We recently connected with Charla R. Mitchell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charla R. , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
The foundation of my robust work ethic was laid early in my life, tracing its roots back to my enterprising spirit that sprouted at the tender age of 13 and a half. This was when I took on my first job, a beacon marking the onset of a lifelong dedication to industrious pursuits. Ever since that initial taste of earning, my commitment to gaining value – not just in the form of monetary wealth, but in the pursuit of knowledge and valuable experiences – has remained unshakeable.
I’ve never wavered from the clock’s stern discipline, a virtue instilled in me during my formative years. I come from a household where punctuality was regarded as a sacred principle, and the ethos of my parents’ meticulously planned routines provided an unwavering structure for my siblings and me.
As I ventured into the workforce, these early lessons became my guiding stars, lighting my way through the often labyrinthine world of employment. My professional journey has led me to work with top-tier corporations and esteemed names in the apparel and fashion industry. Over the course of this journey, I’ve scaled the corporate ladder, holding positions ranging from an associate to management roles.
This vast experience, coupled with my inherent leadership skills and accumulated knowledge, has forged the essence of my strong work ethic. Today, these attributes serve as my compass, guiding me through my entrepreneurial journey as a small business owner and the brains behind a successful fashion brand. I attribute my enduring success in these roles to my unwavering work ethic, which is a testament to the lessons I learned in my youth.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At the heart of Charla Ruschelle, a Black woman-owned clothing brand, lies a harmonious blend of individualism, free-spirit, confidence, and timeless style. We are proponents of slow fashion, and our ready-to-wear line reflects this commitment—each piece a vibrant expression of bohemian, urban chic’—a testament to our dedication to elevating everyday style. Each garment, characterized by meticulous construction, premium fabric, and elegant yet simplistic silhouettes, encapsulates comfort, versatility, and timelessness—the very essence of Charla Ruschelle.
The brand’s mission is to empower fashion-forward women to continuously enhance their everyday wardrobes with pieces that radiate confidence. Our goal is to ensure that they always “stay fashionably fly”. We prioritize comfort, self-expression, and sensible pricing in our offerings, providing statement pieces that turn heads with their vibrant color and print fabric assortments.
I purposefully champion ethical and sustainable sourcing in our quest for top-quality fabrics and materials, reflecting our commitment to crafting an independent, high-end brand for an everyday wardrobe. We make no compromises in quality; each Charla Ruschelle garment is meticulously designed to prevent common clothing mishaps, such as duplicate outfits in the same room or seams coming apart due to poor fabric quality, construction, or wash care.
Going beyond the traditional definition of luxury, I pride myself on providing exceptional services alongside our quality products. Through Concoction theWork_Shop, as a fashion designer and shop owner, I offer services such as minor alterations, made-to-order, and made-to-measure—services often overlooked by other high-end and luxury brands.
For me, it’s not just about crafting beautiful garments—it’s about creating clothes that fit seamlessly into our customers’ lives, whether they’re presenting at a women’s forum, heading to an art exhibition, planning a family vacation, or enjoying an intimate dinner. My vision is to empower individuals around the globe with styles that celebrate their unique spirit and cultural independence.
My roots lie in Columbia, Maryland, where I was immersed in a melting pot of multicultural experiences, lifestyles, and diverse fashion trends. Drawing inspiration from this rich tapestry of influences and fueled by my personal love for bohemian, urban, and chic styles, I set out on a journey to make my mark in the world of fashion.
Taking these roots with me, I ventured to Atlanta, Georgia, where I pursued my passion for art, fashion design, and visual merchandising, earning my degree from Clark Atlanta University. It was in the vibrant city of Atlanta that I laid the strong foundation for my clothing brand and shop, establishing its headquarters. Here, my brand flourished and took root, and from Atlanta, I extended my branches globally, reaching out to fashion-forward individuals around the world.
Atlanta became the nurturing ground for my creativity and allowed me to blossom as a designer and entrepreneur. The city’s dynamic energy and diverse community provided the perfect backdrop for my brand’s growth and development. As I continue to expand my reach and make an impact, I am grateful to Atlanta for being the fertile soil in which my dreams and aspirations took shape.
With my roots in Columbia, Maryland, and my headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, I proudly carry these influences with me as I explore new horizons and create stunning fashion pieces that celebrate individuality, confidence, and self-expression. My journey is a testament to the power of embracing one’s heritage while fearlessly reaching for new heights in the world of fashion.
As an experienced artisan with over 20 years in the industry, the brand offers limited-edition, small-batch, and one-of-a-kind pieces that elevate style expression and celebrate confident individuality. Our creations cater to women who value sustainability, self-expression, individuality, and style that enhances their professional and socially-active lifestyles.
As a minority-owned business and clothing-line brand, I aspire to inspire and empower others to follow their dreams and make a positive impact in the world. I am incredibly honored and thrilled to announce that I have been selected as a grant recipient for an upcoming international journey. This grant is a testament to the recognition and appreciation of my work and vision in the fashion industry. With this incredible opportunity, I will be venturing into the culturally rich landscape of
South America’s Colombia, where I intend to make meaningful connections, forge impactful partnerships, and bring my brand to new heights on the global stage. This grant serves as a validation of my hard work and dedication, and I am humbled to embark on this exciting adventure that will undoubtedly shape the future of my brand. I’m eager to connect with women sewing artisans who might become an integral part of our brand’s vision, mission, production, and identity.
This is Charla Ruschelle—a celebration of individualism, cultural richness, and ethical fashion. Join us as we revolutionize the ready-to-wear landscape, one statement piece at a time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey as a purveyor of slow fashion, I recognize three pivotal qualities that significantly influenced my path: resilience, a steadfast commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, and an insightful appreciation of diverse style philosophies.
As a brand of slow fashion, my dedication to ethical and sustainable practices has been at the core of my identity. In a world increasingly aware of environmental impacts, aligning my brand with these values has not only been personally rewarding but has also resonated profoundly with my customers. Early on in their journey, I advise aspiring entrepreneurs to reflect deeply on the implications of their work on the wider world and to integrate sustainable practices right from the start. Embrace eco-conscious choices and make them an integral part of your brand’s foundation – this will not only set you apart but will also contribute positively to the planet.
With every challenge that arose, resilience has been my guiding force. I embraced failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, refusing to be deterred by obstacles. This unwavering determination has been key to reaching where I am today. For those setting out on their own path, I encourage you to view challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Turn your losses to a lesson mindset. Embrace setbacks as learning experiences that pave the way for future success.
My brand honors the diverse lifestyles and unique style sensibilities that span the vast cultural landscape of North America. Simultaneously, we enrich Charla Ruschelle by thoughtfully incorporating worldly influences through our curated selection of fine fabrics and vibrant prints. This harmonious blend creates a timeless narrative that resonates powerfully within and beyond our region.
In conclusion, the cornerstones of my journey have been the commitment to slow fashion, the emphasis on ethical practices, the cultivation of resilience, and an appreciation for diverse style philosophies. To aspiring entrepreneurs, I offer this advice: embed sustainability into the very fabric of your brand’s DNA from the onset, navigate challenges with unwavering determination, and revel in the beauty of cultural diversity as you chart your unique path to success. Celebrate timeless design aesthetics rather than chasing fleeting trends and create a brand that will stand the test of time.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Certainly, I am continually seeking opportunities for collaboration and partnership that align with the ethos and vision of Charla Ruschelle. My interests span a wide range, from social media fashion/creative content professionals and complementary brands: We’d love to collaborate with brands that align with our brand story and identity. We’d be delighted to connect with boutique buyers interested in independent, small-batch clothing brands. We welcome partnerships with individuals or entities willing to invest in our vision and assist us in these areas of scaling our inventory globally. I am also excited to engage with fashion stylists in various fields and to partner with a women-led PR firm experienced in fashion and brand personalities.
If you’re reading this and interested in collaborating with Charla Ruschelle, I would love to hear from you. For more detailed discussions about potential collaborations, please feel free to reach out via our website, www.charlaruschelle.com or social media channels, Instagram @crcco and Facebook @charlaruschelle. Let’s explore how we can create something truly remarkable together.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.charlaruschelle.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/crcco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/charlaruschelle
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/charlaruschelle
Image Credits
Charla Ruschelle, AD Photography ATL, Shades of Light Photography
