Today we’d like to introduce you to Cher Smoot-Johnson.
Cher, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I owe it all to God. I worked in the Bessemer City School System for 18 years and the United States Postal Service for five. I adopted five children and was at home with them for two years. One of the girls that I adopted was giving me problems. Every single day the school was calling regarding something she was or wasn’t doing. This particular Friday, I just cried out to the Lord. What is it??? God, I want to be the best parent I can be to these children, but I feel like I’m failing. I literally cried out to God, asking for him to help me as I help them. The following Monday, riding downtown Bessemer, I saw a ‘For Lease’ sign in a building, and I said to myself, Lord, I would love to have my own business. But again, I was a homemaker. That Tuesday, the same thing, looking at the Building and wishing. That Wednesday, it’s like God took my face and pointed at the Building and said, call the number. So I called.
I spoke with the owner, and he advised me to get the key and really look inside. I did. I was impressed. The Building was freshly painted, just the right size for a Boutique, and move-in ready. When I returned the key, I inquired about the rent. He told me an amount that I could not believe. That Thursday, I went back and got the key and went inside and prayed by myself. That Friday, I signed the lease. Remember, I was a homemaker with little money on hand. I didn’t tell anyone I was signing the lease, not even my husband or family.
Being excited about signing the lease and getting the key, I told my husband what I had done after he got off work. He was upset because he thought I was creating him another bill. I told him God told me to do it. He was still upset. He had me call my brother to tell him what I had done. He knew my brother would share his feelings, whether I agreed with him or not. So I called my brother, asked him to come to ride with me. He did. We pulled up next to the building, parking in front of the Bail Bondsman office. My brother looked at me like He wasn’t getting out to sign anything. Noticing his expression, I was tickled but proceeded past the Bails Bondsman office to the Building next door. I unlocked the door, and my brother got out of the car to come inside. He asked where I get the keys from. Then he asked was my best friend and I fixing to open up a business together. I said no, just me. He said, who gave you keys to a Business with your credit? I said, Jesus! He said that’s why your husband is mad. How much is this rent? When I told him he got excited for me. He was truly encouraging. My husband was still upset and didn’t step foot in the Building for at least 30 days.
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?
When I tell you God told me to get the Building, HE REALLY DID! God was working things out so fast. It made me nervous. I had never been on Craigslist and logged on for the first time. Inquired about some lighted Display Cases. The man gave me a good deal. When I went to Belks to pick up the three that I purchased, he gave me five more. Then the same night, while browsing Craigslist, I came across a lady who was selling Clothing Racks. Contacted her and she told me she was closing her Boutique and had a lot of other merchandise to sell. Went to pick up the racks I purchased, she then sold me a Cash Register, a lighted Flashing Open sign, several mannequins, and other items for ONLY $200. Remember, I wasn’t working and was a homemaker. Her husband even loaded everything up and delivered it to the Boutique approximately 25 minutes away. Then my cousin and aunt loaded me up with jewelry, clothing, shoes, etc. mostly new and some gently used. When I tell you, God was working things out HE WAS!!!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Walk-In Closet is a unique consignment boutique in the heart of downtown Bessemer. We sell High Quality, Trendy and Fashionable Men and Women’s Shoes, Clothes, and Accessories at an Affordable price. Only been opened almost five years and I’m proud to say we have been able to Bless families who’ve lost clothing due to fires or being homeless. We started and partnered with other Businesses to Bless four children for the past five years for the prom, including hairstyles/haircuts, shoes, jewelry, Tuxedos, Gowns, Makeup, Corsages/ Boutineers, Limousine Rides, Professional Photos, and evening Gift Cards to eat with after prom.
We’ve had the opportunity to style icons like Gospel Recording Artists like Jekalyn Carr and Kierra Sheard; over 50 First Ladies; Lawyers, Judges, Doctors and others. We’ve hosted over 50 Fashion Shows for a Cause, including Breast Cancer Awareness, Domestic Violence, Church Events, and Special Needs Children. We have won First Place in the Christmas Decorating Contest for the Businesses in Bessemer. We’ve been Awarded Several Plaques and Certificates for being a Pillar in the Community. Just recently, being in the top 3 finalists in the Minority Business Awards 2020 with Tom Joyner. We love giving and being a Blessing to others. Our customers love being featured as ‘Another Satisfied Customer’ on Social Media, wearing items they have purchased from The Walk-In Closet.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being a ‘Giver.’ I love being a Blessing to others and putting smiles on their faces. When you love what you do, realizing that your business was a Blessing to you, you can’t help but be a Blessing to others. If I can help somebody along the way, then my living would not be in vain.
Pricing:
- $25 – $125
Contact Info:
- Address: The Walk-In Closet
218 – 19th Street North
Bessemer, AL 35020 - Phone: 205-506-2897
- Email: Chersmoot2@yahoo.com
- Instagram: The.Walkin.Closet
- Facebook: The Walk-In Closet:: a Unique Consignment Boutique
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