Vienne Brown

Vienne Cheung Brown is the founder of a luxury brand based in Boston. Her company, VienneMilano, designs and sources hosiery that are made in Italy for worldwide distribution. Throughout her career, her passion has been to see products come to life, from concept to market. She has served a variety of clients, from international corporations to startups, to nonprofit organizations, focusing on marketing and product management. Her personal interests include fashion and automobiles. Originally from Hong Kong, she lives in Boston. Vienne has also traveled throughout Europe and Asia for work and leisure.

Where did the idea for VienneMilano come from?

I created VienneMilano as I could not find thigh high stockings that would stay up on my leg and be worn for every occasion.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I start my day by making a list of all the things that I would like to or need to accomplish. Then, I prioritize the list based on the level of importance.

How do you bring ideas to life?

When bringing a new idea, design, business, and or campaign to life, the first thing I do is to write down (or draw) all of the possible features that whatever I am working on may have. I then prioritize the level of importance for each feature and get rid of things that are not necessary. I try to accomplish my goal by focusing on one task at a time.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Neon colors. I am excited to see fluorescent colors making a comeback in the fashion scene. We recently launched a line of fluorescent colored thigh high stockings. Our customers are really enjoying our new vibrant colors.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I try to read emails at the same time each day so that I am not obsessively looking at my inbox.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Start your business sooner!

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Facts don’t care about your feelings.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I try to get to know everyone I work with – including our suppliers. I believe it’s essential to get to know the people around you and their source of motivation.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Stay focus, and stay consistent.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

In the beginning, I failed at taking care of my health as I was so focused on launching VienneMilano. As a result, I was not in the best of shape. Today, I try to schedule at least one hour of exercise.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Stockings for dogs. Everyone loves animals – particularly dogs. I can imagine consumers purchasing hosiery for their pups.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

In today’s world, you can’t buy much with $100 anymore. That said, we recently spent over $100 in postage sending samples of hosiery to fashion influencers. These are some of the best hosiery models out there, and I cannot wait to see the photos they will be taking of themselves wearing our products.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

NARA Baby. It’s a fantastic app for mompreneurs – or anyone who is trying to balance the life of being a mother and an entrepreneur.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

“Don’t make me think” by Steve Krug.

What is your favorite quote?

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” – Proverbs 31:25

Key Learnings:

• When launching a new idea, always plan and prioritize.
• Get to know everyone involved with launching your business.
• Stay healthy, and take care of yourself.