The Reason for Change: Why I Launched CatherineScholze.com

Have you ever taken the time out of your ridiculously busy schedule to have a wonderful shopping trip just for you? You have a list of things you need: a new outfit for work, some cool looking shoes that you can wear to the office, a new bag. You never have time for you, so you’re going to enjoy this trip and make it as productive as possible! Then you get to the store. Maybe it’s in the mall, or maybe you live someplace that still has a city shopping area. You go to the misses department and try on all kinds of things. But they don’t work: the blouses won’t button or they gap at your chest. The pants are not long enough in the rise. The skirts are cute on the hanger but they make a tent from your butt to your knees when you put them on. The sales person can’t find a size that works. So you walk over to the plus size department. There you find all kinds of outfits. In black. And made from polyester. And the smallest size hangs off your body like a sack.

I lived through that experience too many times, and in 2007 I started to consult custom clothier and sewing instructor, Sarah Veblen, about making my own clothes. She was great! With her, I learned what style lines flattered my curves and what fabrics provided structure and shaping or a good disguising drape. I was in heaven! I learned how to make patterns and sew travel-worthy garments. I met with an image consultant to figure out what colors worked best for me and then learned how to create wardrobe capsules that I could easily pack for a week or two of traveling.

I also had the great fortune of working with a few people who were very aware of how to dress to convey a certain image and message. I learned that appearance is a powerful tool when understood and wielded skillfully. And I enjoyed the benefits. I have long wanted to share that knowledge with other women, but the semiconductor industry offers few opportunities to do that. In fact, 88 percent of my co-workers were male. So I worked on designs and sourcing and tested combinations of fabric and styles while traveling and managing business for some really great people. I loved the tech world, and still do.

The desire to run my own business is genetic: I was raised by a serial entrepreneur. Running my own business was a natural step in my career path; one that I intended to take from the very beginning. So when I felt like I had a solid product that would benefit others, I took the leap. I wanted to create a clothing line that addressed those old retail nightmares. So, I produce clothes in natural fibers for the best wearability; I make everything in the USA by skilled stitchers who understand how to create designer details and earning a living wage; and I sell the clothes directly to my customers to provide a personalized shopping experience at prices affordable to working women.

Now I get to help women achieve their goals every day. I love watching them glow with excitement when the clothes fit well and their wardrobes come together. What a privilege it is to do this work!

By Catherine Griffiths Scholze
Photo by Jurgenfr | Shutterstock

Catherine Griffiths Scholze is the President and Creative Director of catherinescholze.com. Earn income by sharing her clothing line with women in your community. Become a CS Stylist today.