Seven years ago, as a new mom struggling with self-confidence and facing the challenges of moving to a new town, I found solace and strength in starting Ella Lane Boutique. What began as a way to connect with other women and help them feel confident soon blossomed into a supportive community where everyone is celebrated for who they are.

Our Insiders' Group became a place where friendships blossomed, and our customers even traveled to meet each other, forming bonds that went beyond shopping. This sense of community has always been at the heart of Ella Lane.

Despite the success we've had with Ella Lane, life has certainly thrown us some curves over these last seven years. During COVID-19, I took a sabbatical to focus on my growing family, and Ella Lane had to take a backseat while Michelle Mae, our sister brand, took off. The Alameda Fire near our hometown in Southern Oregon was another major setback. We had just opened a new brick-and-mortar store three days before the fire hit, and our community was severely impacted. Over 3,000 homes were lost in one day. In response, our store became a donation center for fire victims, and soon after we used our 4,000-square-foot warehouse to help those displaced by the tragedy.

The emotional toll was immense, and I had to step back from the business to process the trauma. Since 2021, our community has struggled, and I lost my drive to sell clothing because the fire really gave me an entirely new perspective on life. But now, it's time for Ella Lane to rise from the ashes, rebuild, and return to the roots that made us special—a place of acceptance for everyone.