Hey there! Have you ever wondered what it takes to juggle a lifestyle empire while staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of fashion and business? Meet Mary Orton—she’s not just an influencer, but a bona fide fashion powerhouse! From her engaging lifestyle blog to her luxury accessory brand, Mary Orton is a name buzzing around social media and business circles alike. Her knack for weaving together entrepreneurship, influencing, and investing is simply remarkable. Let’s dig into her world and see how she’s making waves!
Early Life and Education
Mary’s story starts in the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin, a setting quite different from the bustling fashion capitals. Picture this: a young, ambitious girl determined to make a mark. After acing her way through high school, Mary embarked on an academic journey that took her all the way to the prestigious halls of Georgetown University. But Mary didn’t stop there! She blazed a trail in the challenging world of investment banking on Wall Street. That’s right—imagine going from quiet Wisconsin to the electric pulse of New York’s finance scene. She was living every finance graduate’s dream before she decided to pivot to fashion!
Launching a Fashion Journey
So, how does one go from Wall Street wizardry to becoming a fashion influencer? For Mary, it all began with the creation of her lifestyle blog, *Memorandum*. Have you checked it out? If not, you’re missing out on some seriously chic fashion inspirations! Over time, her Instagram following exploded to over 700,000 followers. That’s more than the population of some cities! Her fresh, practical takes on style and life hit home for many, turning her blog into a staple of everyday fashion advice. Who needs traditional media when you’ve got Instagram, right?
Building Businesses
Let’s say you’re an absolute fashion genius with dreams bigger than a New York skyscraper—what’s next? For Mary, it was building her own business empire. Together with her husband, Richard Scudellari, she created Trove, an app that’s like your BFF for outfit inspiration curated by influencers. As the President, Mary juggles everything from steering investor meetings to crafting genius marketing strategies. Balancing a dynamic blog and running a business isn’t easy, but Mary makes it look effortlessly cool. Challenges? Of course, but they just spice up the journey!
Personal Life and Achievements
Wondering if Mary has any time left for herself? Well, she’s also a doting wife and mother! She married her partner-in-crime, Richard, at a stunning ceremony in Wisconsin. Since then, they’ve garnered some serious recognition, winning awards like the Hilldun Business Innovation Award—they’re basically the Beyoncé and Jay-Z of the fashion world! A move back to Wisconsin allowed them to stay rooted yet reach new heights in their careers. Even as they conquered new terrains, they’ve remained passionate angel investors focusing on helping underrepresented founders. Could they be any cooler?
Family Life
Let’s talk family here—because what’s life without those personal moments? Mary and Richard are proud parents of four beautiful kids, with names like Colette and Elizabeth already trending in family circles. Balancing four kids with a bustling career? It’s a feat that sounds like a Herculean task, but it’s one that’s second nature to Mary. She’s basically Superwoman, and family dinners in their Wisconsin home must be the ultimate mix of warmth and style.
Educating Through Experience
Mary isn’t only about living the glamorous life—she also shares the wealth of her experience. In late 2020, she launched *Owning The Interview*, a digital course that’s like a backstage pass to the world of professional success. For anyone looking to impress their future employers, this course is pure gold. With over 30 years of collective experience, Mary and her team offer advice that makes you go, “Why didn’t I think of that before?” It’s perfect for anyone tired of generic job hunt advice and eager for something transformative.
Redefining Fashion Accessories
Ever thought a baseball cap could be a fashion statement? Mary sure did when she founded CHORD. Here’s the thing: she’s taken the traditional cap and given it a luxurious twist, using rich fabrics to elevate women’s fashion. It’s the sort of reinvention that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about style. Looking for a way to make everyday accessories pop? Consider CHORD a game-changer—a small detail with a huge impact.
Interior Design Passion
Beyond fashion, Mary has poured her creativity into her home’s interior design. Picture a 100-year-old Tudor Revival brought into the modern world with Mary’s unique touch—think bold florals and intricate moldings! It’s home decor that seamlessly fuses history with cutting-edge design. It’s the kind of place where every room tells a story, a venue where every corner reflects both innovation and warmth.
Journey Through Entrepreneurship
Behind the glitz and glam, the entrepreneurship journey is real, with all its ups and downs. Perfectionism? Check. Adapting to setbacks? Absolutely. Mary’s faced them all, especially when turning her home into an unofficial filming studio for *Owning The Interview* during the pandemic. But each challenge just fuelled her fire, making triumphs that much sweeter! Running a business is like being a juggler in a circus, and Mary’s balancing act is perfect!
Conclusion
So, what makes Mary Orton a force to be reckoned with? Her spirit is infectious, her ideas ground-breaking, and her influence undeniable. From fashion and blogging to angel investing and designing, she’s setting the bar high for anyone with big dreams. Mary Orton is a beacon for entrepreneurs everywhere—showing that with passion and perseverance, you can truly have it all. Ready to learn more about entrepreneurship? Check out The Business Flare for more tips and inspiration!
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