Fran

I love Carlisle's clothes and fashion, and I like the flexibility and the independence that running my own business affords me. The creativity, too: I get to work with color and design, I can set up my showroom exactly the way I want it to look. And all the Carlisle staff and corporate folks are always there to support you; all you have to do is ask.

I thought I knew a lot of people in this town, but this job really helps you to broaden your horizons. It's always different: there are new things to learn, new people to meet, and new things to learn about the people you already know.

In terms of the business, you can't stand still. Things are always changing and evolving; they have to or the business won't survive. That's a big part of what makes it so exciting. The company has changed too: my goodness, the advances in technology since I began! You have to be open to new experiences. It's not boring. I'd say it's ever changing, ever challenging in a good way.

To me, the relationships with clients are what it's all about. I just love working with these women and these clothes, and here's a story that exemplifies why I do it:

Over my 15 years as a Consultant, one of the most memorable times was the holiday season of 2004 when we endured Hurricanes Frances and Jean. I sold the holiday line out of my home with no air conditioning and no power, with shutters up over most of our windows. I had everything in the kitchen because that was the only room that didn't have its windows shuttered, so there was some natural light. My husband set up battery-powered fans to try to keep things cool. I called only my craziest clients who despite the weather were still eager to shop and see the new line, who were willing to come in the heat with no power and no air conditioning. Well, they came and they bought (laughs).

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