Career Spotlight: Courtney Kates // Maison Du Soir

If I were to create a list of the best things in life sleeping in and pajamas would be right at the top of my list. When not at work I spend a lot of time in my pajamas so you can bet I want my pajamas to feel and look great. For years I was baffled by the lack of elegant, stylish sleepwear on the market until I was introduced to Maison Du Soir. Maison Du Soir is an American made luxury sleep and loungewear line based in Southern California and created by founder and designer Courtney Kates.

Courtney has made it her mission to create high quality garments in flattering silhouettes out of buttery soft, luxurious fabrics. Each item is also designed to be mixed and matched and suitable for both sleeping and wearing out so you no longer have to be ashamed or avoid wearing your pajama shirt out for your Saturday morning coffee.

I am amazed by Courtney's branding, her attention to detail, and the high quality of all of her garments. I am convinced that after slipping into one item from Maison Du Soir every woman will refuse to ever settle for sub-par sleepwear again. My favorite item from Courtney's current collection? The Melbourne with Piping, which is a chambray shirt dress inspired piece with a modern fit and classic white piping trim.

We are thrilled that Courtney took some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Read on to learn more about Courtney and Maison Du Soir.

What is your background?

I was a ballerina for 13 years until I entered the workforce. Prior to founding Maison Du Soir I worked for 10 years in merchandising & Design. In my last 2 years, I helped the company that I worked for launch new brands.

What is the story behind the concept for Maison Du Soir?

Maison Du Soir was born sometime after I purchased my first quality, matching set of sleepwear. When I slipped it on, I looked better which made me feel better and consequently helped me sleep better. I was hooked and wanted more. After looking online and heading to some favorite department stores, I realized there was not much out there that I really liked. I'm not a lace and bows girl, lingerie is uncomfortable and most of the classic sets that are somewhat affordable have wide legs and boxy tops. Being in the fashion industry, I didn't understand why it seemed the sleepwear market wasn't paying attention to our changing needs and trends. Everything seemed dated, boxy or cheesy sexy. The wheels started spinning as I envisioned what would be so much cuter to sleep in and became obsessed with so many designs in my head. Maison Du Soir took flight and I haven't turned back since.

When did you know it was time to launch your business and what steps did you take?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit but could never put my finger on what it was I wanted to do. That passion combined with identifying a niche as well as having merchandising and design experience was the perfect recipe to launch. I started with all the necessary legalities – trademarking a name, forming a corporation and immersing myself in product research and design.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned since launching your business?

It’s a roller coaster. You just have to stay on and ride the ups and downs.

What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

The financial aspect is a constant struggle. Developing a collection is incredibly expensive as well as putting out the capital to produce the pieces.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I always start at my computer and get organized for the day. Then I’m anywhere from planted in front of my computer ALL day to running around LA to meeting with accounts up and down the coast.

What is the best part of your job?

Meeting incredible new people like you two!

And to keep it real. what is the worst?

Counting in inventory. I’m the worst. I have to recount like 3 times and for some reason, it’s still wrong.

Looking back is there anything you wish you had done differently?

Yes and no. I believe everything happens for a reason and you learn things as you need to. I do wish I would have had a better handle on Quickbooks prior to even selling one piece.

What is a goal you have for your business that you hope to accomplish in the next year or two?

More exposure – I’ve worked incredibly hard creating a high quality line of sleepwear that fits well and can cross over into loungewear/daywear now it’s just a matter of letting people know I’m here.

Being a busy business owner how d you stay organized?

I write everything down. When I feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, I stop everything and clean my desk. I also have a lot of spreadsheets!

What has been one surreal moment you've experienced since launching Maison Du Soir?

When I heard I was a Martha Stewart American Made finalist I got kind of teary I must say. (See it here)!

What is your best piece of advice for others who hope to someday be a business owner?

⋄ Be prepared to work and push yourself.
⋄ Being an entrepreneur takes incredibly hard work, sacrifice and patience all at the same time.
⋄ Keep your day job as long as you can.
⋄ Many successful companies have started with nothing – so that means you can too.
⋄ There is always an up after the down.

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images provided by: Maison Du Soir