Building a Brand with Purpose: The Story Behind our Upcoming Fireside Chat with MM.Lafleur’s Sarah LaFleur
When we solidified the details for next week’s Fireside Chat and Shopping Event with M.M. LaFleur it felt like one of those full-circle moments in life.
My mom and I attended the opening of MM. LaFleur’s Chestnut Hill store, excited to see the space and meet the powerhouse behind the brand. What we didn’t expect was to instantly click with Sarah LaFleur over something deeply personal—being moms of three young kids while also running mission-driven businesses.
As we talked, I couldn’t help but admire how M.M. LaFleur had built something so intentional, so thoughtful. And when Sarah mentioned that the only other brand she carries in her stores is her mom’s jewelry line, I felt an immediate kinship.
Here was another woman navigating entrepreneurship with a deep connection to community, family, and the bigger picture.
It reminded me so much of why I built UpNext—to create a space where small business owners could not only succeed but also feel supported and understood.
Sarah’s journey with M.M. LaFleur is inspiring, to say the least. She and her team have redefined what workwear means for women, breaking away from the traditional, uninspired options and creating a new class of clothing—one that’s as polished as it is comfortable. But beyond the clothes, M.M. LaFleur stands for something bigger. They’ve built a brand that champions women, offering wardrobes to female political candidates, donating 10% of annual profits to social impact organizations that uplift women, and committing to sustainable fashion. Their mission is about empowerment, and that’s exactly why I knew we had to collaborate.
Next week, we’re bringing our communities together for an evening of connection, conversation, and, of course, incredible fashion.
On April 3rd, I’ll be sitting down with Sarah for a fireside chat inside M.M. LaFleur’s gorgeous Chestnut Hill store, where she’ll share the behind-the-scenes of running a company, the raw and honest truth of her founder journey, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
So, if you’re a brand founder looking for inspiration or a local shopper wanting to explore M.M. LaFleur’s stunning collection with expert styling advice, this event is perfect for you.
We’re opening the doors to anyone who wants to join us—just RSVP to secure your spot as capacity is limited.
If events like this excite you, The Retail Playground is where we bring opportunities like this to life all year round. It’s where small business owners connect, learn, and grow together. I’d love for you to be part of it. See you on April 3rd!