Summary:
Emily Hikade founded Petite Plume, a luxury pajama brand, after a life-changing near-death experience.
She transitioned from a CIA officer to an entrepreneur, inspired by classic French pajama styles.
Petite Plume launched in 2015 and became profitable from the start, achieving eight-figure annual revenue.
The brand emphasizes organic materials and navigated strict safety regulations successfully.
70% year-over-year growth in e-commerce sales highlights the brand's ongoing success.
A Transformative Journey
Emily Hikade, the founder and CEO of Petite Plume, a luxury sleepwear brand, always aspired to make a difference. Growing up in Central Wisconsin, her curiosity about the world propelled her to learn languages and take bold steps like participating in a summer exchange program in France.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Petite Plume. Emily Hikade.
Career Path
Hikade's journey led her to the University of Notre Dame, and then to the White House, where she passed the foreign service exam and worked at the State Department. However, her career took a thrilling turn when she joined the CIA, specializing in counterterrorism while adding Russian and Arabic to her linguistic skills.
A Life-Changing Event
During her time at the CIA, a near-death experience on a flight changed everything for her. As the plane spun out of control, she thought of her children and felt a profound sadness at the thought of leaving them without a mother. This pivotal moment ignited a desire to explore new possibilities.
The Birth of Petite Plume
Inspired by classic pajama sets she saw in France, Hikade saw an opportunity in the U.S. market, where such styles were scarce. While stationed in East Africa, she decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship by creating her own line of pajamas. With a calculated risk, she aimed to create a business that would provide for her family.
Navigating Challenges
Starting Petite Plume was not without its challenges. Hikade aimed to produce pajamas from 100% organic cotton, which led to navigating strict safety regulations. By blending cotton with inherently flame-retardant fibers, she successfully passed all regulations without harmful chemicals.
Launch and Growth
Launched in 2015, Petite Plume operated on a tight budget but achieved profitability from the start. Today, the company has become a lifestyle brand with eight-figure annual revenue, selling products in nearly 500 stores nationwide, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Their e-commerce business has seen a 70% year-over-year growth.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Petite Plume
Building a Company with Values
Beyond profits, Hikade is dedicated to creating a workplace that values flexibility and support for parents, offering benefits like parental leave, healthcare, and profit sharing. She emphasizes the importance of starting a business without waiting for the perfect moment, stating, "Carpe diem."
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Hikade's journey illustrates that there's never a perfect time to start a company. Her simple advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to take the leap and embrace the journey, regardless of the timing.
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