What is your name and occupation?
Vienne Cheung, Founder of VienneMilano
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year
What is your Instagram handle?
@viennemilano
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
I was not born in Boston, but I was raised in the area. Originally, I am from Hong Kong. Like most immigrant families, my grandparents moved to the United States in the 1970s for a chance at a better life. I grew up in Brookline, MA.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
VienneMilano is a luxury hosiery brand — all of our products are made in Italy. Established in 2011, we are the first fashion eCommerce brand to focus exclusively on thigh-high stockings. I created the brand because I was unable to find thigh highs that stayed up on my leg. At the time, there was only a limited selection available.
Today, VienneMilano has grown, and our collection includes a wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes — including plus sizes. We are a minority, women-led business located in Quincy, MA.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
Here’s what one of our customers has to say about our brand:
“The stockings from VienneMilano are for me the best on the market. They look sexy and have a sensuous feel to them. And the best part is they stay up — you’re not constantly pulling them up like other brands on the market. Highly recommend, and I own several pairs.”
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.
What is your favorite book?
Right now, I’m really enjoying I’m Not Really a Waitress: How One Woman Took Over the Beauty Industry One Color at a Time by Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Co-Founder of OPI.
What is your secret weapon?
My secret weapon is also my kryptonite: chocolate. Need I say more? ;)
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I wish I could have told myself earlier on: there’s really no benefit in pleasing everybody.
How do you enjoy your free time?
As of late, I’ve been spending my free time learning Italian.
What is something that not many people know about you?
Secretly, I have been an admirer of Italian culture since I was 15 years old. During my sophomore year of high school, I visited Italy for the first time with my choir. Shortly after my trip, I worked for an Italian travel agency, which gave me an even closer glimpse into its beautiful culture.