Meet Mo Cisse of MERAKI ALLURE in Downtown

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Our story began decades ago when my family immigrated to the U.S in search of a better life and the American Dream. Fashion actually funded our trip to the U.S because my Mother was a small business owner back home that made a living making tailored clothing for men and women locally and internationally. She even had me model clothes in fashion shows when I was a kid back home. As I grew up and finished college in the U.S, I fell victim to the norms of life. I had a seemingly insignificant “default” career where I simply survived and paid my bills, although subconsciously I knew I was meant to do greater things with my life, I just hadn’t found my vehicle yet.

So in the 3rd decade of my life, in 2015, thanks to two inspirational friends, I chose to put everything on the line to pursue my personal legacy to develop a luxury clothing line for men and women. This clothing line would serve a range of customers that would benefit from our quality products to our image consulting services where anyone can receive professional and personal style advice to arise to any occasion from job interviews to weddings. Additionally, we would promote a quality lifestyle and culture that inspires others to awaken, honor and fulfill their personal passion and greatness within.

As MERAKI ALLURE began its journey as a brand, it seemed that it also became a liberating and passionate affair for me because I no longer lived in fear. I chose to build a legacy for my family while acknowledging this is the best way for me to reward my Mother’s sacrifices thus far.

So please join us on this journey, and help us spread the dream worldwide. Cheers to you Finding and Living in Your Meraki!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As most small business owners would tell you, the road for us has not been easy at all but it’s been worth it. Our initial challenge was being a self-funded business with having limited resources and capital to launch and operate the business. After successfully launching, the next challenge was finding ways to attract the right clientele that are willing to pay the premium prices for our luxury products. Additionally, since part of our core values is to only participate in environmentally-conscious processes, that also curved the rate of our initial growth since we weren’t always following the popular trends. Thereafter, we consciously avoided the “fast fashion” methods and solely focused only “made to order” products, which allowed us to control our inventory and keep our costs low. Although the challenges come and go, and some seem to take longer than expected, for us our mission to make a difference and help elevate our clients lives is beyond the temporary distractions.

Please tell us about MERAKI ALLURE.
MERAKI ALLURE is a luxury clothing line for men and women that also offers a wide range of Image Consulting services that allows us to offer personalized services to our clients that inspires and elevates their lives. We’re most proud of our commitment to details and quality products that are timeless. What sets up apart is our Image Consulting services because it allows us to serve our clients beyond what we offer in our clothing line.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Growing up back home in Guinea, West Africa, I would model for my Mom’s clothing line and I was always excited for the new school year to start so I can showcase some of my new clothes.