Life and Work with Charla Ruschelle Mitchell

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

Charla Ruschelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started sewing at the age of seven. I took this skill with me throughout my childhood and off to college, in which, I received my BA degree from Clark Atlanta University, in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising. Class of 2000! During my college years, I established my brand, CR Clothing Co./Charla Ruschelle, a women’s ready to wear clothing line. I made my decision then, that I wanted to become my own boss and have several different entities of a fashion business. I established my parent company Hazel Eyes Fashion House and Company, LLC, with all my DBA’s and brands are underneath. After graduation, I worked within the corporate apparel and fashion industry for over 15 years, and obtained all the necessary skills and knowledge to branch off to build my own brand and establish my businesses effectively. In 2016, I opened my first shop, Concoction theWork_Shop, in the Old Fourth Ward. At my shop, I provide products and services, in which, I clothe, create, consult, carry my clothing brand, CRCCo., do minor alterations, provide quarterly sewing classes, intern & mentor opportunities, as well as, host shop and sip events to promote other creators and designers. My shop, I coin as a fashion designer’s shop, not your average boutique. My goal is to have many more Concoction’s to be concocted in other selected cities.

I’m currently in the works of launching another clothing brand in June 2019, which I’m really excited about. I will be launching, premiering and providing my new collection for CRCCo., as well as, my new brand ,and an exclusive partnership with a New York childrenswear designer, that is doing big things with celebrity kids wardrobing right now! Very excited about being able to have the brand in my shop! But yes, the event, CLOTH X COLLABORATORS , on August 24th. It’s a fashionable brunch marketplace! Tickets are on sale now, on Eventbrite. Definitely come and check out my current brand, my new brand, new business ventures and collaborations! I’m determined to be the best at all that I do creatively and to build my empire, in leaving a legacy of self-determination, the love of fashion and art, and of a woman of color, who inspires greatness in all that you do and/or wish to become.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
With any road, you have bumps, and I surely have hit a few potholes! But the potholes have only temporarily effected my “tires”, the business. I do my best in maintaining  a mindset that I can repair, replace, get new or used, when it comes to those obstacles in having a business. I love what I do, my skills are undeniable, my clientele, “Charla Angels”, stay fashionably fly, and I take the time to evaluate what’s working and what’s not. I’m always open to change, learning and revamping, in order for my brand to be of its best and my pursuit for success is only to succeed. The advice I would and have given to anyone who has an idea and/or is ready to be their own boss in the field of fashion, is to do your own research, know the future of the business and not just the business at the moment. Definitely one needs to know their strengths, be honest with self and also acknowledge your weaknesses. You are never stuck at doing what doesn’t work. If you are determined to succeed and have the strength of the essence of what an entrepreneur is, as well as, being gifted and talented in fashion/fashion design, then walk your pursuit fearlessly, knowledgeable and skillfully.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a fashion designer, wardrobe consultant, and shop owner. My designing creativity and inspiration is to sustain a look that exudes quality and classiness. “A lil sassy, definitely chic’ and alternatively timeless”, is CRCCo. I embarked on a new venture in 2016, opening my first one-stop shop, Concoction the Work_Shop, in the Old 4th Ward, in which, I also clothe, create and consult. The shop is by appointment only and carries my brand, CR Clothing Co. (CRCCo.) women’s ready-to-wear clothing line, along with hosting other Made-in-USA independent designers and beauty creators, as well as, provides services in wardrobe and styling consulting, made-to-order by CR, minor alterations, quarterly sewing classes and offers college student internships. CR Clothing Co./ Charla Ruschelle (CRCCo.), has been around since 2000. As a fashion designer, my brand has brought me so many opportunities and accomplishments. In September 2018, I premiered on the first season of the new series entitled, “Stitched”, a new fashion designers reality competition show, out of Toronto, Canada! It was super dope to have been selected out of thousands of applicants throughout the world, to be able to put my skills to the test up against three other talented designers, and expose the style aesthetics of CR Clothing Co. (CRCCo.), women’s ready to wear. I love creating clothes for women who are looking to be stylishly timeless! Women that rock my brand, are women who want to feel like they have their own personal designer in their closets. As a designer, I’m for individuality, and so are those women who seek and rock the brand. My brand allows women to set themselves apart from their peers, and their empowering confidence elevates stylishly. My clients are known as, Charla Angels.

As a brand, a designer, business woman and shop owner, what sets me apart from others, is that I’m personable, my knowledge of my industry and business is undeniable, I’m skilled in sewing with over 30 years of experience, in which, my brand is quality-handmade by the designer, Charla Ruschelle, as quality is a priority, as well as, customer service and ultimately ensuring my “Charla Angels” stay fashionably fly!

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I love to network! I research weekly of events that are taking place throughout the state, that are beneficial to my growth and making connections to better the business of my brand. My mentors come from an array of different sectors and industries, which is very useful in my continued successes. I as well am a mentor to high school and college students, that are interested in this field of study and/or wanting to explore being an entrepreneur. Mentoring is important. And being able to find someone who is willing to put in the time genuinely to assist you, in your endeavors is a rare. When those rare ones do come your way, embrace and allow them to be a resource, as well as, inspiration for you to aspire higher because that’s what great mentors expect of you to do and want for you. Remember, what I said, those that “put in the time genuinely to assist you…”.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.crclothingco.com
• Phone: 404-913-2792
• Email: clothecreateconsult@clothecreateconsult.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/crcco
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/crclothingco
• Other: www.instagram.com/ctheworkshop

Image Credit:
Charla Ruschelle

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