Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Voth
Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our journey began with a simple yet passionate venture into hat making. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and creativity, we started out as vendors at local markets with our Hat Bar idea and venture. Each weekend, we set up our stall, displaying a variety of options to create handmade hats with customers. These markets were not just about selling hats but also about connecting with people who appreciated the artistry and effort behind each piece. Through these interactions, we gained invaluable insights into what our customers loved, enabling us to refine our designs and expand our offerings. The vendor markets were a bustling, vibrant community, and being a part of it laid a strong foundation for our brand.
After establishing a loyal customer base and gaining confidence in our products, we decided it was time to open our own store. This was a monumental step for us, as it allowed us to create a dedicated space where customers could explore our full range of hats at their leisure and sit down creating with us. Fortuitously, when securing our storefront, we had the opportunity to acquire a space that was twice the size of what we initially needed. We saw it as an exciting chance to foster a broader sense of community. This led to the inception of the Southern Ruetz Maker Mall, a space dedicated to local vendors and artists. Renovating the upstairs area, we transformed it into a vibrant hub where artisans could showcase their work, much like how we started at markets.
The Southern Ruetz Maker Mall has since become a cornerstone of our business and a beloved feature in our community. It not only provides a platform for local artists to thrive but also enriches the cultural tapestry of our area. This venture has allowed us to give back to the community that supported us from the beginning, creating a synergistic environment where creativity and commerce flourish together. By nurturing this space, we’ve built strong relationships with other makers and fostered a supportive network that celebrates local talent. Our story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of staying true to our roots, continually inspired by the collaborative spirit that defines us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Not at all. Our journey has been riddled with challenges, beginning with navigating the myriad of rules and regulations imposed by the City of Charleston. Each step of our business growth was accompanied by intricate compliance issues and bureaucratic hurdles that often seemed overwhelming. Renovations posed another significant struggle. Transforming an old building into a functional and inviting space for both our hat store and the Southern Ruetz Maker Mall required extensive planning, coordination, and resources. Unexpected delays and costly adjustments were frequent, stretching our budget and testing our resilience. Balancing these tasks while trying to maintain our focus on creating high-quality products was a daunting task that demanded perseverance and creativity.
Another major challenge was figuring out how to create a space that maintained the vibrant, dynamic feel of a market even when vendors couldn’t be present full-time. The essence of a market is its bustling atmosphere and the direct interaction between vendors and customers, so replicating this environment in a permanent space was complex. We had to design the layout and aesthetics to evoke the energy and diversity of a live market. It’s been continuous learning and adaptation, but ultimately, it strengthened our ability to manage diverse aspects of our business and support our community effectively.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our business, at its core, is dedicated to celebrating craftsmanship and community. We started with a passion for creating unique, handcrafted hats and have since evolved into a multifaceted venture that includes the Southern Ruetz Maker Mall, a vibrant space for local artisans. Our hat store remains the heart of our brand, known for its exceptional quality and distinctive designs that reflect both traditional techniques and contemporary styles. Each hat is meticulously crafted, embodying a blend of artistry and functionality that has earned us a loyal customer base. What sets us apart is not only our commitment to quality but also our deep-rooted connection to the local community. We pride ourselves on being a hub where creativity thrives and local talent is showcased.
The Southern Ruetz Maker Mall is an extension of our commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for artisans. This space is designed to replicate the energy and diversity of a live market, offering a curated selection of handmade goods even when vendors cannot be present full-time. Brand-wise, we are proud of our role in uplifting local artists and providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience. We want readers to know that our brand is more than just a retail space; it is a community-oriented initiative dedicated to promoting and sustaining local craftsmanship. Our offerings extend beyond products to include workshops, events, and collaborative projects that enrich our community and celebrate the spirit of making.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernruetz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernruetz_makermall
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernruetz
