FASHION & ENTERTAINMENT
SOUL CHAIN Fashion Designer Mona McDonald is back in action with her newly inspired botanical summer wear. “Fleur de Soul Chain” Soul Chain’s humble beginnings started with Mona McDonald, Sister Phyllis Black and best friend Jill Jackson in October 2001. The first store was located at 2324 NE Alberta St. in Portland, Oregon, a district called “Soul of the City,” Which also served as inspiration for naming the business. Combined this with their first run of crochet stitches or “chain” and “Soul Chain” was born. Mona McDonald shares a little of her business journey with us today. “The store name was transformative on so many levels. I also realized “Soul Chain” connects with my childhood.” Shared McDonald “I learned to crochet from my beloved mother. A passionate and creative woman, my mother instilled in me a passion that would lead to discovery beyond measure. I didn’t realize it then, but those crochet lessons were actually life lessons. Whenever my mother picked up her crochet hook or knitting needles, it was out of necessity to cope, be resourceful, express joy or sadness, which manifested in beautiful works of art. I inherited that gift from her, bless her soul. I can hear her saying ‘Mona, you will figure it out.’ As my confidence grew, I started to believe I could do any damned thing. Soul Chain exists today because of my mother’s loving spirit and ingenuity.” McDonald will never forget the day she had her first sale. It was an off-the- shoulder, basket weave stitched sweater with a matching hat that sold about three hours after being displayed in the window. “That first sell meant lift off, but I knew that the real work was about to begin. Needless to say, I learned quickly that beyond my creativity I had to master other elements of running a business, like marketing, pricing, and customer service.” For this, McDonald turned to the Portland State Business Outreach program that assisted her with a business plan and other needed resources. Within a year Soul Chain relocated to NW 23rd Avenue. We
secured small and large wholesale accounts which included Made In Oregon. “By then, I had become a Sole Proprietor.” Explained McDonald. “My accounts grew to include New Seasons Market, Timberline Lodge, and a myriad of high end boutiques throughout Oregon were added to my wholesale buyer portfolio.” This helped her earn the “Best Distribution Award” from the PSU Business Outreach program. Another milestone came when she sourced a manufacturer to secure the account with Costco. “My cotton crochet sun dresses were featured in their Road Shows two consecutive seasons in 2010 and 2011. That led to the decision to close my brick and mortar store and do wholesale only.” Shared McDonald. A personal tragedy sidelined McDonald and caused her to step back from activity, but now she is ready to reemerge and, like her newly inspired botanical fashion line, come into full bloom. She recently graduated from the “Anchors” program with Micro Enterprise of Oregon and in 2019 received her Bachelors of Arts Degree from Portland State University with a minor in Business Administration. “I’m pleased to say, after a very long hiatus, Soul Chain has relaunched! I have expanded my line to include woven fabrics. Even though I’m a small minority owned enterprise, I continue to grow and expand my brand. The first phase is filling special orders while Soul Chain’s website is under construction. Reflecting on my journey, my business model today is to be more nimble in order to appeal to an evolving, virtual consumer marketplace, yet still accessible for custom work.” McDonald concluded It is with this attitude the McDonald is stepping out on faith using a solid business plan, and the creative acumen to succeed.
“I’m pleased to say, after a very long hiatus, Soul Chain has relaunched! I have expanded my line to include woven fabrics.” 48
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