March 30 2019

Mom & Entrepreneur Janelle Lucero’s Secret to Feeling Like Her Best Self

Armoire Boss Lady Power, Everything, Meet Our Members 0

At Armoire, we’re casting a spotlight on some of the notable, powerful boss ladies in our community, and what being a boss lady means to them. Read on to learn about Janelle Lucero: her story, style, and how Armoire has been the catalyst to feeling more like herself.

Her Story

Past. I moved to Seattle two years ago from New York City to support my husband in a job change. My son was one at the time and I was just about to turn 30. I knew myself better than ever, and wanted to give a part of me to something that felt like a personal push. Alongside a close friend, I started dreaming of a children’s clothing line. Day by day it grew into what is now Petite Moss. The past two years have been an incredible learning experience in so many facets of my life.

Present. 24/7 I am a mom to an enthusiastic 3-year-old boy and a determined 1-year-old baby girl. They push me, love me, and teach me more than I ever knew possible. My partner and I launched Petite Moss this week and I feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction having built something from the ground up, without any real credentials to guarantee success. I am jumping into the unknown: running a new business, balancing my home life, and learning as I go. I truly feel prepared for whatever life throws at me!

Future. There are so many things I want to do in my life. I used to see where I am now as the end goal: family, home, career. I look forward to devoting myself to many different pursuits, and often draw upon the experiences I’ve tucked away that help me feel ready for anything. I’ve learned in this last chapter, if there is something that I want to do, I am capable of total execution on many different levels. I am looking forward to the vulnerable chapter of putting Petite Moss out into the world for many eyes to see.

“[Armoire] solved my desire to constantly have new things, gave me the opportunity to wear high-end clothing pieces for a fraction of the cost, and removed the guilt of buying something I was ready to retire after only a few wears. My body has experienced so many changes over two pregnancies, a switch in profession, climate, and a new phase of life.”

Her Style

I have a very simple, androgynous style. I love to be comfortable, chic, and understated. I’m drawn to fantastic pieces that bring me joy without asking for attention. I love my clothing to fit my life and serve a purpose, to look put together but compliment who I am. I’ve lived most of the last 15 years in big cities and am a slave to neutrals. I always gravitate towards the well-tailored, interesting, neutral pieces.

Her Armoire

Why Armoire?

I met Ambika at an event and was immediately drawn to her unique style and striking confidence. When she described Armoire I couldn’t wait to check out the brand. When I got home and started exploring the site I realized it was an answer to a lifetime of wardrobe woes. It solved my desire to constantly have new things, gave me the opportunity to wear high-end clothing pieces for a fraction of the cost, and removed the guilt of buying something I was ready to retire after only a few wears. My body has experienced so many changes over two pregnancies, a switch in profession, climate, and a new phase of life.

“It seems silly, but I’ve felt more like myself…I’m a better mom when I am feeling confident, and I’ve learned how important it is for me to take care of my own needs and look good while doing it!”

Why rental?

What I love most about the service is it brings me confidence, excitement, satisfaction, and simplicity. I am constantly looking forward to getting a new case, and I love planning outfits for events as well as fresh everyday clothes. It doesn’t feel like a chore to put myself together because I look forward to dressing up and I have pieces I am excited to wear.

What’s changed?

It seems silly, but I’ve felt more like myself. As a new business owner it’s hard to justify spending money on clothes, but my style has evolved faster than I have been able to update my wardrobe. As a mom spending most days with my children, I often feel like fashion is a lower priority. Who really cares what I’m wearing? It just needs to be comfortable and my kids love me either way. But I’m a better mom when I am feeling confident, and I’ve learned how important it is for me to take care of my own needs and look good while doing it!

Favorite pieces?

My favorite Armoire pieces change with each case. With every case I fall in love with something else. I love having new clothes regularly and trading them in for something fresh every so often. It’s like having a roommate with a shopping addiction who also loves to share.

Her World

**Get sh*t done mode?**

I am really good at getting sh*t done when I’m under pressure to meet a deadline. Headphones are my secret weapon. When I can get my sister on the phone, find a great audiobook, or get into a podcast, and BOTH kids are sleeping — I’m unstoppable! The possibilities are endless — enter, Petite Moss.

Boss lady inspiration?

I was pregnant with my first son with one of my best friends in New York. She built an incredible brand from nothing. She runs two businesses and just had her third child. She is a mother first, but has always shown me the importance of maintaining identity as a mother. She’s real, kind, pushes herself to learn and grow, and has worked hard for everything she has built. I also live for her hair extensions. I am minimal with my beauty regime but the “Barefoot Blonde Up” has transformed my everyday ponytail into a hairstyle fitted for my new Armoire closet.