EXCLUSIVE: Melissa Gorga Opens Her New Upscale Clothing Store, Envy and We Have Details!
Melissa Gorga is on the rise, and set to take the retail world by storm! The chic Real Housewives of New Jersey star has launched her very own boutique, called “Envy by Melissa Gorga,” in Montclair, New Jersey.
All About the Tea spoke exclusively to Melissa about her newest venture, and the chic Bravo-leb dished about how she made the jump into the world of upscale retail fashion.
We asked Melissa how she tackled her newest project, what led her to choosing to a stand alone retail spot, and why Montclair? Melissa chatted about the road that led her to her exciting new business.
“My Jewelry line on HSN has been doing so great I’ve been selling out of so many collections and I think that’s what pushed me to open up a location where people could come in and buy it. I also loved the idea of being able to pick my favorite brands and having people come in and shop “my closet” I told Joe I wanted to start looking for locations and I went right to Montclair! It’s such a great town with lots of energy and a great vibe. Lots of people walking around the streets, great shopping and some of the best restaurants in NJ. I’m definitely a go getter that loves to work. You will get to see it all unfold eventually.”
Is Melissa a hands-on presence in her new store? Melissa detailed how launching “Envy” turned into a true labor of love.
“This store is my baby. I am there just about everyday. I have hand picked every single piece of clothing in the store. I designed the store and picked out everything from the wallpaper to the knobs on the draws. I spend a lot of time there, I love being there. I’ve become my own little entrepreneur and I put all of myself into whatever project working on. I hired an amazing team and have an incredible partner named Jackie. We all work together to make it a great experience for everyone that walks through those doors.”
Melissa dished about why she decided to name her newest venture “Envy,” and how the clever name was born.
“I wanted the name to be something short, simple and chic. I called one of my best friends (Maria) and she suggested envy. I fell in love with the name. Such a small word but says so much. In this case you want everyone to “envy” what you’re wearing!”
We asked the reality beauty if a customer could expect to see other familiar faces working at “Envy.” Is Melissa’s new business a family affair?
“As of right now, there are no family members working at my store. Besides Antonia! She thinks she’s the host when people walk in!”
What brands can her customers expect to see, when they make “Envy” their go-to shopping spot?
“I have so many great brands! I’ve been back and forth to New York to showrooms throughout the whole entire summer picking these lines. I have so many that I love. I have well-known names like Elizabeth and James, Derek Lam, Jay Godfrey, Zadig & Voltaire, I also have so many emerging designers that have the most gorgeous pieces. I made sure my price range is anywhere from $50 right up to McQueen.”
Melissa’s jewelry line, The Melissa Gorga Collection, has been a smashing HSN success. Does Melissa have plans to expand, and offer her lines in any brick and mortar retail stores, like Macy’s, Dillards, or Lord and Taylor?
“That’s definitely a goal and I would continue to keep it on HSN also. I think it’s such a great concept to be able to speak to your fans live and be able to wear the jewelry while they can call and talk to you. If I learned anything from this business it’s to keep reaching higher. I’ve learned that with a lot of hard work it’s all attainable.”
We asked Melissa to clarify the rumor that has been swirling around the boutique opening, one claiming that Bravo is funding the new venture.
“This is 100% false. Not even one single penny. I wish!!”
Montclair, New Jersey has never looked sharper! Make sure you visit ENVY by Melissa Gorga for your holiday needs.
We wish Melissa the best of luck as she jumps into this posh new endeavor.
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Nancy Zhāng is an Entertainment Blogger for All About The Tea. Nancy covers hot topics, recaps and celeb news. She loves to multi-task as a writer and a private chef. She received a B.S. in Mass Communications from LSU. Nancy’s married and the proud mom of 2 German Shepherds.