Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kathleen Toner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Velvet & Vine is a contemporary online clothing boutique born from a perfect storm of complete exhaustion, a popped tire, and a crushing sense of unhappiness. It was summer 2018 and I felt wildly out of place at my job. Because of this, my anxiety was through the roof at all times. I was in my late twenties, in a city that, despite having lived there an entire year after moving from just-right-next-door Alabama, it still felt brand new.
I was working hours incompatible with making and/or keeping friends, and I began to feel suffocated. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t focus, and couldn’t get a handle on my mood. I was shattered at the end of every day and could not continue to rebuild myself each night. I don’t know how else to describe it, other than to say I was a mere shadow of myself; I genuinely felt like an empty shell of a human. I cannot stress this enough- I. Cried. All. The. Time. I kid you not, I was crying during my commute to and from work every single day.
A big part of the issue was that I left my dream job (and dream city) in Alabama and I missed it terribly. I was working for one of the largest online boutiques in the country with people I adored and doing what I love best- writing about clothes. But, it was a chapter that had to end and, unfortunately, I was having trouble finding anything remotely like it in my new city.
One day, while driving on the “roads” in Buckhead (I use the term “roads” loosely because the amount of potholes in Buckhead is alarming), one of my tires popped. My tire wasn’t old; I had all four replaced less than a year before this incident because this was the second time I’d gotten a flat in Buckhead… and those are the only two flats I’ve ever had! And I actively avoid the potholes! (OK, I realize I’m sort of spiraling here. Back to the story.)
As I sat there crying on the side of the road in my car, I wondered to myself why I had always allowed my dad to do everything for me like the spoiled princess I am. I mean, you would think I’d have to know there would be a day when I’d need to do something other than just pump my own gas, right?
My pride wasn’t about to let me flag down a stranger (I would’ve walked the rest of the way before I did that, to be honest) and I couldn’t afford a tow. (I didn’t know at the time that my insurance coverage included roadside assistance- I just knew I didn’t have AAA. Again, see: “ignorance,” and “spoiled princess.”)
A few more tear-filled minutes passed and, out of absolutely nowhere, I had this remarkable idea- one that had truly never occurred to me before: “Mary Kathleen… why don’t you just do it yourself?”
I didn’t know how to change a tire! Hell, I didn’t even know if I had a spare tire! But, I had to get to work and I didn’t have any other option. So, I did what any decent Millennial would do. I pulled up the YouTube app on my smartphone and searched for a how-to video. “How to change a tire on a Ford Edge” I watched it. And, with only minor difficulty (and major cursing), I changed my own damn tire.
And then something else changed- something in me. I started doubting my self-doubt. Instead of accepting my current unhappy situation, I decided it was time to find another job- one that would allow me to get back into the fashion industry. And, when I couldn’t find anything that felt right while looking for another job, I decided I should create one. Since then, I’ve found a new day job that, while it isn’t my passion, it is an incredible work environment. I have a supportive boss, amazing coworkers, and leave each day feeling like I did something meaningful. I’ve made friends in Atlanta and have found a small sense of community here- a feeling that grows each day. I’m loving this city and am now able to see clearly what a gem it truly is. I feel like myself again.
Velvet & Vine is a mere six months old as a business, but the dream really started to form the day my tire popped- the day I realized I could just do it myself. I’ve hit a few roadblocks, like, say, a global pandemic, but I’m not going to let that stop me. Because many of the wholesale vendors I buy from are located in LA, which has been under a Shelter in Place order, it’s incredibly difficult to purchase new items right now. I’m doing my best to pivot by trying to find ways to collaborate with other small businesses. My inventory may be low, but my drive is as high as ever.
As Disney as this is going to sound, I changed my life when I changed that tire, and I hope these clothes make others feel as good about themselves as I did that day.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Apart from what I mentioned regarding the fall-out from the global pandemic we are currently experiencing, my biggest struggles stem from how difficult the government/state of Georgia makes starting a business. It is incredibly confusing, nothing is streamlined or efficient, and don’t even get me started on the absolute mountains that tax filing/licensing are. As a creative, it’s nearly impossible to do without hiring someone, and definitely impossible to do so without becoming extremely frustrated. Nothing has ever made me feel as insignificant or unintelligent as this process. Maybe that’s the real reason it’s called a “small” business- never will you feel so tiny!
Another giant hurdle is being my own model and photographer, as I am skilled in neither role. I’m not always happy with how my body and face look, so it’s tough not to capture that dissatisfaction sometimes. I’m most unkind to myself when wearing these two hats, so to speak.
And, of course, I can’t forget to mention how tiring it is to work two full-time jobs. Some days, I just want to come home and cuddle with my pups while watching mindless TV. But…not as much as I want to turn this dream into something substantial.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Velvet & Vine – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
What sets Velvet & Vine apart from other online boutiques? As a one-woman-show, I’m willing to go the extra mile. I am able to listen/talk to every customer, find what they’re looking to add to their wardrobe, and remind them that not being able to “pull it off” is an absolute myth.
A customer messaged me a couple of weeks ago to tell me she was bored during quarantine and asked if I would be willing to create a “mystery box” to send to her. Of course, I added the pieces I knew she would gravitate towards on her own, but I also added a few things I thought she would have fun in. She loved them! It felt SO good to have an opportunity to be creative myself while encouraging her to be creative with her outfits, too…even if she can only wear them on neighborhood walks or Zoom calls right now!
Velvet and Vine is where you can find a comfortable, over-sized cardigan, a curve-hugging denim dress, the perfect look for date night, and clothes for work that don’t sacrifice style. When I’m purchasing clothes for my website, I’m buying for the person who enjoys all the different styles out there- from classic to fun to edgy and everything in between.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m currently looking to work with other small businesses, especially those local to ATL. Stay tuned! I’m most looking forward to the day when I’m able to hire others to fill the roles I lack in, such as modeling, photography, administrative duties, and graphic design. I often day-dream about the type of work environment and culture I want to build, so to be able to create that space with others will be such a huge moment for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopvelvetandvine.com/collections/new-arrivals
- Email: info@shopvelvetandvine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopvelvetandvine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopvelvetandvine
Image Credit:
Jessica Surovchak Photography
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