koching up joy

SMU grad Nicole Musselman offers a unique perspective on business and life.

By Lizzie Loftus

Not many company founders and CEOs take conference calls while getting their cardio in on a mini trampoline. But SMU grad Nicole Musselman, owner of the Dallas-based women’s clothing brand KOCH (pronounced “cook”), never set out to run her company the traditional way.

“Thankfully, I had parents who were real independent thinkers and encouraged me not to take a traditional path,” Musselman said.

Fou nde d i n 2 01 3 a nd n a m e d a f te r Musselman’s mother’s maiden name, KOCH is known for its casual and chic style. Among the brand’s bestsellers is the Erica Skirt (spoiler alert: it’s a skort) that f latters coeds and moms alike.

“The Erica skirt represents the idea that I wanted to make clothing that people could go out and do the same thing in,” said Musselman. “I want to make casual clothing and things that make girls feel good and sexy and flirty but also like they’re on an intellectual pursuit in a way.”

Musselman not only runs the company but also designs all of its pieces, almost all of which are manufactured in Dallas. The 1992 SMU graduate, who studied advertising and went on to earn a master’s degree in literature, hasn’t forgotten her roots: She frequently hires SMU students as interns and models.

“I was always more interested in building something with people so it felt like a collaborative effort to build a team of people who were like minded who could build something and put it out into the world that felt purposeful and had a mission behind it,” she said.

The KOCH House, a converted 1920’s bungalow on Fairmount Street in Uptown, doubles as KOCH’s retail store and design headquarters. The space is filled with hues of blue and the brand’s signature neon sign. The storefront is designed for customers to leave happier than when they arrived. In addition to the beautiful clothes, there is an endless variety of candy, a fully stocked tequila bar, ping pong tables, cornhole games and even a basketball hoop.

Musselman said the company’s philosophy is based on a principle of joy-making and risktaking. She encourages her clients, employees, friends and family to embark on a quest to fail. Taking risks and failing is the only way to reach true success.

“Behind every success is a million failures and for whatever reason this is not what we show,” Musselman said. “Luck is nothing more than a million risks that you’ve taken that didn’t work out and then amounted to something wonderful.”

Musselman, who faced hardships in her twenties after the death of her father, NBA coach Bill Musselman, gave this advice: Embrace life with a sense of humor and take everything in stride. Life will be tough at times, and come with all sorts of unexpected twists. But if you can, laugh it off.

“If you don’t have a sense of humor when things don’t go the way you want then life can be tricky,” she said. “If you do, I think that you learn from it and become stronger and that the ride is a whole lot more fun and enjoyable.“

On Left: Nicole Musselman, CEO of Koch On Right: Madison McKinley Isner Photography: Chase Hall

In Bloom

What’s on our radar for Spring/Summer 2020

Charlotte Ryan Class of 2024

Twenty-Twenty Vision Sometimes you just need to make a statement. Finish off your outfit in the chicest way with oversized sunnies. Pair a dramatic oversized frame with a simple outfit to always look put together. — Mary-Wesley Maddox

Dot. Dot. Dot.

Say farewell to stars and stripes because the classic polka dot print is everywhere this season. From tops and bathing suits to jackets and shoes, flaunt this feminine print on the beach or the streets. Mix and match it with bright pops of color or even denim pieces. — Chloe Smith

storet.com, $29.90

The most effortless 2020 accessory is the croissant bag. Relaxed and nonchalant, this piece can be dressed up or down for any outfit. Look to Bottega Venetta for inspiration on this trend. — Mary-Wesley Maddox G r a b a n d G o

lelesadoughi.com - $125

Get ready for your tropical vacay because tortoise shell accessories have made a major comeback. While this material is most commonly seen in eyewear, use it this season to make a statement with chunky necklaces, earrings and bracelets. The tones of brown and black make it an unusual neutral to elevate your favorite looks. — Chloe Smith Shell Yeah!

@JENN3

forloveandlemons.com, Top $144, Skirt $135

Crochet has gotten a modern upgrade from its popular hippie look in the ‘70s. Elevate your style with crochet dresses, shorts and matching sets. Plus, it makes the perfect beach cover-up! — Chloe Smith Take Cover

Make any outfit shine with a healthy dose of disco shimmer. Crystal rhinestone belts, bags and shoes are having a major moment this season on and off the runway. Add some glamour to a simple pair of jeans or sparkle all night in an LBD with this versatile day-to-night trend. — Caroline Lidl Shine On freepeople.com, $188

Zara.com, $69.90

Step it Up

As if the ‘90s haven’t provided us enough fashion inspiration this year, the decade’s iconic skinny, strappy sandals are back and better than ever before. In addition to their nostalgic allure, these delicate designs are the simplest way to achieve chic, cool-girl style all summer long. — Caroline Lidl

Not your Basic Bathing Suit

It was an itsy bitsy teenie weenie … long sleeved bikini? This season’s most stylish swimwear defies all tradition with the addition of sleeves, color blocks, mid-drift ties, belts and wild animal prints. — Caroline Lidl