Hi Chelsea! Welcome to the Lepelclub journal. We're super excited to have you here! Can you introduce yourself? 
Hi! My name is Chelsea Parke Kramer, I’m the founder and designer of Parke, a clothing line that launched last year. We’re just getting started!

We’d love to know a little more about you! Where did you grow up, and where do you live now? 
I grew up in New Jersey and lived there until I started college in Pennsylvania. After that, I lived in NYC until 2020, when I moved to Miami. I have lived in Miami since, but go back and forth to NYC and visit home in NJ too.

You’ve founded your own sustainable denim label, Parke. Was it always your dream to start your own business? 
You could have asked me when I was 12 and I probably would have told you that one day I would have my own company! I always dreamed of having and working hard on something I could call my own.  

Can you tell us a little more about your brand, and its core values? 
Yes! I launched Parke in July of 2022. It's basically been uphill from launch! I want to create essentials for your everyday closet that are timeless, sustainable and classic. 

How did the inspiration for Parke come about initially, and how do you keep inspired each day? 
When I moved to Miami, I had to change my wardrobe from long pants and sweaters and I found myself wearing jean shorts everyday. After the pandemic I really dreaded wearing jeans, but there was something about being comfortable while looking good that really interested me. From there, Parke was born! 

I keep inspired everyday from watching the runways and browsing online, and I really enjoy walking in cities and feeling the vibe of what people are wearing. That helps me gauge not just one area of fashion, but what people of different ages, with different styles and from different cultures are trending toward. I also love looking at TikTok and Instagram and finding new people to follow. 

What’s been the most challenging part of starting your own label, and what’s been the most rewarding? 
The most challenging is production and accounting for inventory. I thankfully have help now when it comes to planning, but stock control has been the most challenging. The most rewarding part is when people reach out about how much they love something we’ve made, or when I see someone posting or wearing something from my line.

No arguments - Denim is a wardrobe staple for everyone. What are the other essential items in your life? 
Other essentials for me are white basics like tees & tanks. You can build any outfit around denim and a good white tee. Maybe you’ll be seeing that soon from Parke…

Here at Lepelclub, we love to relax with a coffee or a cocktail. When you’re not working, how do you unwind? 
I love to unwind by taking a hot yoga class. I typically like to start my mornings with a workout, but after a stressful day, nothing hits better than a nighttime hot yoga class! 

We love your TikTok videos. What sort of content do you love to watch yourself?
I love to watch a variety of things. I obviously love to watch other creators in fashion and beauty, but I really also love to watch cooking videos! 

What’s the best piece of advice, personal or professional, you’ve ever received?
Since I was a little girl, my mom has told me to always be nice! Niceness goes a long way and people will remember you. My dad always told me to just be yourself. 

What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs? 
Don’t let anyone hold you back or tell you that you can’t do something. If you have an idea or vision, just go for it. There is no time like the present! 

And finally, how do you hope to stir things up in the future? 
By expanding Parke entirely into a full line of essentials from AM to PM; things you want to wear all day and that you would wear everyday without a question. Those pieces you go for in your closet time and time again!