Making high fashion accessible to everyone

Redhead Enterprises, a marketing, advertising and trade show business, has branched out into the fashion world. Beginning Nov. 13, it will host the inaugural Prêt–à–Porter Las Vegas — Ready to Wear, a three-day fashion show at the Rio. For Debbie Landry, CEO of Redhead Enterprises, launching a fashion show and designing a brand have been lifelong dreams.

What is the best business advice you’ve received, and whom did it come from?

Never treat employees as employees but as respected members of your team. Hire them to do a job, and let them do it.

What inspired you to start the Prêt–à–Porter event?

The event was born out of a desire to attend a real fashion show, like during New York Fashion Week. The only problem is, there are no opportunities for the general public to attend these types of events unless you are wealthy, a celebrity, a designer or a buyer. Since I have always been interested in fashion and doing a fashion show, it was a great opportunity to launch just that here in Southern Nevada for every fashionista out there They can walk a red carpet, have their photos snapped and watch great retail stores and local designers show their garments, their designs and enlighten a crowd.

If you started a fashion line, what would your brand look like?

It would be a ready-to-wear line of comfortable clothing for women who may want to hide some bumps and lumps but be stylish and look fabulous.

How did you get into the advertising industry?

By accident. I’m a creative person, and selling advertising led to other opportunities: trade shows (I had 10 years of training in that industry), then marketing came along, and here we are.

You’re involved in a lot — business, philanthropy, entrepreneurism. How do you keep everything balanced and organized?

It’s tough, but I have great support with my business team and now with the show team — and, I guess, a “red-headed attitude” to get things done and always succeed.

What are you reading?

I just finished “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles.” I read only self-help books.

What do you do after work?

Is there life after work? I watch TV to unwind, play with the new puppy and enjoy time with my husband.

Where do you see yourself and your company in 10 years?

Since our plan is to produce the fashion show twice per year (fall/winter and spring/summer), our focus needs to grow with this event. The marketing and advertising part of the business will continue with the hiring of a new sales manager, new sales people, a new staff of employees and an office in 2016.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

Probably Hawaii. We were there last August, and I didn’t want to come back. I just love the people, the climate, the beautiful seas — what’s not to love? — and I’m sure I’d get plenty of visitors.

Whom do you admire and why?

So many, but I guess from a business standpoint, my former boss, who taught me business ethic, fun and hard work and to always work as a team, not as an employee.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Leggings, if not worn correctly. If paired right, they’re wonderful. However, they were never meant to replace pants.

Where do you like to go for business lunches?

There are so many great places in this town and so many lunches to attend. A few favorites are Cili, Nordstrom Café, BJ’s, Brio and California Pizza Kitchen.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My impatience and inability to deal with stress; they both sometimes get the better of me. One of my dear friends who is on my team for this show teaches meditation. I believe after this event is over, she will be teaching me this art, but only after my trip to Hawaii to relax.

What is something people might not know about you?

I enjoy country music and once was a member of the Country Music Association. I was recommended for membership by a great friend, Garth Brooks!