Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Kienitz.
Before finding a perfect fit in Chicago, Shirley Kienitz studied theater in New York, explored Europe, and focused on fashion at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, graduating with honors in 2003. Shirley arrived in Chicago to debut her Bruiser collection and open Wolfbait with gal pal Jenny Stadler.
Jenny Stadler, a Chicago Heights native, and former cake decorator, Jenny studied fashion at the International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago as a recipient of the Stanley Paul Foundation Scholarship. Following graduation in 2002, she began Brazen Judy.
Wolfbait & B-girls opened up shop on April 1st, 2006, with a mission to highlight local Chicago designers. Owners Jenny Stadler (Brazen Judy) and Shirley Kienitz (Bruiser) craft their respective collections in store. From concept to consumer, pattern making to price tags, it’s all happening before your eyes at Wolfbait.
The name Wolfbait & B-girls is a nod to historic Chicago. The 1950 guidebook Chicago Confidential defines Wolfbait as girls who move to the city looking for success, and B-girls as what they sometimes turn into, think b-side, bad girl, Bruiser & Brazen Judy.
Articles have been written about Wolfbait in InStyle Magazine, Lucky Magazine, Time Out Chicago, Chicago Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Reader, The Chicago Journal, Newcity Journal, and Women’s Wear Daily.
They are listed in several travel guides including Not for Tourists, Walking Chicago, Lonely Planet and Unscene.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, it has not been smooth sailing! Ethically driven Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, and I have no idea how people pursue it when money is the goal instead of intrinsic satisfaction. If you follow your passions you’ll find the energy and heart to pull thru the tough times that will undoubtedly arise.
Please tell us about Wolfbait & B-girls.
Wolfbait specializes in unique, affordable handmade treasures that are a direct reflection of our artistic community. Our in-house collection, Bruiser, is completely constructed in our shop studio from patterns to products, are conduits of my personal playful style. However, our diverse group of designers offers something for everyone, regardless of taste or budget.
Our conscientious shoppers appreciate that (Shirley and Staff) we are always here. Our store is our studio, giving them insight into our creative process and creating a communal environment.
Shopping locally is crucial to preserve individuality and promote economic growth within our communities. We have many interesting statistics on our why the local page of our website detailing the environmental and fiscal impact of small independent businesses like ours.
When we opened 13years ago, our shopping local concept was a new one. We still lead the pack when it comes to supporting young makers and helping them shape their products and purpose. Also, my own women’s wear collection is created right in the store, see me working out a pattern one day, try on what came of it by the weekend. This small batch, handmade aspect gives an item a kind of magic that mass-produced pieces just don’t have.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that 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?
To be open and honest with the people in your life. This will lead you to mentors who share your interests and values, who will gladly share their knowledge and experience with a good listener. Be participatory!
Contact Info:
- Address: Wolfbait & B-girls
3131 West Logan Blvd
Chicago, IL 60647 - Website: www.wolfbaitchicago.com
- Phone: 312-698-8685
- Email: wolfbaitchicago@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @wolfbaitchicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wolfbait-B-Girls-253882104785/
Image Credit:
Carissa Coughlin @salt.factory
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