April 24, 2017

Meet Charla R. Mitchell of Concoction theWork_Shop and CR Clothing in Old Fourth Ward

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charla R. Mitchell.

Fashion designer, boutique owner and wardrobe consultant, Charla R. Mitchell’s inspiration in designing is to sustain a look that exudes quality and classiness, which is influenced by cultural affairs, historical eras and her artistic upbringing. Charla R. Mitchell grew up with a love for dance and the performing arts. Her fashion career journey continues with a destination to establish her CR Clothing Co./Charla Ruschelle (CRCCo.) clothing brand worldwide, and to become a fashion-mentor influencer for the next generation. Upon graduating from high school, Charla went on to pursue her BA degree in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising at Clark-Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and received her degree in 2000. Charla has built an extensive portfolio, résumé and accolades throughout her last 18 years in the fashion and apparel industry. Charla’s recent accomplishment was opening up her shop in 2015, Concoction theWork_Shop, where she is able to create her collections, provide apparel for retail, provide custom-making to her clientele, minor alterations, wardrobe consulting, mentorship and quarterly sewing classes. Each and every piece of (CRCCo.) has been quality, handmade personally by Charla Ruschelle herself!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think I’m still going through the challenges and getting closer every day in overcoming what may present itself. I’m still not where I want to be with my businesses. As a fashion designer, my goal is to be in closets of women who love to find small brand designers and love the story behind the brand, as well as, love that the clothes they wear represent them, and that the actual designer, me, literally put my hands to work in creating something they will keep forever, because it’s timeless. As for my shop, my goal is to establish nine Concoction theWork-Shops in selective cities, with the same concept as the one in Atlanta, Georgia, to “clothe, create and consult.” From marketing, to production to running a physical shop, it’s all me. So with that, the challenge becomes managing it all. I’m not one to give up, especially because I know my talent, there are people out there who already have me in their closets and many more will want it too. Just don’t give up… I live by my alma mater from Clark-Atlanta University, “I’ll find a way or make one,” and that’s what I do.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Concoction theWork_Shop and CR Clothing what should we know?
Concoction theWork_Shop, I’m just continuing to market to Atlanta as an authentic boutique by a fashion designer, who sews for her own clothing brand, takes custom, made-to-order request for CR Clothing Co. (CRCCo.), provides wardrobe consulting, minor alterations, quarterly sewing classes, as well as, host monthly shop and sips highlighting other local creative businesses. A hidden treasure with so many gems to offer, #GetConcocted. And for the in-house clothing brand, (CRCCo.), established in 2000, women’s ready-to-wear clothing line-brand, CR Clothing Co./Charla Ruschelle ™ (CRCCo.), is best described as, “a lil sassy, definitely chic and alternatively timeless.”

The woman that is CRCCo., is chicly charming among her social circle, as well as, in her professional atmosphere. These women invoke timelessness, style and grace. When designing and creating the perfect looks for the brand, independency and originality becomes a great mix and match for the CRCCo. woman who is discretely making a fashionably fly statement!

What sets me apart, is that I’m a fashion designer, who has been sewing for 30 years. I’m big about customer service in ensuring I’m exceeding expectations for my clienteles’ fashionable needs. I’m a one-stop shop, that is one-of-a-kind all the way!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
You have to be willing to invest in your talent and business. Be sure you recognize your strengths, weaknesses and be real with self. Once you are able to figure that all out, then you set your goals and ensure that you have efficient education, skill, willing to still learn, in order for you to grow successfully.

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