Today we’d like to introduce you to Cha’Nice Gunn.
Cha’Nice, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Having a clothing business has always been an inspiration for me. Growing up, seeing some of the hottest trends, to seeing big celebrities rock the best fashion styles and brands, has influenced me to be the fashionista I am today. I was inspired to launch my business when I was in my Junior year of high school. I attended John Marshall High School of Civic & Business Leadership, where my peers and I had to take leadership and entrepreneurial courses to graduate.
One of those courses was J.O.G, which stands for “Jobs for Ohio Graduates.” We learned the basics and processes of filling out job applications, doing mock interviews, dressing as business professionals, and more. Another course along with JOG that we had to complete was E-City, which is for students who want to learn how to start up their own business. E-City was the best course I could’ve taken throughout my entire high school experience because it has transitioned me into the businesswoman I am today.
Taking the E-City class has helped me gain the knowledge of presenting your idea to the world. I learned how to make professional presentations, create a mission statement for my audience, and tell them how and why my business will make a positive impact, making a prototype to show my vision of my product(s), and even managing finances for my business. Did I forget to mention this course was also a contest for students in the Greater Cleveland Area? Yes! We had to create a presentation showing, what our product idea is and how we can make it a growing business. One of those winners was me! I got to compete against 7 others from different schools for my CG Petite Purse Organizer idea and it caught the judge’s eyes. I didn’t make it to the top 3, but I’m glad I had the opportunity to present my product in front of real investors and catch their feedback. And with that feedback, it has led me to want to pursue my own business.
The business I would like to introduce to you is Cha’Nique Boutique. Cha’Nique Boutique comes from my name “Cha’Nice” and the word “Unique,” making it, Cha’Nice’s-Unique-Boutique. The name was inspired by my mom because she feels I’m so unique with my style, along with others, so the name was perfect for the brand! Cha’Nique Boutique is where I custom clothes and add mines or your style to the given products.
Right now, I custom products like denim jackets and denim jeans. I am now adding Ugg boots to my customs list. I want to give women and in the future, men to express themselves freely without the feeling of judgment. I want to set new trends that no one has presented the world to.
The slogan I like to use is, “Only you’ll have it” because every piece is made with love and motivation. Cha’Nique Boutique was registered back in 2018 but hasn’t launched until this year of 2021.
I didn’t get to launch my business in my favor due to being off work for an injury case, so I kind of had to speed everything up to help myself financially. The business has been doing great but I know it can do better. So far, I’ve gained over 200 followers on my Instagram business page (@Chanique.boutique) but the support is still great on my personal page and even outside of social media. If you check the page out, you’ll see that I’ve done a lot of different custom styles that everyone loves. As I am still learning to pursue my business, I am gaining so much fun, love, and positivity out of it, and it only makes me want to continue.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As stated, being off of work since February, due to an injury-related situation, has set me back from a lot financially and mentally. Not being able to work has urged me to find a way to make quick money and that’s what made me decide to pursue my business. I didn’t get to put out my permanent logo, publish my website, or buy all of the materials I need due to my financial issues but I’ve maintained to get things one at a time.
Crafting tends to get expensive and it can get a little challenging for me because the pieces I work on is very time-consuming so I’m only making a profit here and there. I know that it takes money to make money so that’s probably been my only downfall with pursuing Cha’Nique Boutique.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I customize clothes and add our likings to them. I use sequins, glitters, paints, rhinestones, fabrics and so much more. I am proud that I can give people the opportunity to create their own styles and trends. I am glad that I can be the one to show the world, there’s nothing wrong with being different in your own way. Your style is YOU! When you walk out of your house, your style represents you as a person.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me most is being able to provide a safe place for those who want to showcase their inner “Baddies.” I want to uplift women and let them know, no matter what size and shape you are, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Along with men, men showcase some of the best styles and I want them to know they are honored too.
Pricing:
- Denim Jackets $60-$150 depending on if you’re a child, teen or adult
- Ugg Boots $80-$200 depending on if you’re a child, teen or adult
Contact Info:
- Email: Chaniqueboutiquellc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanique.boutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chanique-Boutique-112211231093059/?ref=py_c
