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Kedrin Bell's avatar

Never in life have I read one of these emails all the way through, but today I did and I’m glad. The love and respect is evident and is everything I search for in a brand. This is truly a reflection of the etymology of farewell. I hope that all involved do fare well in the future.

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Grateful to you for reading it, Kedrin! Thank you so much for your kind words.

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Peg Klein's avatar

Same for me!

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Jennifer's avatar

As is always the case with MM - this is the way to do it...both the evolution and the announcement/tribute. Greatest of luck to all three of you! I can't wait to see what's next.

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Appreciate that so much, Jennifer. Thank you!

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Regina Prange's avatar

What a beautiful story & journey!

Best Wishes to all~

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Thank you, Regina!

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Katherine Orth's avatar

Sarah, this is a really lovely piece. One of the most thoughtful farewell messages I've read in a long time. I've been a customer since 2016 -- when I first started earning a salary that allowed me to purchase high-quality work-wear -- and it was Miyako's origami-influenced dress designs that first drew me in. I still own some of those 2016 dresses, and I've found that they're so much more than a magnet for compliments -- they're conversation pieces. Miyako really is a true creative, and I wish her all the best as she departs from the brand to follow her bliss. <3 And I'd be remiss without sending a warm welcome to Jen! I look forward to seeing her make her mark on the inimitable MM LaFleur! <3

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Wow, Katherine, "conversation pieces" is about the best compliment we could receive. Thank you so much. Miyako was indeed inspired by origami and the Japanese art of folding and wrapping. Looking forward to introducing Jenn to you as well. Thank you!

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Karen Reynolds's avatar

This was wonderful to read. Thank you for taking the time to write it and to share it.

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Thank YOU for reading it, Karen!

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Karen Reynolds's avatar

You are so welcome. I had an appointment with Isabelle in your Chicago store Saturday. It was a terrific experience - Isabelle was wonderful. My 35 year old daughter was with me just tagging along. She ended up buying a suit and top. I told Isabelle she must be exceptionally good to satisfy customers from 2 generations at the same time. Best of luck with your transition!

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Nora's avatar

True to the MM brand - lifting women up. Good luck Miyako, Jenn, and Sarah. Keep giving us more of what we love.

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Nora, thank you, truly! Appreciate your comments.

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LaHannah Giles's avatar

What a beautiful, touching tribute.

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Thank you so much, LaHannah!

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Margaret's avatar

What a lovely description of your friendship and business partnership. Miyako has a wonderful eye, and it will be great to see where her art takes her next. Best wishes to you both and welcome to Jenn.

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Thank you so much, Margaret!

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Pam Beard's avatar

Just last week, Miyako crossed my mind and I wondered for the briefest of moments if a change was happening behind the scenes. What a wonderful tribute to Miyako and may she continue to be true to herself, the artist.

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Wow, Pam, you are psychic! Thank you so much for your reading and your lovely note.

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The Noteworthy Edit's avatar

Sarah, this is so beautifully written! I have loved meeting Miyako, wearing her designs and seeing you two work together alongside the stellar team that is M.M. I can't wait to see what Jenn brings to the brand!

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Thank you so much, Meghan! Grateful to you for our longstanding partnership.

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Andrea Weiss's avatar

What a moving tribute to the meaning of partnership and friendship. Proud of both of these women.....different, and yet.....cut from the same eternal cloth. You are both a real credit to the brand and company you built.

And welcome to Jennifer!

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Thank you for everything you've done to support us every single step of the way. You've played a huge part in imparting these lessons to us!

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Patti Choby's avatar

Congratulations on your lives! journey! I will certainly take your advice to heart and share it with my coaching clients!

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Thank you so much, Patti! Our coaches are VIPs in our lives :)

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Bette's avatar

So beautiful and heartfelt. To paraphrase Emily Blount in The Devil Wears Prada, "Jenn, you have some very big shoes to fill." Welcome!

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

HA! That movie sure has some memorable quotes. Adding that to the list! Thank you for reading.

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Celia Baruchin's avatar

Congratulations and best of luck to all three of you on this new evolution!

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Celia!

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Cindy Bo's avatar

What a beautiful tribute!

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Cindy! I so appreciate you reading it. Hope you are well!

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Gillian Berchowitz's avatar

Best of luck to this talented trio! May you each experience great fulfillment in these new and newly melded enterprises. Relying on you for modern stylish ways to clothe and express ourselves.

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Sarah LaFleur's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Gillian!

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