Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Sherwood
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
SKOOL STYLE was officially started in February, 2011. I’ve wanted to open my own store for a while, but the timing just never seemed right. After graduating from Florida State University, I entered the retail industry, working for well-known stores as Burdine’s/Macy’s and The Disney Store. My last position I was a regional buyer for a collegiate bookstore company, and was responsible for as many as 23 stores throughout the southeastern U.S.
But as they say, necessity is the mother of invention. As the economy declined, the company I worked for saw its business shrink, and my position is being consolidated into the company’s corporate office in Nebraska. Since our family has roots in central Florida—we like our school and church here, and are close to family—we chose not to move. Thus, the timing finally was right and a new and exciting idea was born! With the support and encouragement of family and friends, SKOOL STYLE blossomed. I started out with providing spirit wear for one school and quickly had a few more school interested in a partnership. Then was asked if I could provide school uniforms for these schools.
I currently service 5 schools and multiple businesses around town and I am now looking at expanding my business because my children want to eventually take the business over.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part it has been fairly smooth. I believe that is because of my support of my family, education, retail experience (between small specialty experience, large department store experience) and then becoming a buyer/merchandiser. In every job that I ever had, I’ve learned a lot and was determined at some point in my life that I wanted to become my own boss. Don’t get me wrong… I for sure had some learning curves (with the uniform part of my business) but I have worked very hard on learning all I can about what my schools need/want and pride myself with the customer service that my company provides each school.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What we do… the primary part of my business would be uniform sales for private schools. I go on each of these schools campus weekly and some bi-weekly and set up shop selling the uniforms these families are required to wear. I also sell them spirit wear for different events at the schools. I also have parents from these schools that have businesses that need clothing or shirts for different reasons and I help them when possible.
I specialize in customer service. I try and get to know as many families as I can and want to make sure that their student is as comfortable in their uniform as possible.
What I am known for and it also sets us apart from other uniform companies would be that we actually go to each of my schools and setting up shop (which is a lot of work) weekly/bi-weekly. While I am there I providing the best experience I can with the purchasing either of new uniforms for new families or helping out when these students have a growth spurt and need the next size up. Most other uniform companies have a brick/mortar location the families have to drive to get what they need.
I’m most proud of the reputation that I have within the local community/schools. I strive to go above and beyond when someone needs something quickly. Putting a smile on someones face is most rewarding
What were you like growing up?
I was a very active little girl… always getting into trouble for being a bit to talkative in class. I had a lot of friends growing up and got to travel with my family around the country in the summer time. All of these experiences helped to to learn and grown and see what other states are all about and what they offer to those who live there and for the visitors.
I got involved with “color guard” in high school (it’s the part of the band that have the twirlers of flags/rifles) and was captain my senior year and my first year at Florida State I was a “marching chief” on the riffle squad (which was the last year they had a rifle squad only).
Now I enjoy at least 2 snow ski trips a year with my family and getting up to the mountains when I can
Contact Info:
- Website: https://skoolstyle.com
