for over 10 years creating & producing women’s collections for Saks Off 5th, Macy’s & May Company.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:an Accountant

What you are: Designer/Creative Director/Business Owner

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Saurette is a Contemporary Collection for girls aged 2-10 and is best defined as petite versions of the modern mom. Simply put, Fashionable clothing for kids with unique style inspired by women’s runway and contemporary design.

Company Website: www.saurette.net

What inspired you? Over the last few years, after having children and shopping the stores for my two little boys, I discovered how few modern pieces were available for kids. I wanted to offer parents such as myself, an opportunity to purchase clothing that was modern, contemporary and more unique than what I was finding in the stores.

How long have you been in business? Less than a year

How did you fund it? Personal funds & bank loan

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? no

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/, http://twitter.com/saurette, http://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakanouse, http://downtownwomensclub.com/, http://www.mykidsfashion.com/profile/LisaKanouse, http://www.dashinfashion.com/kidsfashionusa/saurette.html, http://www.jamesgirone.com/news/news415.htm,

Current Business Challenge? Getting buyers to take on a new collection/brand in this tough economy

What are you doing about it? Taking stock ownership myself with hopes to sell when things turn around, networking like crazy, donating product to charity events, soliciting reviews on blogs, whatever it takes!

Favorite motivational quote: Dream it, Do it!

Family? A husband and two amazing little boys

If so, how do you balance family and business? I work from home now on my own business and make time when needed.

Favorite book? The Secret

What do you do to relax? I can’t relax right now, I’m a start-up

What do you want to change most about your world? The stress

What are you most proud of? My adorable little boys. They are funny, creative, kind little men.

What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses?
Believe in yourself and start living as though you already have achieved your dream.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? The internet

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds….I believe in only designing the best!

Welcome Lisa, to Startup Princess. Keep in touch and let us know about your success.