Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharron Gilty.
Sharron, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a 26 year veteran of the beauty industry. Although I still love hair, fashion has always played a major role in my life since I was a little girl. In 2014 I was experiencing some physical challenges and decided to take a beginning sewing class in November (which happened to be my birthday month). I spent one day a week for four weeks learning the basic techniques of the sewing machine. Upon completion of the class I actually completed an entire pillow. Reluctantly, I was more excited about learning the sewing machine than the pillow that I made. For Christmas that year my husband purchased a sewing machine for me and it sat and collected a little dust, I spent a few months searching Vintage Neck Fashion on Pinterest, watching YouTube videos of high end neck fashion from the runways of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc. and videos of “how to make bowties”.
After all of this excitement my inner creativity was enlightened and I decided to pull out the sewing machine and play around. Because of my love and passion for “secretary” bow blouses, bowties, ties and any other kind of neckwear that I can creatively design from my finds during my avid shopping outings at thrift/consignment/vintage stores I decided to concentrate on neckwear and anything that uniquely adorns the neckline. By April of 2015 I made my first design, posted it on Facebook and completed about 20 plus orders in that month. By August of that year I launched my brand “My BowCHIC Boutique”. I continued perfect my craft and was so excited to find T Chad, an amazing sewing instructor where I perfected even more of my skills. Then I wanted to step it up a notch and add more leather to my designs. I found The Chicago School of Shoemaking where I spent a lot of my time creating amazing leather neck art. I truly can say that my more advanced techniques viewing designing from a more creative perspective came from the above two training facilities.
Because I am a Certified Style Coach™, I am able to coach individuals on exactly how to incorporate my accessories into their everyday looks. Fast forward to today, my husband and I sold our salon back in 6/2017. I continue to practice in the beauty industry and fine tune my Style Coaching™ and neckwear/accessory business. I am so deeply embedded in the designing that I cannot STOP! It’s in my blood and I want to continue to creatively design and serve gender neutral individuals (meaning men’s and women can style my designs) who love fashion/style/design and mostly those of you who are willing to “push the button” and LOVE to ‘STAND OUT’! I always say “Why be the same when you were born to Stand Out”.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. It’s a challenge because it has completely taken me out of my comfort zone. As an artist I am pretty much a ‘behind the scenes’ girl and I love my sacred space where I can spend time alone and be in my zone creating. It has pushed me to be more active on social media. At the end of the day you have to put your work out there and build the ‘Know Like and Trust’ factor so that people want to buy from you. And because my product is so very fashion forward and unique I find it challenging at times to figure out what Vending events in Chicago I should participate in or not. I have truly realized that everyone is truly not my customer and I am OK with that.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about My BowCHIC Boutique – what should we know?
I design fashion forward neckwear for gender neutral individuals. I say that because I design mostly for women but I find that all genders fall in love with my product. I specialize in creating any form of unique design that adorns the neckline. All of my designs are created from recycled and or upcycled denim, leather, faux leather/fur, jewelry, other material and unique pieces from Home Depot (including but not limited to chains, washers, etc.) I am known for creating unique, creative and individual neckwear that makes any individual Stand Out! I am most proud of starting my company with no previous sewing and or design experience/background and from just beginning sewing class. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I normally only create ‘one of a kind’ designs. I almost NEVER have two pieces that look exactly alike. So there is never more than one person styling a design exactly the same.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The inspiration for my designs have mostly been High-End Fashion Videos, YouTube and Fashion magazines. However, perfecting and crafting my skill at the level that it is currently have come from my advances sewing classes from TCHAD Design & Sewing classes in Chicago (est. 2005). T Chad is an amazing instructor and can literally instruct any individual how to perfect “any sewing technique” with ease and increased functionality. I love his classes especially because he allows you to work on anything your heart desires. He is such a pro at multitasking and working with beginners and the more advanced.
Sarah who owns The Chicago School of Shoemaking is an awesome cobbler and trainer. I first took a class at her location 2 years before I started designing. I guess the Universe was calling me to design because someone told me about a leather making class that anyone could take and make a belt, clutch, or wrist/cuff. I went and enjoyed it. Since then I attended another class and now am eligible to go to her ‘studio hours’ where you pay by the hour and for any products that you use to create your designs inside the studio. Sarah or her other awesome trainers will provide assistance if needed.
Also, I have some avid fans who love to invest in BowCHIC Designs. These are truly the individuals that keep me inspired esp. when I see someone wearing a design on the Streets of Chicago. (Which I did at a festival this summer). It was exciting and made me proud!
My husband has also been a big cheerleader because he always tells me that my designs are years ahead and I will attract the ‘fashion forward’ customer who is ready for Stand Out Style.
Pricing:
- Overall pricing for designs range from $45-$140
- Most material (denim, faux leather, faux fur, etc.) made designs range from $45-$60
- Most intricately detailed and leather designs range from $70-$140
Contact Info:
- Address: My BowCHIC Boutique
- Website: www.mybowchicboutique.com
- Phone: 773-209-4247
- Email: designs@mybowchicboutique.com
- Instagram: @mybowchicboutique
- Facebook: @achicspace.com
- Other: bit.ly/freeemailstylecourse
Image Credit:
Marcus Mader, Photographer
Darell White, Photographer
Anniece Washington Gantt, Photographer
Mercedes Small , MUA
Steffanie Tulk, Hairstylist
Nicole Petrie, Model
Kesha Collins, Model
Gabija Guzauskaite, Model
Sofi Foote, Model
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
