Introducing Melissa Mikletic from Before March store

Introducing

Melissa Mikletic from Before March store.

Introducing Melissa Mikletic from
Before March store - our earliest stockist and also my dearest friend. Nestled in the heart of High Street, Northcote - Before March as it stands today was created to house brands under the guiding principles of slow fashion, creating a capsule wardrobe with longevity & functionality at it’s core.

As we celebrate Before March’s 7th birthday this year we chat with Melissa and reflect on her journey, her plans for the future and the key to mastering the perfect capsule wardrobe.

How did it all start, what drew you to opening Before March?

In the very beginning you were right there with me, we opened the store with our friend Sarah.It was all a big experiment in those days and if I hadn't initially started it with friends, it would have taken me a while to gain the courage to go for it.

As we each drifted in our own directions, there were a few reasons I stuck at it. I didn't see a version of what I wanted to build out there already. A space that felt like an evolution of old-fashioned, owner-operated retail. There are very few clothing stores you go into where either the owner is working or you can really sense their direct involvement.

This sort of linear trajectory we've been sold of growing a business tends to result in starting it, then taking more of a backseat as it scales. Scaling isn't something I've ever chased. I've wanted to employ people but to always keep this sense of something small and really intentional. I know most of my customers by name (sometimes I get it wrong), I remember things about them and the hope is that it's somewhere dependable that they return to and feel welcome.

I've always justified it as having built the store I'd want to shop in. Somewhere calm, with great music, that remembers you and wants to have a genuine interaction. Beyond clever marketing and targeted campaigns. And importantly, the things we sell are not only objectively beautiful but they are functional and sincere.

“ I have an innate desire to tell stories. Without them, even the most beautiful spaces feel vacuous.“

You’re a woman of many talents, and you’ve managed to weave your other passions for music and writing into a retail environment, can you share with us a little more about how you’ve managed to achieve this?

I have an innate desire to tell stories. Without them, even the most beautiful spaces feel vacuous. I want to know about the context in which things exist. Naturally, this means I'm always trying to inspirit the store with experiences and sentiments, like inviting musicians I love to come and play. Substantive is the word I always return to when I put something out there.When people have said "it feels like something more than a retail store" that makes it all feel worthwhile.

Now that you’re on a new journey into Motherhood, how has this changed your outlook - both for your future and also for the future of Before March?

When I found out I was pregnant, I reflected on an article that talked about how children force the future on you and the role you want to play in it. This sounded utterly overwhelming to me at the time, the future is unknown.

Then I took the invitation to be decisive about what matters to me and where there is room to question my established self. I'm learning to loosen my grip on the need to control.I have moments of panic of course, worry and doubt come in undulating waves. I try not to let them capsize me and ride them. They're a part of life. It's all been an important lesson in embracing the unknown and letting others in to help, these traits do not come naturally to me. But I treat myself as a scientist and a student, learning and experimenting.

I'm welcoming a new evolution for my family and my business. I don't know what this will look like and it feels mildly terrifying and incredibly exciting all at once

I'm travelling toward the unforeseeable horizon surrounded by people who care about me and that's a great privilege.

'I'm travelling toward the unforeseeable horizon'

“When I hear the word ‘expensive’ I’m happy to justify why pieces have a certain ticket price and I also think this educational role is important.”

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced and are there any big lessons or advice you wish to share?

I'm not going to mince around. The financial uncertainty of being self-employed can cause a lot of damage to one's nervous system. It is not easy to show up and not know what you're showing up for and it doesn't necessarily get easier. You can build your dream business but under the umbrella of commerce, if it isn't financially supported, it cannot last. It's important to me that I represent the customer I'm looking for. I constantly consider whether I could justify paying for the pieces I stock and the answer is always yes.

When I hear the word "expensive" I'm happy to justify why pieces have a certain ticket price and I also think this educational role is important. Public understanding has been skewed with respect to how much it costs to make clothes well and fairly.

My advice...Be genuine with people. I've had customers come in and tell me how hard shops like mine are to find and I've quite candidly shared how difficult it can be to keep the doors open. I say it all in an effort to invite authenticity, never to manipulate. Doing this can be very emotionally taxing though.

I wouldn't advise personal disclosure as the default, you need to protect your privacy too. But I think now and then it is very important to be a bit more direct. It helps people consider how we might have a tendency to correlate hype with success.

When an account has a lot of followers or comments or a business appears popular we inherently assume it's hugely successful. Then we're shocked when it suddenly announces closure.

Build from the heart, in the words of Mara Hoffman "don't become too cool", people can tell when something is genuine vs when it apes a template of something else. Make sure you love it, because the financial payoff can be a roadblock at times. Be adaptive, have plans in placein casethings get rocky rather than sounding the alarm when things get rocky.

Most importantly, take care of yourself. Engage in things that bring meaning outside of your business or you can go really stir crazy

Now that you’re on a new journey into Motherhood, how has this changed your outlook - both for your future and also for the future of Before March?

When I found out I was pregnant, I reflected on an article that talked about how children force the future on you and the role you want to play in it.This sounded utterly overwhelming to me at the time, the future is unknown.

Then I took the invitation to be decisive about what matters to me and where there is room to question my established self.I'm learning to loosen my grip on the need to control.I have moments of panic of course, worry and doubt come in undulating waves. I try not to let them capsize me and ride them.They're a part of life.

It's all been an important lesson in embracing the unknown and letting others in to help, these traits do not come naturally to me. But I treat myself as a scientist and a student, learning and experimenting.

I'm welcoming a new evolution for my family and my business. I don't know what this will look like and it feels mildly terrifying and incredibly exciting all at once.I'm travelling toward the unforeseeable horizon surrounded by people who care about me and that's a great privilege.

When we first met a little over 10 years ago now I can still remember what you were wearing, for reference - it was a beautiful pure silk jumpsuit with a painterly print. You are the most immaculate, well-dressed person I know. I always look to you for style, can you share with us any tips or advice when it comes to dressing and creating the perfect capsule wardrobe?

Goodness - that's a very nice compliment, thank you.I've been overdressed for most of my life, so my advice may sound frivolous but it is essentially - life is short, don't wait for occasions to wear your clothes.In terms of capsule dressing - it's become such a buzz term, but understanding it is really simple. Pay attention to what you feel good in. Don't get too fixated on the idea that a capsule wardrobe involves a jean, a white tee...whatever these cheat sheet items might be.

Be open-minded. It's not a term intended to enforce "bland minimalism" upon you (in my opinion). It's an exercise in personal reflection.Practice editing. Pretend you're packing for a trip. It's a really good test of what your capsule is. There's only so much room so what you love and return to wearing identifies itself.

If you have a lot of "louder" or more distinctive pieces and struggle to wear them on repeat, consider getting some quieter staples.It'll look different for everyone. For me, those heavily circulated items are a silk slip, lightweight knit, tailored pant, boots, many versions of a button down shirt...Don't feel like you have to change it up just for the sake of it. Consider a version of something you already love, in a different fabric it'll have a completely different feel.

It's very apparent to me when someone puts something on and they feel good in it, when they're unsure it's written all over their body language.I love helping people with their building blocks, so come and visit me if you're lost.

Having travelled with you in the past I’ve been the lucky beneficiary of your skills when it comes to creating the perfect travel itinerary. I was hoping we could end today with you sharing a few of your favourite places to visit and things to do for those living or looking to visit Melbourne.

Favourite cafe/s?

Calere- Their coffee is unusual and quite special, they make my favourite toastie too.

Florian (duh)- I am one of many members of their ever-expanding fanclub. So many good outfits to ogle at this place.

Papirica- Run by a friend of mine, Matsu makes a sensational okonomiyaki

Morning Market- They have these beautiful little cakes, share one with someone you love

Napier Quarter- Where I'll be going for an afternoon cocktail post-pregnancy.

Favourite Bar / Restaurant?

La Pinta- Seriously good. I made a lot of funny noises when I was eating there and it was one of the most beautiful meals I'd had in a long time.

Gray and Gray- It's sophisticated but it isn't stuffy. Their food is unique, coming from Georgian heritage, I haven't had anything like it. The 12 layer honey cake is quite iconic and a feat to slice.

Cam's- The spaghetti napoli is unparalleled, it's sexy. The environment is also really delicious, it's beautifully lit, set in the haunting surrounds of the Abbottsford convent. It's perfect.

Places to visit?

The Abbottsford Convent. A heritage site with fascinating history. You can go to the Collingwood Children's farm for a cute walk too.

Tempo Rubato. A classical music venue centred around a grand piano. They have incredible experimental, ambient music shows. A recent favourite show was Adrianna Svitak. Spellbinding and full of unexpected, ethereal texture.

Thornbury Picture House. The cutest, independently run, single room cinema.

Green Monday Studios. Run by my friend Albee, she is a gifted yoga teacher. I attended a sound and body class she ran where a cellist was playing live through our yoga session. I cried (in a good way) and I don't fancy "working out" among others, it was that good.

Shopping destinations - aside from Before March which is obviously a must (doesn’t have be clothing)

Issa- my mum has owned this beautiful store for almost 20 years. She has an incredible sense of smell and sells a lot of beautifully scented, centuries old family run brands. She has a meticulousness with which she ties a bow.

Ma House Supply Store for vintage homewares,

Asobii for vintage clothes. Both of these people are incredibly good at showcasing the beauty of what is already in existence. Not everything needs to be shiny and new. When you walk into a shop like one of these, your instinct draws you toward the objects, they're not one of many, they're one of one. Local farmers markets and delis. I love

Carlton or Alphington farmer's market. Farmers Markets offer utopian snapshots of what it would look like to only buy from independent purveyors. This is the kind of reality I try to cultivate.I'm not interested in standing in a self-checkout queue and deepening the pockets of a big business fat cat.We're built for connection, not convenience, go out and meet people who make things.