Exploring Life & Business with Michelle Beckwith of Brenda B’s Shuz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Beckwith.

Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I opened my first business, Michelle’s Shoe Lounge in February of 2015, I started doing pop up shops at places like Chavis Heights Center selling shoes and jewelry. I then decided to use my tax refund to open my first brick and mortar off of New Bern Avenue, 700 sq ft. I was only open six months due to my youngest son getting 3rd degree burns in a grease fire.

We had moved into my grandmother’s home so I could save money to finance my store. I had no credit, no investors, just stepped out on faith and God did the rest. After I closed, I went online and sold all over the US and even Canada. I knew one day I would have a bigger store but this time, I was going to add events on to my space because I loved seeing the networking that people would do when they would come to my first store so I knew I would incorporate that into my vision. So fast forward, five years later after an abusive relationship I decided again to step out on faith and open my second store on Capital Blvd., however I signed my lease two weeks before the governor shut the state down due to Covid 19. As you can imagine, I was devastated!! However, I kept working my two jobs to finance my inventory and buy furniture for my boutique. 

Needless to say, 2020 was a challenging year yet it was a successful year for me. I met new clients, had returning clients and started having events at the 1200 sq. feet location and I started building a brand for myself in the city. So right when the lease was up, I closed the shop down and decided to just rest for a couple of months before looking for another location. I always envisioned me having a stand alone building that had multiple rooms in it however I didnt think that I would actually find one but God had already ordered my steps!! My realtor called and said are you still looking for a space I said sure why not won’t hurt for me to look. And low and behold he found a 4000 square foot building that used to be a casino for a couple of years and before then infamous Bobs Army Supply store that had been there for decades. And guess what is so ironic about it I stayed in the housing project down the street from it growing up and would go in there to buy army jackets which was a trend and still is. I never would have dreamed in a million years I would have my boutique there and have an event space. God is good!! I have no business credit or good personal credit due to Covid 19. I exhausted it all to keep up the bills, again no investors or capital however I am 100 percent committed to the success of my boutique and event venue.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With Covid 19 shutting the state down as soon as I signed my lease and I didn’t qualify for any help from the government. I got two eviction notices while I was in the Capital Blvd. location but I made it thru!!! Single female black with no team because I couldn’t afford to pay any staff. It was very, very hard but I never gave up just kept pushing!!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I sell affordable shoes, clothing, jewelry and handbags. I also do event planning and decor. I am known for my fashion sense and for throwing beautiful, tasteful, and elegant events. My fashion business and my event decor go hand in hand! What sets me apart is I have two successful industries I am in, fashion and event planning and with my new space, I am incorporating both under one roof!! I am most proud of having a space where people can come shop, vent their frustrations, have a glass of wine or cup of coffee and walk out my door feeling different than when they came in!! I want readers to know when having an experience with me rather it’s thru fashion, me planning and designing your event or you just wanting to talk, I am here for you and I will bend over backward to meet your needs!!

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is everyone, no matter your income, demographic, race, or professional area in life, is for you to feel valued, respected and treated with kindness. No matter who came into my business, they were greeted with a smile and kind words and was always walked to the door when leaving. Someone could have been having a bad day but if I can reach someone even if it’s just one person, and can make a difference thats what matters most to me!!

Contact Info:

• Email: contact@theshuechick.com
• Instagram: michelles_shoe_lounge
• Facebook: Michelle Beckwith/ Michelles Shoe Lounge/Michellez Elegant Eventz

Image Credits
Michael Harper DeAshley