Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Schuck
Hi Catherine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, my mom took me shopping when I was a few days old, and I like to joke that’s when it all started. From a very young age I always loved fashion and clothes and would even spend hours drawing hundreds of my own clothing designs. When I was 15 I started working at the Limited Too and when I was in college, I worked at BCBG Maxazria. I had a little too much fun there, and would spend my whole paycheck at work, so I ended up having to get a second job. But, I absolutely loved that job and getting to help people look and feel their best when they would come in to buy something.
After graduating from the College of Charleston, I ended up in sales in corporate America. I have met so many wonderful and supportive people all over the country from my company. My friends, family, and coworkers have been coming to me over the years for help on finding outfits for events, what to wear, or what to pack for vacation and what to plan for vacation. I always seemed to get the same response: “you know you should do this for a living.”
My dad is self-employed and I’ve always been inspired by him and I finally took the leap of faith to start a business. I work with so many amazing women and have so many friends that are busy working, raising families, and don’t like to shop or don’t have time to shop. I was on an afternoon walk and had the idea to have a “lifestyle boutique.”
I started with my online shop with a handful of items and offering personal and travel styling to friends and family. My online store has started growing and now I’m doing pop -up events around the Charleston area. My goal is to find a brick-and-mortar store front as I continue to grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, I am just winging it here. I’ve never run a business and I’m still not really sure what I’m doing sometimes, but I love a challenge. I was a studio art and art history major at the College of Charleston, so I’ve never even taken a business class. Of course, there have been struggles along the way. Being self-funded I’m sure is a challenge for any business. I’m working full time in corporate America and running my business at night and on weekends. I’ve been learning how to do a lot of things I would have otherwise previously considered a foreign language, like sales tax, building a website, and social media. I think that first announcement that I was starting a business was the most nerve wrecking. You never really know how people will react. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s been a smooth road, but it’s so much easier to overcome the obstacles when you are doing something you love and building something of your own.
As you know, we’re big fans of Schuck + Chic. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Shuck + Chic is a lifestyle boutique. If you’ve ever thought, I just want to travel and look pretty, that’s the idea. ( I feel this!)
I specialize in fashion and travel. No surprise here, but I love to shop, so I love a good boutique. There are a ton of great ones in Charleston! I think what sets Schuck + Chic apart from others, is our lifestyle approach. I’ve curated a unique, fun collection of items you can find online or at my pop-ups. My style is a bit fun and funky, and not always the traditional-southern, Charleston style.
If you find something from us to buy, we love that! If not, I can take the work out of shopping for you. Not everyone has the same style, body shape, or lifestyle. Sometimes things are not a one size fits all, and the same goes for boutiques. That is why I started curating closets and curating journeys. Whether you simply want to take your style to the next level, need something for a special event, or want everything from your full travel itinerary down to the details of your daily outfits planned, let’s chat!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’d love a follow on Facebook and/or Instagram. You’d be surprised how much this helps a small business owner! You can shop my collection online or on socials. Feel free to email, text, call or DM me with questions, to host a pop-up, or to book a consultation for styling/travel services.
I also love working with other small business owners. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some great local restaurants, photographers, and hair and makeup artists. If you think I can support you or we can work together, please let me know! I love to source handmade goods locally for my shop for those local artists out there. And I’m always looking for places to host a pop-up– whether it’s a brewery, local market, or an at-home girl’s night!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://schuckandchic.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/schuckandchic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/schuckandchic
