Meet Charla Ruschelle: Fashion Designer & Shop Owner

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

Hi Charla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my own business because I felt there was a need for my products, services and presence. I had always wanted my end goal after college and through corporate experience within my field to position myself in building my womenswear clothing brand. I also wanted to implement my additional skills in alterations, custom-made-to-order, wardrobe and creative consulting, as well as, class workshops and internship opportunities being available in my shop. My passion and mission to establish all of this came in full circle in 2015 when I opened my shop, Concoction theWork_Shop, in Atlanta’s Old 4th Ward area. As I continue with growth of my businesses, I’m looking forward to expanding into other locations and providing additional products and services in fashion, art and curate for creatives. 

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?
Under my parent company, Hazel Eyes Fashion House and Company LLC, it includes my clothing brand, CR Clothing Co./Charla Ruschelle (CRCCo.), my physical shop, Concoction theWork_Shop, where I clothe, create and consult, as well as, CLOTH, a collaborative marketplace of creatives and small businesses. These series of branches are to fully accomodate the convenience concept of a “one-stop” for all things fashion, creating, consulting and business collaboratives. The drive and passion to consistently update, educate and provide top quality service, merchandise and an all-in-one LUX experience to its distinguished clients’ lifestyle, are what sets my company’s a part from others. As established first in the year 2000, CR Clothing Co./Charla Ruschelle (CRCCo.) is best described as, “ A lil sassy, definitely chic’ and alternatively timeless,” women’s ready-to-wear clothing brand. My brand name is my first and middle name, as it suits my fashionably timeless aesthetics. The brand embodies the independent woman that exudes confidence and timeless style, while balancing a fulfilling lifestyle. Along my journey I have had many accomplishments and trials. Some of my most proudest moments have been the opening of my shop in 2015, and being selected to compete in the first premiere season, 2018 designer competition, reality show “Stitched” in Toronto, Canada, on Slice TV. I also had the opportunity of being selected as one of the finalist for the Southern Designer Showcase for Belk in 2017. Lastly, by surprise, my company was recently featured on GQmagazine.com, as the brand to shop for fashionable masks. #MaskedFlyly, it’s essential! Having gained valuable experience working for accomplished clothing brands, big box doors and within corporate sectors, to now being of my own, is an amazing accomplishment. There has definitely been challenges along the way but those challenges I’ve allowed not to defeat me, but rather embrace them in finding a way or make one, with determination to prevail. Shout out to my Alma Mater, Clark Atlanta University! My company’s plans are already in the works for more growth and expansion, and I look forward to it all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friends already know when they come to visit, they will indulge in spots that are such a VIBE! I enjoy the adventures of the Atlanta Beltline for a day stroll. Along the beltline you have so many options when it comes to food, scenery, neighborhood hangouts and people watching. My go-to spots are the ones I discover that are tucked away within a low-key, social scene area and/or a neighborhood street. You see I didn’t mention which ones those are, lol! You can always find something to do in Atlanta, especially if its just to grab a good eat! Some of my favorite food and hangout spots would be Lottafrutta, Tom, Dick and Hank’s, Edgewood Pizza, Pin and Proper and the High Museum.   

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I give endless thank you’s to my Mom and Dad! They’ve supported, invested, encouraged and truly believe in my gifts, talents and being a business woman. I also give so much love to my “Charla Angels” as my clients, supporters, Sorors, my village people since day one and family. Lastly, I give all humbleness, grace and thanks to our Almighty God. Without Thee, I wouldn’t have the strength, courage, gift, faith, passion and determination to be of what I am today, and to be able to continue to elevate oneself.

Website: www.crclothingco.com
Instagram: @crcco
Facebook: CR Clothing Co.
Yelp: Concoction theWork_Shop
Other: Instagram: @ctheworkshop Facebook: @crcco @ctheworkshop

Image Credits
Charla R. Mitchell, Ryan A. Smith