Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracie Hess.
Hi Tracie , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a love for retail, I was reading Vogue and WWD in middle school. That led me to study Fashion Merchandising. While in college my brother was killed and I came home to Charleston and just sort of fell into the beauty industry. After 20 years of standing behind the chair, asking women what they were doing after their hair appointment and many times hearing that they were going shopping for a gift of some kind I knew that adding my love of retail and gift-giving to my current business would be a good fit.
Why Charmed? I chose the name Charmed not only because of its appeal here in the South but because I felt like it’s part of my story… You see many times my life has been the opposite of charmed. Growing up, my siblings and I suffered abuse, watched our Mother suffer, endured poverty and rough times. I refuse to give up seeing the beauty, the charm of life. I refuse to be defined by my past and hope that by sharing my story, my outlook that I can help others to find some Charm in their life as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening Charmed Beauty and Gifts was a team effort. Many friends and some family helped restore the space I rented that was truly a disaster zone and make it what you see today. I had no loans. I worked, my husband sold some golf clubs and when I had to hire contractor friends they were kind enough to go above and beyond for the price I paid. I just did what I had to do to make it a reality. I am a hard worker and survival is in my blood.
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?
Charmed Beauty and Gifts is a gift shop and salon located in Charleston SC Our gift shop specializes in locally made, women-owned and personalized items. We offer an amazing monogram service as we love turning a simple set of napkins or baby blankets into a family heirloom.
I am most proud of supporting local female makers and national ones as well by selling their products in the shop and on the website. I am also proud of how we give to causes that are close to our hearts in our community like My Sisters House and Liza’s Lifeline (both help abused women).
We are a southern-inspired brand that strives to make every customer feel loved and appreciated. We have been described as Steel Magnolias with a gift shop and I will take that compliment with pride.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Determination, Gratitude and a love of what I do.
Contact Info:
- Email: charmedbeautyandgifts@gmail.com
- Website: charmedbeautyandgifts.com
- Instagram: charmedshopchs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharmedBeautyandGifts
