MLE is an inspired woman-powered brand creating luxury feeling accessories for the modern empowered woman. The MLE ‘Gentle Woman’ collection is what drew me to this brand in the first place. The idea of this play on words as ‘Gentleman’ is usually the term, but also that women can be quite literally gentle and strong all at once. I love the title and I love the pieces all the same. The gentle woman necklace, which is two hands meeting to shake in the center to clasp it together on you, holds so much meaning for me. Not only is it a stunning piece, but it is meaningful and vibrant and I feel powerful with it on. The gentle woman phrase clips show the idea of the collection with the words and are stunningly coloured and shaped. And the last piece I tried, the watermelon scrunchie, while not part of the gentle woman collection still reminds me of being a gentle, yet vibrant woman. It makes me feel beautiful while also able to do whatever I need to do with my hair out of my eyes. And the craftsmanship that went into creating it is a work of true art.
I had a chance to speak with the founder of MLE:
What inspires you?
I recently adopted a dog, she’s a miniature poodle from a Korean puppy mill via KoreanK9 Rescue. She inspires me on a daily basis. Her sheer joy and intense energy every morning when she wakes up remind me to be grateful and live in the moment. She’s also become more confident since we adopted her, and now barks when she wants things like food or a walk, which I appreciate. Nothing like vocalizing your needs! She’s become my muse and best friend.
What’s your sign and how do you think that plays a part in your life?
I am a Libra, and a true Libran through and through. I’m extremely aesthetically focused, whether it’s designing jewelry, scrunchies, or even renovating my new home upstate. I’m also all about balance.
What is the main purpose of your account/brand?
It is a manifestation of my quirky and colorful aesthetic, with a focus on high quality pieces and sustainable production. Most of my pieces are made to order, which allows me to consume only the materials I need to produce to demand.
What is something you love deeply about yourself?
My never ending commitment to doing my best.
What’s some advice you have for other people revolving around confidence?
You will never get confidence by comparing yourself to others. Confidence comes from within, and when you do things you enjoy.
What makes you feel confident?
Creating.
What have you had to overcome that’s made you who you are?
I’m an introvert & a serial entrepreneur, which are things I didn’t completely realize or accept until I worked in the corporate world. I was often drained mentally and physically just by being in an office setting, and yearned for flexibility in my schedule and daily routine. It was a strong contrast to my school days where I’d be by myself in my room or art studio quietly creating, where I’d be energized by whatever I was making. It made me realize the importance of continuing to work in the digital world, where I can work remotely from anywhere, as well as having my own business where I can create. With MLE, I spend a lot of time in my studio, and most of my team works remotely.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Strong, bold, successful women not afraid to vocalize what they want.
What’s your beauty/fashion go to?
I recently moved from Brooklyn, NY to upstate NY, and I must say my style has drastically changed as we’ve been renovating our new house and quarantining. I tend to gravitate towards bright colors, and bold asymmetrical earrings. More recently, I've been focused on comfort & wearing clothing that I'm not afraid to get dirty as we renovate our house, but I'm looking forward to having that change!
What would you say is the best thing about you?
My attention to detail.
What does equality mean to you?
Treating everyone with respect and compassion, regardless of their race, orientation, age, or abilities.
What is your mission statement/what does your brand name mean?
My brand is called MLE which sounds like my name (Emily) and is also my initials backwards. I like to view it as a contemporary name for an eponymous atelier.
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