Meet Nancy Flaherty | Author & Fashion Authority

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Flaherty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nancy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a luxury lifestyle journalist, I was assigned fashion weeks in both New York and Paris. I’ve always had a fascination with current trends and wanted to explore the cutting edge of fashion in the city where it all began, Paris. After several years of writing about the fashion shows, friends would begin to ask about my favorite places and where I shopped when I was in Europe. I began to write about the places I loved to visit, and the fashion I was able to observe when I am in Paris, not just the shows but the everyday French Flair that Parsian women know so well. My book, “French Flair Ten Essential Items for Style and the History that makes them so Iconic” is all about what you would see a very chic Parisian woman wear, and how she would style it. The book explores more than just the fashion, it explains the history behind each piece. I am a devoted history buff that loves to explore the story behind what makes something so trendy.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have loved fashion all my life and when my youngest daughter went off to college I was searching for something to do in the fashion industry that would fit my interests. Observing the latest trends, dressing with intention and writing were all passions of mine, so when a friend suggested I write and edit for a luxury lifestyle magazine based in France, I knew I had found my “soulmate” of a career. Sharing my love for style history, French Flair, and of course travel to France were all things I knew I wanted to do with my own business and after two years working with the magazine I wanted to explore branching out into my own online presence. Writing my book, taking clients to Paris for curating shopping experiences, and hosting fashion shows of my own are all things that I love to do so it was easy for me to create a business centered around all of these things I enjoy.

What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with? 

“You have to wear something crazy or brightly colored to be seen.” I think an elegant little black dress with an amazing strand of pearls speaks volumes. When you enter a room and you notice the first person with the loudest ensemble, they might just be a flash in the pan. Look for the understated elegant someone who might just be so much more interesting. That little black dress might be vintage, from a beloved relative’s closet, or even brand new, but it’s the wearer that is making the statement, not the outfit.

Risk-taking: How do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career? 

I’m always taking risks – but with thoughtful steps. I will jump into any project that I have a passion for, like writing my book. It was a risk, an investment if you will, but it is something that everyone can use, and learn from. Each chapter describes something I have in my own wardrobe. I wrote it over the first two months of this year, but the topic of ten essential pieces has been in my head since my career as a journalist began. I use it when I pack, when I shop, when I create a look for an event. You can learn so much from each chapter. My book is a wonderful gift to bring to a hostess, a gift as a birthday present, or a holiday surprise. Writing it was a risk that has paid off many times over.

What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

Sometimes tasks can look daunting with their enormity; if you take little steps to achieve your goals, you will get that much further. Take fads and fashion edits for example, an entire closet overhaul might seem extreme, but if you change out one thing at a time it is more manageable. I have a section in my closet that is just blazers. I take them out one at a time, try it on, think about my esthetic and then either put it back into rotation or put it in storage, then I revisit storage a few months later and when I am sure I have no need for the piece I recycle it.

What is the most important factor behind your success/ the success of your brand?

French Flair is a way of life. I think it is important to identify your style and stay with it. That doesn’t mean ignore trends, they are always fun to play with and update your look with, just not head to toe season after season. French Flair is something that can be admired and interpreted by everyone. A statement handbag is something that you own that makes you feel iconic. Not necessarily something from the big fashion houses, but something of quality that you love and will keep forever.

What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?

Do not get “sold” things that you already have. There are so many fast sales pitches out there – people who want to life coach you to their way of doing things. Find people who support you and listen to what you want to achieve. That might be a networking group, friend group or even support team. Be clear on your vision and don’t let someone else’s vision of you cloud the direction you want to go in.

Work-life balance: How has your balance changed over time? How do you think about balance?

If it were up to me I would work all the time. I’m always thinking about my business and my next steps. I have a team that helps me with these processes, and I am very thoughtful about what time of day I send that text, or what day of the week I send an email to them. Having to edit my communication timing often will make me stop and think about smelling the roses and enjoying that dessert. The business of fashion and lifestyles will always be there for us to explore and enjoy. Having the proper work-life balance that works for me is key to a productive career.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career? 

The fashion industry is a creative marketplace for individuals to express their style. We all have style in some form, and writing about French Flair and style history is a way to explain and explore different versions of fashion. Being creative with my writing, presenting fashion from the Parisian viewpoint, and just helping someone find their own inspiration with a beautiful scarf or a great pair of jeans is like completing a painting or finishing a quilt. Being creative is something I’ve had in my genes all my life. I sew, knit, craft – if I see it and can’t find it in the stores, I will often make it myself. Creating a business where others can learn from my experiences is so satisfying from a creative standpoint.

What are you inspired by? 

I am inspired by the stories behind the brands; the story of the Hermes Birkin bag, Gabrielle Chanel’s Verdura cuffs, even Levi’s jeans. When I see an amazing piece or read about a new designer I want to explore the history behind the brand. I adore reading about Christian Dior the man, or the three Cartier brothers, or Gabrielle Chanel’s early years as a hat maker. It’s fascinating to me to learn about the people who created these brands, not just the piece in a boutique. I might admire a piece because of the quality craftsmanship or the drape and cut of a garment, but I want to know more about the brand itself and the why behind the company.

What makes them tick? 

All of this inspires me to want to know more about the brand and to promote it to my readers who enjoy reading what I’ve discovered. You can read all about brands high to low, and the pieces that are important to me in my book, “French Flair Ten Essential Items for Style and the History that makes them so Iconic”.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business? As a luxury lifestyle journalist, I was assigned fashion weeks in both New York and Paris. I’ve always had a fascination with current trends and wanted to explore the cutting edge of fashion in the city where it all began, Paris. After several years of writing about the fashion shows, friends would begin to ask about my favorite places and where I shopped when I was in Europe. I began to write about the places I loved to visit, and the fashion I was able to observe when I am in Paris, not just the shows but the everyday French Flair that Parsian women know so well. My book, “French Flair Ten Essential Items for Style and the History that makes them so Iconic” is all about what you would see a very chic Parisian woman wear, and how she would style it. The book explores more than just the fashion, it explains the history behind each piece. I am a devoted history buff that loves to explore the story behind what makes something so trendy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with? “You have to wear something crazy or brightly colored to be seen.” I think an elegant little black dress with an amazing strand of pearls speaks volumes. When you enter a room and you notice the first person with the loudest ensemble, they might just be a flash in the pan. Look for the understated elegant someone who might just be so much more interesting. That little black dress might be vintage, from a beloved relative’s closet, or even brand new, but it’s the wearer that is making the statement, not the outfit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friend Jacqueline, the beautiful French woman from Paris to whom my book is dedicated, is a great inspiration and has been a mentor to me during my years as a luxury lifestyle journalist. Her style and elegance is everything I try to emulate when I think about what I want to tell women who are eager to learn from “French Flair”. Her gracious attitude and willingness to share all that she loves about Paris fashion with me over the years has been immeasurable to me in my career as a writer and lifestyle influencer.

My group of friends, the Success Lounge, has been with me as an entrepreneurial support club for years. When asked for career advice, the first advice I will share with aspiring authors or young entrepreneurs is to create a group of people you trust and who will show up when you need them. That group may change over the years, but when you finally find a group that works for you, stick with it.

Finally, I’d like to shout out to my friend of twenty years, Jackie Grund, who has a blog called Mezza Reviews. Jackie and I meet for coffee on a regular basis to talk about fashion, fashion shows, trends, and where we will go shopping for the current season’s must-haves. I really appreciate having a friend who enjoys following fashion news as fervently as I do.

Website: https://hiddengemswithgrace.com

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGraceInParis

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZNBguUc1jDoM_QsDqdabg/featured

Image Credits:
Photos courtesy of RRR Creative