BABES IN HART: CHELSEA KRAMER

CHELSEA KRAMER

She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’s the hot girl founder of Parke with the sun-kissed face. A high-quality clothing brand focused on elevated classics, Chelsea Kramer is here to help us look cool from morning to night with her timeless pieces.

When it comes to advice for others looking to start their own brands, Chelsea is a true hypewoman: “Go for it! If there's something you're passionate about, do it! Even if it is one shirt, if you show people how passionate you are about that one shirt, people will buy it. There's no harm in trying!”

With her effervescent, positive outlook on life, we’re excited to see how her creative vision continues to shape her brand and beyond. And if we don’t get our hands on her Green Oval Sunnies, we may never recover.

Can you share the story behind Parke and what inspired you to start your own clothing business?

I have always wanted to start a company since I was a young girl. I was always creative and always loved fashion! Once I graduated college I worked in fashion, and was always thinking of ways to do something different and on my own. I moved to Miami in 2020, and from being at home wearing sweats everyday, I wanted to create comfortable classics that were not necessarily trendy, but could make you feel put together at the same time. Thus, Parke was born in July 2022 with three styles, limited inventory and not much on the horizon. Since that day we haven't looked back. I can't believe it's only been a little over a year and a half since the brand was born because it feels like forever (in the best way)!

What is a “day in the life” like for you? We want all the deets!

Personally, I love sharing little snippets of my day on tiktok!

During the weekdays: I usually wake up around 6:30am and have coffee with my boyfriend before we start our busy days! I workout around 8:30am, either yoga or pilates, and then come home to start my workday. My day is usually filled with calls with my team, prepping for our next drop, and reviewing samples or fabrics. Honestly, something that is so fun about what I do is that everyday is different! I usually go for a walk midway through the day to give myself a break, or go to the grocery store to get items for dinner! We work with a few people on the West Coast, so we often have early evening calls before I finish out my workday. Then I make dinner at home (we try to eat at home during the work week!), and unwind by watching a show or whatever sports game might be on. At night I try to disconnect as much as I can, since I am so engulfed in social media throughout the day.

During the weekends: I wake up usually around 7-8am and go to the gym around 9-10am! Still yoga and pilates, which I find works best for my body! Then Nick and I usually have either a late breakfast or lunch together, and if it’s nice, head to the beach! I love spending time near the ocean whenever I get the chance. We usually go one of the two days over the weekend depending on weather. Afterwards, we come home and go out for dinner either just us or with friends!

How do you aim to differentiate your brand in the fashion industry?

The fashion industry is an obviously oversaturated market, however, I do really think there is room for everyone. What I aim to do with Parke is not only create high quality classics that can live with you forever – really, I'm hoping to be wearing the same Parke pieces 10 years from now – but also make everyone feel comfortable in the clothing that they are wearing. To me, comfort is so important and I want these pieces to be not only cute, but also something you can wear at any time and not itching to take them off when you get home. Also, something that I hope to continue with Parke is creating a sense of community through our brand. I want our customer to feel part of the entire process, from the behind the scenes, to the shoots, to the day of the launch.

How does your personal style influence your designs and collections?

I really feel like Parke is a true reflection and representation of my personal style. I make clothes that I want to wear at all times of the day, from the second I get up to the second my head hits the pillow.

What challenges have you faced in the journey of building Parke, and what valuable lessons have you learned along the way?

Quality is the most important thing to me. There is so much trial and error involved in producing clothing no matter what, but this has been both the biggest challenge and biggest accomplishment. Once we perfect the quality, it is so rewarding to think about our customers getting to enjoy those high quality pieces.

Do you have a favorite piece for any of your collections? If so, what makes it special to you?

Honestly, I love them all too much to choose - it's like picking a favorite child! However, our denim has been a long-term project, and something we worked on for over a year before launching it. There were opportunities to launch it earlier, but the product wasn’t perfect (circling back to quality…). When we took our denim from recycled to house made, I wanted to maintain that comfortable recycled feel - this is so important to me and my team.

Can you share any exciting collaborations or future plans for Parke that your community has to look forward to?

We have so many amazing collections coming out throughout the year. So far, we have launched two denim styles, and we have another two collections on the way.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to start a fashion brand?

Go for it! If there's something you're passionate about, do it! Even if it is one shirt, if you show people how passionate you are about that one shirt, people will buy it. There's no harm in trying!

THE GOOD STUFF

"To me, comfort is so important and I want these pieces to be not only cute, but also something you can wear at any time and not itching to take them off when you get home."

Favorite quote? Don't analyze the room

What’s on your nightstand? Water, Phone, Grown Alchemist Hand Cream , Kindle!

Worth the splurge? Depends! Usually if there's something I'm eyeing I give myself a few weeks to think if I still want it or if I think it's too trendy!

What is in your purse? Bottega Veneta Wallet, keys, way too many lip products, and always my Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve, sunnies from the Parke x JB3 collab, a pen, usually a matchbook from a restaurant, and a scrunchie

Favorite book? Just finished Meant to Be by Emily Giffin and loved it! Currently reading The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros!

Favorite podcast? The Toast

Go-to cocktail or mocktail? Sparkling water with lime

Go-to cafe in Miami? Hot americano with honey from Pura Vida or Cafe Smood

Most worn shoes? Adidas Spezial! In a red/ blue and white!

Must-have makeup product? Blush! Or tinted lip balm! I love Goop Colorblur Glow Balm and Olehenriksen Put Preserve in Cocoa Cream