Mary Ellen Mcateer
MY GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: My family’s second-generation swimwear business “Swim by Chuck Handy” was struggling in an industry full of big players. Knowing our finances were tight, I worked a full-time corporate technical design job during the day, and worked for the family business in the evening. While the family business successfully captured a niche position in the missy and plus contemporary swim market, we were battling crippling interest rates. Our luck finally changed when celebrity entrepreneur and TV host of “The Profit” Marcus Lemonis invested in our business. To test us under pressure, each of us were given a task. My 21-day challenge was to design, pattern and produce eight brand extensions that would be the focus of the company’s new launch. After countless long days, calling in every favor with domestic and overseas factories, I debuted a collection of products ranging from swimwear and cover-ups, to sundresses, beach bags, sun hats, boat shoes and more. The cornerstone of our new brand’s identity is body positivity and size inclusivity for sizes 2 to 26. My idea behind the collection was to design for someone like myself, who wants a vacation-ready wardrobe that looks like the perfect combination of both curated and effortless style. Impressed with my vision for the company, design aesthetic, organization and professionalism, Lemonis promoted me to full-time president and designer of the rebranded company, Siloett. Siloett now has healthy business-to-consumer and business-to-business sales; multiple articles in WWD and California Apparel News; and two showrooms, one in the New Mart Building in Los Angeles and one on Park Avenue in New York.
HOW DREXEL HELPED: Thanks to my professors, I felt confident entering the fashion industry. Learning from these experienced design professionals, I knew what to expect in such a fast-paced industry and was well prepared to handle any task thrown my way.
MY HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: I can’t wait to see more women in positions of power in the fashion industry. I want to do whatever I can to help create an encouraging environment for women who are poised to take on more dominant roles in the workplace.
