Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelle B Woods.
Chelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Family and friends describe me as a social butterfly and their fashion consultant. Most importantly, one who gives unfiltered advice. I grew up in Savannah, GA. My fashion sense began as a young child where, I would cut pieces of fabric from my mother’s dresses or as my mother would say “from anything she could find” and redesign the fabrics to fit my Barbie dolls and marched them down the hallway at my parent’s home. I remember my mom had this gorgeous long blue and yellow floral maxi skirt. I kept my eye on that skirt and imagined it on my dolls. So one day I took my scissors and glue and went to town! Of course I got in trouble, but that was the beginning of a gifted child in the making.
Fast forward to 2004, I attended AIU Buckhead with studies in Fashion Merchandising which landed me instant on-the-job training at prominent retailers including, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Express and New York and Company working in sales and personal shopping. My first retail job at New York and Co., then name Lerner’s of NY in Savannah, GA. I was awarded top sales among my peers and it felt, so damn good because I really enjoyed dressing women.
The capacity of my design aesthetic evolved in 2012 when I created a handbag line ‘K Michelle Collection’. This was definitely a learning process. I designed 3 capsule collections that had minimal success. It was the start of my design itch and I scratched it until the wounds healed. Unfortunately, I encountered my manufacturer deportation to Mexico and loss everything involved in the production of the handbags… samples, patterns and the remaining inventory. After this happened, I said I was done with designing. It was definitely a punch in the face. I mean, who wants to lose thousands of dollars when you are a working single mother of two. I understood that it was a process, but this was discouraging.
Two years later, I started an online jewelry and women’s accessory store and sold merchandise on eBay and my website. During this time, I was working in the mortgage industry through 2015. This is when, I gave it another shot and created a women’s dress line I had manufactured and produced locally in Atlanta, GA. trying to prevent that dreadful experience from happening again. Samples done, production starting in 2 days, and my list of retailers contacted. Great, right?? I called my seamstress/manufacturer to confirm the production run. On that call, I noticed how ill she sounded. At this point, we had become good friends and I expressed to her to please go see your physician. Two days had gone by and my calls went unanswered. Sometimes, this is normal during production because there are time constraints involved.
Later in the evening, I logged on Facebook and there on my timeline ‘rest in peace, mom’. My heart sinks as I yell what the f***! This can’t be happening, oh my God! My friend/manufacturer died. Now, this was painful and still is. How does one recover from this? I lost a good friend and not to mention what happened to the collection. This was a hard pill to swallow. But there is nothing that happens to us that we can’t overcome. We have to keep progressing and become a better version of ourselves, especially when you are passionate about something.
It’s been a year since I started Mod Instinct. A mod fashion and lifestyle blog that I truly I enjoy. It’s like chatting with close friends about fashion and life lessons… and yes, I will scratch that design itch again, hell it’s been in my DNA since childhood.
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?
It has not been a smooth road. That only exist in fairy tales. Dealing with the death of a friend and the financial losses were discouraging. But quitting was not an option. I remember listening to an audio with Will Smith a few years ago, there was something he said that stuck with me and that was “you are becoming something greater, skill is developed by working on your craft, there is no easy way.” Along the way you have to believe you can do it and act accordingly.
What usually works for me, I tell myself thank you. I do this when I’m feeling overwhelmed about something or even discouraged. The words ‘thank you’ changes the energy in your body. You will wonder why was I tripping.
We’d love to hear more about Mod Instinct.
I run a fashion and lifestyle blog called Mod Instinct in addition to personal shopping services. I don’t believe in branding yourself with so called luxury names, though, I believe in wearing good quality. Mod Instinct was created with this belief, it’s your character and music you vibe to (your tune) that defines your style. I love minimalist design, which is seen a lot on the blog. My style is also swooned by the influence of vintage music, from Motown and jazz to Jagger and Blondie. It’s a modern version of the 60’s mod era.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Becoming a female leader, in millennial terms an influencer renders great responsibility for our young women. They are easily influenced more than ever since the internet and social media are so accessible. As an influencer, we have the responsibility to lead by example. Unfortunately, sometimes the popularity outbid the moral responsibility for female bloggers and fashion influencers. Then, there is the work-life balance. The many hats women wear as wives and mothers, but still have to maintain a productive schedule to grow a brand. We are dealing with the notion that we can do everything, but the truth is we can’t.
Pricing:
- Personal Shopping Service: Lifestyle Essentials (online service) revamp of your wardrobe tailored to your budget and lifestyle. $275
- Personal Shopping Service: Perfect Occasion (online service) special event, class reunion, bridal shower, or speaking engagement, let me find the perfect attire for you. $175
- Personal Shopping Service: Shop With Chelle B (in-person personal shopping) $125 an hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.modinstinct.com
- Phone: 770-742-9554
- Email: michelle@modinstinct.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modinstinct/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modinstinct/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/modinstinct
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/modinstinct/boards/
Image Credit:
Charles Smallwood, Kaylin James
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
