Stylish, Brainy Trio Launch ANTHOM, Chic Boutique near Washington D.C.

A business-savvy model, a fashionable scientist, and an entrepreneur with creative vision formed a friendship through the Washington, D.C. fashion blogging community, and in 2013, the trendy trio brought their mutual appreciation for art, craftsmanship and style together to launch an online boutique.  They named the venture ANTHOM (shopanthom.com).

Ashley Turchin, one of the co-founders, explained, “We had always discussed our love of unique, talented designers and our shared sense of style. One afternoon we just said ‘it’s now or never.’ A few months of sleepless nights and tired eyes later,  ANTHOM was born.”

Turchin, raised in Portland, Oregon, moved to the East Coast to study law and pursue her modeling career.  After discovering the lawyer lifestyle wasn’t for her, she began an online vintage clothing store that gained a loyal following.  While based out of Washington, D.C., she met the popular bloggers of The President Wears Prada, Marshall and Carla.  Carla, with a scientific brain and a love for fashion, had  founded the blog as a creative outlet during her demanding PhD studies. Teaming with Marshall, an artist and entrepreneur with an economics degree, the two made a creative, intelligent, and fashionable duo. The three successful friends teamed together and formed what is now a thriving, expanding company with a highly creative vision: a selective emporium focused on under-the-radar designers, international independent labels, and capsule collections designed specifically for their brand.

Meticulous Attention to Aesthetics = Retail Rewards

A year after the online launch, there is now a brick-and-mortar store, located in the posh Mosaic District of Fairfax, Virginia. Washington D.C. has a flourishing creative community and a market hungry for fashion, so the co-founders knew their project would likely prosper in this area.

While starting online with an international market, the founders had always planned an expansion into a warehouse that had a photography studio space, but wanted to perfect the website before moving into brick-and-mortar.Their new, physical store mimics the hard work they put into their online aspect: it has a welcoming, stylish atmosphere, comprised of fresh flowers, sleek lines and organic elements.  Inspired by warm modernism, it glows with white, ambient, LED lights, accented with copper and natural wood.

The founders generally find their products by attending fashion markets, receiving recommendations, and scouring the web.  ANTHOM stands out from other stores by carrying brands that are rarely found, and focusing on the exquisite and unusual.  The process, eminently successful at this point, has certainly changed from where they started to where they are now, as Turchin told us: “At first we were pleading with designers to work with us — now they come to us!”  She also commented on the importance of customers acquiring the same sense of a personal aesthetic: “Take the time to learn how to have your own sense of style.  Understand what works for your body and have confidence!  If you love what you’re wearing, you’ll feel good, and if you feel good, you can do anything.”

When asked what has made the company so prosperous in such a short time, Turchin noted, “I think it’s a combination of a few things: our workaholic team, our dedication and perseverance, and lastly, our products are beautiful and well-made; they tend to sell themselves.” Her advice to other entrepreneurs, “There are so many challenges — the worst is when you literally have no idea what to do or where to turn. Those moments are called entrance hurdles — you just have to face them and figure them out, most of the time by failing a couple times first.  Being an entrepreneur is far from easy!  Just keep your focus clear and your goal in sight.  Work hard, and you’ll get to where you want to be.”

A Discerning and Inventive Vision

ANTHOM is more than just fashion, it is a lifestyle. The core of their philosophy: “The celebration of creativity. We see art in everything we do.” They have unified fashion, design, photography, and art within their company to make everything aesthetically pleasing. (They even have a section on their website called “Anthom is Art,” where talented photographers offer interpretations of the company’s identity.)  The carefully curated, hand-picked items are diverse, high quality, and unique, reflecting an appreciation for craftsmanship.

At ANTHOM you will find stand-out, well-made items for everyday life and special occasions.  Be sure to stop by the new brick-and-mortar store if you are in Northern Virginia, but if not, by all means check them out online to invigorate your wardrobe.