How I Started

Elaine turned her hobby into a passion in the third grade when she spent hours during the weekends, styling and accessorizing her outfits along the floor. At 13 years old, she was hired for her first job as a "Merchandise Folder"at the El Toro Marine Base Exchange. For the next 6 years, she gained retail sales experience in large commercial stores and eventually became an Assistant Manager for Bebe in Beverly Hills, CA. While working part time, she attended college at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, interned in the Editorial Department of InStyle Magazine, and volunteered for local fashion events to establish a credible portfolio. At the young age of 19, Elaine moved to New York City and landed a job at major publishing house, Gruner and Jahr, as a Fashion Assistant for YM Magazine. Through the years, she landed prominent roles as a contributing Fashion Market Editor for titles such as Cargo, Fitness, Instyle and more. Susan Kaufman, Editor-In-Chief of People Stylewatch Magazine, recruited her to be the Accessories Editor for its monthly issue prototype. At 24 years old, she was the youngest Fashion Editor on staff. Always wanting to evolove herself and her career, Elaine studied Business and Entreprenuership in the evenings at New York University with plans to one day start her own women's boutique.

In June 2006, Ecookie, opened it's doors on one of Los Angeles' up-and-coming streets. Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, California was on the rise with several small independent shops and attracted crowds with its unique and artistic flair. Ecookie set itself apart from its competitors by carrying high-end brands mixed with New York indie designers. Ecookie was bold, colorful, young and trendy. The neighborhood quickly grew to love Ecookie with its late night hours (attracting restaurant crowds), shopping happy hour with wine and beer, and hospitable client relations business model. During the economic downturn, Elaine adapted to the drastically changing consumer climate and thrived her business by developing a private label collection that offered higher profit margins, faster turn, and new weekly inventory. It was not long before Ecookie recieved numerous press write ups from Lucky Magazine, Angeleno Magazine, LA Weekly, Daily Candy, WWD, Racked LA, Refinery 29, and many others . Ecookie also grew an impressive celebrity clientele that included Julia Roberts, Rachel McAdams, Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello, Molly Ringwald, Alicia Silverstone, and Sara Bareilles. Due to a triple rent increase at its current location and building and safety issues with its new location. Ecookie closed its doors in 2014

Elaine is married and a mother to two daughters.