The Power of Community: Elyse Walker on Fashion, Family Legacy, and Raising Awareness for Women’s Health
In this inspiring interview, SEAM founder Amy Cohen Epstein sits down with fashion icon Elyse Walker, whose journey in the retail world is deeply interwoven with her personal mission to support women’s health. Known for her eponymous boutiques, Elyse shares how her mother’s passing from ovarian cancer shaped her path, igniting a commitment to community, advocacy, and women’s empowerment. Amy and Elyse discuss the influence of family legacy, the importance of early detection, and the unique role community plays in building awareness and support around women’s health.
Amy Cohen Epstein:
I mean, I always say this, but I'm beyond excited to be talking to you today, Elyse Walker. I’m going to start by telling you a little story—I've never done this before. I'm born and raised in Los Angeles, and I’d moved away for 14 years. So I was in New York, Washington DC, and then overseas. When I came back to LA in 2012, I was dropping my oldest son at baseball in the Pacific Palisades. I wandered into Palisades Village and stumbled into your store, Elyse Walker, having no idea what it was... [Editor’s Note: Story abbreviated for context].
Elyse Walker:
Thank you, Amy. It’s interesting because my path to fashion wasn’t straightforward. My family was in the shoe business, but I never thought I’d end up in retail. I went to Columbia and studied applied mathematics, thinking I’d work on Wall Street… [Editor’s Note: Condensed background for readability].
Amy:
You’ve built this incredible brand and store that feels like a “fashion mecca.” How did you end up here, with such a sense of community and purpose?
Elyse:
Well, my journey took a turn when my mom became sick. She was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer at 40. I was 20 at the time, and it was a huge shock. I started helping with her business as she went through surgeries and treatment… but when she passed, I took over her store and eventually embraced retail in my own way. Years later, when we moved to California, I opened my own boutique, and community became central to everything I do... [Editor’s Note: Edited to streamline narrative].
Amy:
And your mom’s influence clearly lives on in your work.
Elyse:
Yes, absolutely. My mom was social and had this incredible ability to make friends, which is something I think I inherited. I wanted my stores to feel like a home, so each store has a couch and a welcoming atmosphere. We want to build lifelong relationships with our clients, not just make sales. That sense of connection and trust is essential... [Editor’s Note: Edited for clarity].
Amy:
You mentioned early detection earlier, which is so important in ovarian cancer. How has your experience shaped your view on women’s health?
Elyse:
It’s huge for me. My mom went misdiagnosed for almost a year before they found the cancer. Women often push aside their own health concerns, or symptoms are easily overlooked. I always advocate for talking openly about these things, especially because ovarian cancer symptoms can be so subtle. I want women to know their bodies and advocate for themselves... [Editor’s Note: Edited to emphasize advocacy].
Amy:
I totally agree. My mom was also diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and like you, I want to keep her spirit alive through our work. It’s about empowering other women to take their health seriously and ask questions.
Elyse:
Yes, and it’s about educating the medical community, too. My mom’s cancer wasn’t visible in her initial tests, so we need doctors who are willing to dig deeper. I always say that we have to make our private concerns less private—talk about symptoms and trust our instincts... [Editor’s Note: Summarized for emphasis on advocacy].
Amy:
That’s such an important point. You’re also involved in fundraising efforts to support this cause, right?
Elyse:
Yes, I started events like the Pink Party, which ran for 10 years, to raise funds for Cedars-Sinai and support early detection initiatives. We’ve raised millions of dollars, and it’s all been through friends, community, and the amazing people who show up and support us. It doesn’t take huge gatherings—just small groups talking and sharing can make a big difference... [Editor’s Note: Edited for clarity and brevity].
Amy:
You’ve built such a powerful legacy. I’m honored to be having this conversation with you.
Elyse:
Thank you, Amy. I hope I’m teaching my children to carry on this legacy, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this with you.
Amy:
It’s been amazing. Thank you for everything you’re doing for women’s health.
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.