Renee Smith

Fashionista from birth - Lover of all things glam and reality TV - Grounded by good friendships and good coffee

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
That depends on what day you asked me! I’d dream of being a DJ one day, a fashion designer another. I also loved playing school with my dolls. Apparently I loved that enough to become a kindergarten teacher, but I never lost that fashion bug!

With a blooming business and two littles at home, what keeps you sane?
Lots and lots of Starbucks coffee. Not exaggerating either! Also, not getting caught up in the little things. I’m really good at seeing the bigger picture, whether it’s planning an event for our business or making decisions for my family. If it’s a trivial issue that’s driving me crazy, I just let it go.

What is your fashion statement?
It’s not what you wear, it’s how it makes you feel. My favorite moments are those when I style a customer and her confidence is radiating! Just belting a dress can change the entire look and help show off those gorgeous curves!

Where is your favorite getaway with family?
Camping in the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. When you are in the woods you escape and really let go. It feels good to do that occasionally. Push the reset button on life. The kids play in the dirt, swim in the creeks and life slows down.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Exactly where I am! (And maybe a mountain cabin up in Asheville.) Our city has so much to offer and I feel extremely fortunate. My kids have friends all over the neighborhood to play with, we can drive over to the beach anytime we want, and the mountains aren’t far. It truly is the perfect place for us. Plus, I’ve made many wonderful friends and connections through our business and I can’t imagine having that anywhere else.

If you could change one thing in your life what would it be?
A Starbucks next door! Honestly, I visited a fine arts college in Kansas City as a teen and I always wonder what my life would have been like had I not been too afraid to follow my “pipe dreams.” I, instead, stayed in state at the University of Arkansas and became a teacher. Much more practical. I was a little too afraid to take big risks when I was younger. However, getting to take risks and be creative with our business now feeds my soul and I feel so fortunate.

One goal you’d like to accomplish this year would be?
Maybe not achievable this year but I would LOVE to go to New York for fashion week. I know it’s a HUGE dream but to see the beauty of it all in person would be AH-MAZ-ING!!