Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Catherine Kunze.
Hi Mary Catherine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, my name is Mary Catherine Kunze. Yes, I am the MC in Uniquely MC (just in case you were wondering)! My story is ordinary enough. I was born and raised in Columbia, SC which I’ve come to appreciate and see as a good thing. Unlike some people, I never had a grand vision for my life. I’m more of an inspired dreamer than the goal-driven type. I’ve always loved to be creative, however, I did not fully tap into my creative potential until I went to college. Fresh out of high school, I headed to Winthrop where I decided to major in interior design. It seemed to me to be the most practical artsy career in the bunch, so I headed off to school ready to tackle the world of T-squares and colored pencils (among other things). College, despite being challenging and stressful, was exciting and surprisingly opened my eyes to my creative instincts. I’ve come to discover that being creative and a free bird is an innate part of who I am and who God created me to be. I graduated from college, in essence, with an unwritten book in my hands. I had no plans and the future seemed so blank and surreal. No more defined place markers in which to mark my life.
So, in 2010, when my employers from my two part-time jobs called me to see if I would be willing to work for them after graduation, I said yes! One of these jobs happened to be a fabric store. This is when I fell in love with fabric. One day a lady came in and talked about how she made tote bags out of the fabric she purchased. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head! The next day I went out and bought a pattern and made my first bag. It started out as a hobby and grew from there. Before I knew it, I was creating my own patterns! Never would I have thought I would try to start a small business of my own. Over time, and much-needed self-discovery, this initial hobby has developed into a dream and passion in which I am diligently trying to pursue. The bumps and twists and turns along the way have been numerous but then again so have the blessings and confirmations. I know the giants of this dream are only just beginning, but I also feel God has been building me up with strength to overcome these obstacles. He has blessed me with so many supportive people in my life that have lovingly pushed me forward and who have helped and encouraged me when I’ve needed it most.
Fast-forward to 2017, I was still working at the fabric store but I had shifted my time to mainly making handbags and selling them at the local farmer’s market. I was just about to ask for all Saturdays off, so I could devote more time to making and selling handbags. This is when my employer informed me that they were closing their business. While this was sad news, it also was the sign and push I needed to take that final step. I’ve been full-time since March of 2017. Whenever I went full-time, my mom, a retired teacher, joined me and we’ve been working together ever since. We have an assembly line process; she cuts and I sew. I’m so thankful for the bond we have and the time we get to spend together!
Despite not always knowing the next step, I know I’m learning and continuing to just “go”. I’m taking one step at a time and trusting God with the rest. Many of these steps are challenging and outside of my comfort zone, and I know I can’t do it on my own, but that’s the beauty of it. I’ve seen God provide in so many different ways with the people He’s placed in my life and the opportunities that have come my way. I can say with confidence that He will continue to provide for my needs.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have been so many obstacles and unknowns along the way. Although, my biggest obstacle has been myself. Owning my own business has been the most humbling and rewarding experience. It has shown me how much I don’t know and how much I let fear direct me. With each new step in the process, I have grown braver but the process inevitably starts over again with the next season of growth. There is always risk involved but you learn to manage the uncertainty the longer you stay in the game.
As you know, we’re big fans of Uniquely MC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a mother/ daughter team from Columbia, South Carolina. Mary Catherine Kunze, the owner of Uniquely MC handbags, went to Winthrop University where she acquired her BFA in Interior Design. Sherrie Kunze is a retired teacher in Richland School District Two. We are an upbeat, mixed media, handbag company in which we design and make all of our products. Our main intention, behind all of our designs, is to create truly unique, one-of-a-kind bags. We practice sustainability by incorporating discarded fabrics, as well as, incorporating vintage belts and military surplus. In an era of self-expression, we want to create an outlet for women to continue to feel empowered to express their individuality through fashion while creating sustainable practices that impact our world and those around us for good.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I would say, slow and steady wins the race. Being a small business entrepreneur is an endurance race. Start small and go from there. Also, a strong support system is invaluable! Surround yourself with like-minded people, who care about you and want you to succeed.
Pricing:
- $16- $350
Contact Info:
- Email: UniquelyMCconnect@gmail.com
- Website: www.Uniquely-MC.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/uniquely_mc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/uniquelymc
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/UniquelyMC
Image Credits
Rachael Carter
