Matriark is a retail concept, platform, and shop founded and run by luxury retail entrepreneur and tastemaker Patricia Assui Reed. With their concept store located in Sag Harbor, as well as an online shop, and pop-up events, Patricia was initially inspired to start Matriark by the power of women leaders. Matriark supports only the businesses of women-owned brands, designers, and artisans, and their mission is all about fostering women’s equality through both business and community.
With a long list of pop-ups and trunk shows happening over the summer, many of which are taking place in the Hamptons, Matriark is sharing their important mission with the community. They will be showcasing local artists and designers of all stripes over the next few months, and Patricia is looking forward to sharing this work and supporting the people behind the businesses.
A resident of Sag Harbor, Patricia spoke more about what sets the Matriark concept apart, their upcoming events, and what success means to her.
What is the Matriark concept all about?
PAR: I started this concept as a way to promote women-owned businesses and to support girls and women-focused charities. We have since expanded the concept to support women and LGBTQ+ owned companies.
Matriark focuses on the power of women leaders. What inspired you to create a business that supports only women-owned brands, designers, and artisans?
PAR: I started thinking about Matriark back in 2016, and I drew from my own experience as a working woman in fashion and retail. I learned only 2% of companies backed by Venture Capital companies are women-owned, and I thought supporting independent businesses would be a more meaningful way to operate in my industry.
How did you get your start in the retail space? Did you have any early experiences that inspired you?
PAR: I have been a retail buyer for over 20 years. And even though I never had a store before Matriark, I have helped many brands set up their retail companies. I’ve been lucky to have worked with so many incredible brands such as Tiffany & Co, Goyard, DVF, Christian Louboutin, and others, and they are all inspiring in different ways.
What has been the biggest factor in your success?
PAR: I believe our product selection has been key. We have unique brands that are not found everywhere, and our mission resonates with many people.
How do you define success?
PAR: Success is the ability to control your time and the freedom to be yourself.
What are you most excited about for your summer trunk show and art exhibition events, especially those in the Hamptons?
PAR: I have a long list of pop-ups happening during the summer, and each of them is exciting in different ways. I am so honored to have Blair Borthwick’s art with us until August 1st, and to host her Solo Art Show opening on June 24th. From LSK’s kimonos made from vintage fabrics to Jennifer Alfano’s new fine jewelry line to KZ_K and GRAMMAR made in NYC clothes to Pisani et al’s collection debut in the US to Moej’s bright tabletop items to Marfa Stance’s incredible coats, we will share so many unique and beautiful things! And I am looking forward, as always, to supporting Eric Fischl and April Gornik at The Church, Bay Street Theater, and The Neo-Political Cowgirls this season.
What’s your favorite thing about trunk shows that’s different than what you experience otherwise in your business?
PAR: I love to introduce our designers to our customers during our pop-ups. Matriark is here to support the people behind the businesses, and it’s great to have them over to show their products and get to know our community.
What’s your favorite Hamptons pastime?
PAR: Going to the beach, of course. I go year-round, and it’s priceless.
Do you find inspiration from your location and the East End?
PAR: We are blessed to be surrounded by so much beauty, but what I love the most is the sense of community. I love my town of Sag Harbor, and how close we are here.
What are some of the quintessential Matriark pieces that really show what the brand is all about?
PAR: I think Matriark in its entirety is what makes Matriark: all of our brands, together, an eclectic collection of brands owned by women and LGBTQ+ people from all walks of life and all over the world.
Can you talk about the designers and the commonality they all share?
PAR: I want Matriark to be very eclectic and diverse. We don’t focus on just one style, and we want to offer a wide array of clothes, accessories, and shoes. But all of them are independent brands with strong ethos and great Founders and Designers committed to consciously operate in the world.
As your business continues to grow, what have you found is important in your day-to-day life that allows you to stay true to yourself and to have the energy to keep thriving?
PAR: My kids help me stay true to myself; they keep me grounded. But I also need quiet and silence, so meditation is the best refuge for me, and it helps me refuel.
As an entrepreneur who has carved out a unique space of your own in the retail world, and brought a specific vision to life, what is the biggest piece of advice you would give to others with similar aspirations?
PAR: Don’t let your perfectionism get in the way. I did that and I wish I didn’t. You will only know how things work when you actually do it, so don’t spend too much money on plans—things change a lot once they become reality, so start as soon as you can and change things as needed. Get used to doing things imperfectly.
What else would you like the community to know about Matriark?
PAR: Every time you shop at Matriark, we’ll give a $5 donation with each purchase to i-tri, a program that fosters confidence, positive body image, and healthy lifestyle choices for adolescent girls.
To learn more about Matriark and their upcoming summer shows and events, visit https://matriark.com.
