Melody Parry Jones and Lindsey Parry are the intelligent women behind Luna Blu Mar, a woman owned company with a feel-good twist, that aims to make philanthropy fashionable, empowering women and little girls while growing a mission based business, ethically responsible and a global brand.
Whether you’re buying a baby shower gift or something nice for yourself, the founders want Luna Blu Mar to be a part of your life story. We design boutique fashions for women, kids, and babies but most importantly, we want to empower women around the world. Whether you’re buying a baby shower gift or for yourself, we want Luna Blu Mar to be a part of your life story.
Luna Blu Mar designs boutique fashions for women, kids, and babies but most importantly with a focus on empowering women around the world. Whether you’re buying a baby shower gift or for yourself, we want Luna Blu Mar to be a part of your life story.
I recently caught up with Melody and Lindsey to learn more about how they began Luna Blu Mar and about the very passionate and beautiful sisters behind the social entrepreneurial brand.
How would you describe your company and what you do?
Melody:We’re a sister owned small business. We produce handmade bibs and clothing for infants, children and women of all ages. In many ways, the brand is really just an outgrowth of our childhood, our values, and the way we were raised: faith, family, kindness, and love of country.
What part of your job might surprise people?
Melody:That we are sisters and genuinely love working together.
Who are your customers?
Melody:Anyone looking for quality, USA made products that have an impact through our give back program and positive messaging.
Who funded your company when it was a start-up? Did you use your own money?
Lindsey:Melody and I invested our saving into starting Luna Blu Mar. We had a vision and dream and this was the fastest (and only) way to start it.
What are your top 3 qualities you look for when hiring someone?
Lindsey: Someone that thinks outside the box; is willing to take the initiative; and demonstrates passion and excitement.
Melody:Someone that is not afraid of hard work; if given an opportunity, they run with it; and good communication skills. Most things can be worked out if you’re able to talk about it and work through a situation.
What do you wear to work to feel like your most powerful self?
Lindsey:I feel most powerful in a good pair of jeans (my favorite right now are Current Elliot) plus great shoes and our Women Hold Up / The Sky Shirt.
Melody:I’m a mom to three littles, so comfort and style are key. I love wearing Lululemon tights, wedge Nike sneakers, and our KIND IS THE NEW BLACKtee. I can wear that to the playground or a business meeting and feel equally as confident.
What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?
Lindsey:Spend time one-on-one time with God: praying, journaling, reading my bible and mediating OR I love to sweat my butt off in the boxing ring.
Melody:I’ve been running most of my life, and feel that a good run can solve most things. I also love spending time with God – whether on a run or quiet time in my room (which doesn’t happen often with three littles, but you get the point. Ha!)
What are your top 3 entrepreneurial tips?
Lindsey:
1. Your dreams are valid! If you are passionate about something take baby steps in making it a reality
2. It will be difficult, you will feel discouraged, overwhelmed but going back to your purpose and remember your WHY. Why are you doing what you are doing. When you are motivated by a dream with deep meaning you will persevere and feel recharged
3. Make time for yourself. Disconnect on a weekly basis, make sure you have a day of rest.
Melody:If you have a dream, chase after it with all of your being. Most people aren’t living their dreams – and those who have given up on their dreams will try to get you to abandon yours. Yes, there will be road blocks, and bumps, and dead-ends, and detours. Those will happen just because. But your dream is valid, and real, and it’s worth going after.
How did you get the idea or concept for your business?
Melody:The business idea originated at the same time but for two different reasons. Lindsey was living in Panama and working with kids in local orphanages. These kids have nothing, and wear soiled clothes for days. At the same time, my daughter was spitting up and drooling and I couldn’t find a bib that would hold up and look nice. We decided to create handmade, quality bibs that are an extension of your babies outfit – not a boring add-on. Our original giveback model was one-for-one – and we donated the same bibs to babies in orphanages in Panama, Syria, and Washington DC.
What was your mission at the outset?
Lindsey:Our mission is simple: Melody and I are both passionate about having a company that Glorifies God, creates the highest quality USA made products, and gives back to the world.
How many employees?
Lindsey: Two, Ha! Melody and I wear a number of hats in running the day-to-day of our business. For the extra “stuff”, we contract photographers, manufacturers and employ four women in Panama to teach sewing classes at a local orphanage through our non-profit Sowing Seeds of Love.
How do you advertise your business?
Lindsey:Social media has been and is a great outlet for us.
Melody:In addition to what Lindsey said, word of mouth and pop-up shops are a great way to share our company
To what do you attribute your success?
Lindsey:Hard work, perseverance and the tenacity to succeed and have a positive impact on the world.
Melody:A supportive family (my husband supports my dreams) and a strong work ethic, which was instilled in us from a young age.
What made you choose your current location?
Lindsey:Melody and her family! Melody lives in Arlington with her husband Brent + 3 kids. I wanted to live close to them and invest time in her kids’ lives.
Name 3 apps you use in your daily life.
Lindsey:Podcast, Instagram and Pandora
Melody:iTunes, Instagram, The Weather Channel
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out as the owner to a start up company, what would it be?
Melody:It’s going to be hard work but if you’re passionate about your dream/idea, don’t give up on it. Go after it with all that you have.
What was your first business idea and what did you do with it?
Lindsey:To start an educational non-profit and for-profit clothing company to empower and educate girls in developing countries. I went after the idea with everything I had. I didn’t have the capital or resources but I pursued it with all my heart and soul.
What did you learn from the worst boss you ever had?
Lindsey:To listen to other people’s ideas and if someone gives you a great idea do not brush it off and then a few days later say the idea that the person gave you.
Melody:No one likes a micro-manager. If you give someone the ability or authority to complete a task, let them take ownership. It might take a little longer than you’d like but it will likely get done. And you might learn something along the way.
How do you use social media?
Melody:We use social media to create brand awareness – to share our vision, our values, and our story
What’s your favorite book at the moment?
Lindsey:Donald Miller – Scary Close and Build a Story Brand
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Melody:To believe in yourself! If you’re still passionate about it, embrace the change and grow from what you’ve learned.
What’s your favorite quote?
Lindsey:“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you” – John Bunyan
Melody:“She is clothed in with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future” – Proverbs 31: 25
We also love: If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Lindsey:I love the ocean. Anywhere there’s sun and beach!
Melody:We love Sun Valley, ID in the summer. It’s a hidden gem with breathtaking views and perfect weather. I also love the ocean, so I’ll take almost any tropical location.
What are your favorite restaurants in the DC area & why?
Lindsey:My daily go to is South Block. Maxwell Wine Bar (great atmosphere, food and of course, wine) and Timber Pizza never disappoints.
Melody:Screwtop has a great wine selection and Cava Mezze has healthy (but delicious) food. I love Blue Duck Tavern for a fancy night out and the view from Rosewood in Georgetown.
What are your favorite places to take family & friends when they’re visiting from out of town?
Lindsey:I love riding bikes to Roosevelt Island, it is my favorite spot in DC.
Melody:Roosevelt Island, for sure. If you’re up for a drive, Sky Meadows State Park is another great option.
When people hear the name of your company, what do you hope comes to mind?
Melody:We hope it evokes a love of family, love of country, and ties to our childhood in Panama and Florida.
What is the last tv show you “binge watched”?
Lindsey:Big Little Lies
Melody:Jane the Virgin and This is Us
Are you using your college degree(s)?
Lindsey:To some extent, yes. I majored in Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing. All great things needed to have a solid foundation in our business.
Melody:I have to agree with Lindsey. I majored in Creative Writing and use those skills for our website, social, and press releases.
Brunch? Lunch? Or Dinner?
Lindsey:Dinner for sure!
Melody:Dinner!
What is your work-life balance like? Do you think such a thing even exists when running a company?
Lindsey:It definitely exisits however, I still have not mastered this. I work a full time job, run Luna Blu Mar with Melody and our non-profit Sowing Seeds of Love
Melody:With three kids, ages 4 and under, I don’t have much work-life balance. It’s hard to find consistent help for the kids and when I’m with them, I want to be present.
Will you be having a fashion show anytime soon?
Melody:No fashion shows – but that would be fun! We do, however, have pop-up shops throughout the year. You can find them here but check our social media for updates.
You can shop online at www.lunablumar.com or retail partners around the USA.
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