Meet Melissa Akkaway: LA Mama and Founder of The Particulars
Melissa Akkaway
“Be you and stick with your instincts.”
What do you do and what led you to this career?
I owned and operated my own boutique Beckley for 8 years plus manufactured a private label line for the store as well as wholesale. Once I had my 2nd son, I needed to downsize and closed everything. I took a break and then started The Particulars to channel my creativity, connect with inspiring women and educate people about accessories.
What are the names and ages of your little ones?
Jack is 9 years old, and Ford is 4 years old.
What has been your biggest career achievement thus far?
Owning my own retail store and introducing clients to up and coming designers that ended up being major players in fashion.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a mother?
Seeing the everyday thru the newness of your child’s eyes. Plus just seeing them laugh, grow, and become their own people.
And what is the most challenging?
It’s so volatile. One minute they are happy, the next they are fighting or crying. It’s really taxing on the nervous system. Can’t they just be robots? ;)
What is your best advice for someone new to your industry?
Find people in your industry to help and support you. Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to take risks and trust your gut.
What is your best advice for a new mother?
Be you and stick with your instincts. There is so much information and opinions out there that it can get overwhelming. It’s also okay to confess that it’s not always great being a mom, sometimes it really sucks. Just remember to enjoy all the little sweet moments.
What's next for you? Do you have an exciting projects coming up?
I am hoping to develop a product for The Particulars so will definitely be leaning in on the Fashion Mamas’s network for help and advice.
Follow Melissa at @the.particulars