Martha Clifford is the founder, president, and creative director of m. clifford, an emerging accessory label based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with bags in almost two dozen stores from coast to coast. She’s also a wife, mother, daughter, and working woman who understands the wants, needs, desires, and aspirations of her busy, discriminating, no-nonsense core consumers.
Born and raised in Florence, South Carolina, Martha found herself placed in a sewing class one summer recess by her mother. From that point forward, she never stopped making her own clothes and accessories.
Surprisingly, Martha didn’t turn to a career in fashion right away. Soon after settling in Columbia, South Carolina, she started a catering business. A runaway success from its early days, the company enjoyed a long run, almost 20 years, until a move to Charlotte prompted her to close shop and take a break.
While in Charlotte, and looking for a new avenue to express herself creatively, Martha started experimenting with hand-crafted handbags. Soon, friends and relatives were placing orders, and an entrepreneurial opportunity presented itself. With the support, encouragement, and operational expertise of her husband, Stephen, she launched m. clifford in 2007.
Staying in Charlotte, against the advice of many industry insiders who encouraged her to relocate to the trend-driven enclaves of New York or Los Angeles, she has stayed true to her brand, which she describes as smart, solid, shapely, and sophisticated—a significant contribution to the lives of the women who buy her bags.
Today, Martha is looking forward, with plans for shoes, belts, outerwear, and small leather items undeterred by current economic circumstances. “We’re taking our time,” she says. “But that’s alright. We would’ve done that anyway. We’re not in a rush. We’re in it for the long haul. And we’re going to stay true to what we’re about along the way.”
