Interview with Jane Kim, Consultant and Businesswoman

Jane Kim operates in the fashion industry with immense knowledge and tact. Alumni at Fashion Institute of Technology, her understanding of the industry is supplemented by years of education and a diverse portfolio as a salesperson and business consultant for numerous fashion brands, one of which is ELK which we host at Clever Alice. 

Jane has experience running various behind the scenes operations such as conducting relevant market analysis, consulting and devising successful sales strategies for retailers and showrooms alike, organizing trade show participation, and launching her own businesses, taking on relevant responsibilities to keep brand identities she’d worked with well oiled. 

Her work maintains speedy production, streamlines quality development, and inspires gorgeous pieces that inevitably end up in many closets. 

What do you do for a living? 

I work in freelance sales for ELK, co-own Favors Agency, a fashion brand consultancy and also co-own a getaway inspired E-commerce site Baiae.  

What do you feel most grateful for in your life?  

I am really grateful for so many things.  I have a super loving partner and a very close relationship with my mother.  I love my little apt in Chelsea and the people I get to see everyday!  I have my health and very few strong friendships.  I'm not an acquaintance kind of person so having a small close group of people really works out.  I get to work with my business partner who is also a great friend even though she moved to the sunny beaches of Los Angeles.  

Can you tell me about one of your happiest memories?  

There was a period of my life when I was newly single and feeling so lost and lonely and my cat, Nougie kept me company through the tough times.  She turned me into the cat person I am now and I swear she thought she was human!  There would just be times when we hung out on the sofa and watched tv and bonded.  I still do miss her dearly.    

What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?   

Be happy with what you have because it could be worse!  Wanting more and more is great when you are young and thirsty for life but there's a sense of peace when you just learn to be content with what you have.  I used to spend so much money on designer purses, shoes and clothes and looking back, they weren't that great!  Some of my shoes were truly great haha but most purchases were a waste of money.  Now I like to buy and invest in things that I find worthy and that I love and I don't care who likes or knows it.  

Who is your favorite designer? What is your favorite piece of clothing? 

I'm not saying it because I work with them, but I truly do love ELK!  There are so many pieces that are so easy to put on day after day without much thought.  I feel dressed up but more importantly, I feel comfortable and at ease.  I reach for my ELK pieces when I have work meetings, dinners, weekends, and pretty much anytime except when I have to go somewhere super formal.  These days, I love a matching top and pant set.  ELK makes some really fun ones that I wear all the time and they are great because you can mix them up if you don't want a head to toe print.