MOMpreneur: n. defined as a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.
Welcome to our latest installment of MOMpreneur Monday, highlighting businesses and brands that were founded by female entrepreneurs and fellow mommas!
Today’s featured Modern Boca MOMpreneur is Delray Beach’s Amanda Perna. She’s the owner and creator of The House of Perna and Neon Bohemians!
Hi Amanda! Why don’t you tell us Boca mamas about your professional background…
I am a fashion designer & celebrity stylist and studied Fashion Design at The University of Alabama and the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. After graduation, I moved to NYC to work as a dress designer for Calvin Klein. I loved my job at CK, but wanted to create with my own voice. So, I decided to start The House of Perna.
After living and working in the city for years, I got engaged and my then fiancee (now husband) and I moved to Florida. Fast forward a few years and now I have 3 children: The House of Perna, Neon Bohemians and my 2.5 year old daughter, Stella.
“I always say that Stella is by far the best thing I have made in my whole life. Being a mom boss has taught me to balance my time a bit better.”
Let’s be clear, I try my best but something is always getting a bit more attention than the other. I am really lucky because with what I do as Amanda Perna, I’m able to take her with me most of the time. She has been able to visit other countries, be on set of major international commercials, and attend fashion shows. This has exposed her to so many different people and experiences and she’s barely 3!
Why did you start the House of Perna and Neon Bohemians?
I started The House of Perna because I wanted to create clothes that made the person wearing them feel happy. We truly believe that color affects your mood and that a woman in the right outfit can take over the world!
I created Neon Bohemians after repeatedly hearing that people loved the happy clothes that I was making for THoP, but it was outside of their budget.
What is unique about your business?
Both of my Amanda Perna brands are consciously made. We make everything in small batches (or to order) in our studio, by artisans in the USA and abroad. We use fallen palm leaves for our straw bags (THoP), and deadstock fabrics when we can for Neon Bohemians.
Why should Modern Boca Mom readers purchase your clothing and accessories?
We are a small, local, family-owned business that puts thought, love and care into all of our products. We believe in maximal style with minimal waste. You can sleep at night knowing that you look fabulous, but aren’t killing the planet to do so.
What exciting things are coming up with Amanda Perna and your business?
We are launching our next collections in September and have a few big projects in the works that we can’t wait to share soon. I recently launched my blog- alwaysincolor.com which I am super excited about!
What do you love about living and working in South Florida?
I love that we can wear silk and cotton year round! I love that I can sketch on the beach and not have to walk miles in the rain and snow like I did in NY. Delray Beach is a wonderful place to live!
Connect with Amanda Perna of The House of Perna, Neon Bohemians & Always In Color online:
- WEBSITE: neonbohemians.com, www.alwaysincolor.com & thehouseofperna.com
- INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofperna/
- https://www.instagram.com/neonbohemians/
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