Gift Biz Unwrapped | Women Entrepreneurs | Bakers, Crafters, Makers | Startup

Marla is the owner of Marla Duran, her own clothing line of the same name. She started making clothes when her son was an infant. She was living in LA at the time and sold pieces to local children’s boutiques. In 1981 she moved back east and she started selling children’s designs to boutiques throughout Philadelphia. Based on this favorable reaction and sales success, her line evolved into women’s wear as well. She opened her own boutique and design studio in 2001. Today, Marla is producing and selling her designs to women around the country through boutiques and craft shows. One of her most memorable experiences was as a contestant on Bravo TV’s Project Runway. Business Inspiration From the love of handmade ceramics to the love of clothing design [3:53] Street vending sparked the entrepreneural spirit [5:53] Candle Flickering Moments Overcoming the obstacle of how to turn ideas into reality [26:48] The Project Runway Experience How the experience began [7:44] How it happened [9:01] Reflections on the