Meet Carolyn McNamara of Sage Clothing Company in Alpharetta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn McNamara.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been in fashion retailing my entire career. I started as a 16-year-old selling on the floor of a cool fashion retailer called Judy’s in Orange County, California. I moved into the corporate side of retail in buying, merchandise planning and analytics over 20 years ago. I was born and raised in Southern California and worked for many great retailers in California, Ohio, New York and Atlanta. I’ve been blessed to work as an executive with amazing companies like Victoria’s Secret, Tilly’s and Carter’s over the years. I have now been able to realize my dream of owning my own boutique! I purchased Sage in July 2017 and am diving into this already amazing store! You’ll see me add a little edge and west coast lifestyle to our assortment while keeping the already amazing prices and selection our customers love. I’m also a mom with three wonderful daughters – come and meet us at Sage so we can shop together!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s never a smooth road! 🙂 We are all learning every day – that never ends! It’s important to always lead with the highest level of integrity so when you come to obstacles, you are a person who can always be trusted to do what is in the best interest of your people and the company.

Retail is ever changing so you need to be ready to move forward and try new things. I like to say “I’d rather fall forward on my face trying something new than fall backward on my rear just doing the same thing as last year!”

The economy is always changing and you need to be a smart business person to handle that but, establish great relationships with others and the challenges become opportunities!

Please tell us about Sage Clothing Company.
Sage Clothing Company was founded 20 years old in Atlanta by a young woman fresh out of college with a fashion degree. Over the past 20 years she has had several shops in the Atlanta area.

She is creative and made her vision a success. Now – she wants to spend time with her young sons and sold the business to me. Lucky me!! Seriously!

I want Sage to continue as the brand it has become! What I want to set us apart from others is the personal feeling you get shopping with the team and me. I want our customers to feel the positive energy we have. I want them to see not only their outer beauty in our cool clothing choices but, their inner beauty as well. Hang out with us and you’ll know what I mean. We really care about people and have a blast dressing up together!

I’m proud to have gotten to this point in my life. I’m a single mom with three beautiful daughters and have shown them my work ethic and strength to follow your dreams!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Never doubt myself. Be brave.

Pricing:

• Our average Price Point is below $60.00

Contact Info:

• Website: sageclothing.com
• Phone: 678-368-4027
• Email: avalon@sageclothing.com
• Instagram: @sageclothing

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.