We had the good fortune of connecting with Carissa Merriweather and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carissa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always been drawn to do things that were artistic from a young age. I danced, was a signed musician at one point and fashion has always been something special to me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Growing up in Chicago, entrepreneurship was not something that was a thing for young people my age. We either went to school and got a career, or joined the military to get some kind of a head start. I attended a military high school which may have had some influence on me enlisting in 2010. At that time I was actually signed to a label and thought that music would be my career, but 8 years, 2 children (6 & 2 year old boys) an a husband later, I couldn’t be more thankful for the path that I chose. As an entrepreneur I started out with the mindset that I would never work for anyone else again. I had a goal to open a boutique and attend culinary school within 2 years of being a civilian. A year later I launched my online business and a year after that I started culinary school. I’m most proud though of my resiliency and perseverance. A million times I wanted to give up, a million times I wanted to quit, but I knew I couldn’t fail. I had to win for me and everybody else who is rooting for me. It’s hard being mom, wife, student, CEO, cook, nurse etc and not want to pull your hair out lol. There are times I’m in the middle of a shoot and my baby is 3 ft away screaming for mommies attention Ya know lol, but that’s the kind of things that keep me going. My son is now a fashion geek and changes clothes 30 times a day and wants to take pictures lol. I love that my children see me working hard everyday. Being able to work from home and be with my children is a blessing, because I spent a lot of time away from my first son while I was in the military. My brand is for mom’s, wives, your home girl, cousin or sister…anyone you know that love’s to celebrate themselves. If you want to feel sexy then my brand is for you. If you have a Job interview and need a nice suit to wear then my brand is for you. We will celebrate 2 years at the end of March this year and k can’t wait to grow to even bigger heights.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a sports bar ryoe of person, won’t would recommend places like UBAR, frost bistro is pretty good too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has been a bog inspiration and supporter for me. My friend and business partners damica and Daveldria. They keep me going when I feel like giving up.

Website: Sugaraveboutique.com

Instagram: @sugaraveboutique_

Facebook: Sugar Ave Boutique

Image Credits
@iamreemarkable (Instagram) @deasza (Instagram)

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