Feature Friday - Love, Charlie
It’s no secret…Jenny and I love to shop! We love checking out small boutiques together and enjoy shopping local and supporting women-owned small businesses. When my friend Lisa, owner of Graze All Day, was hosting a charcuterie workshop at a small boutique we had been wanting to check out, we figured it was the perfect reason to go! Lisa introduced us to Megan Morrison, owner of Love, Charlie, and she is quite possibly one of the nicest people you will ever meet! Not only does she have the best clothes and accessories, but Megan hosts pop-ups at her shop, including several that give back to the community. We are so excited for you to learn more about Megan and her boutique (and how the name Love, Charlie came to be).
Tell us a bit about yourself before you became a mom, and also how you changed when you had kids.
I was only 26 when I had Aidan so I think I changed the most after he was born. I was very dependent on my then husband and lacked a lot of confidence. My marriage was already deteriorating before I became pregnant and got worse as time went on. Therapy was a necessity and ultimately helped me leave the marriage and start over. I really found myself being a single parent and learned how to live independently and raise Aidan with my newfound confidence.
How would you describe what you do and what inspired you?
I have wanted to have a women’s/children’s store since I was in high school. I worked at a local boutique and fell in love with idea of having my own someday. I spoke about the idea with my grandpa Charlie all the time which helped create the name Love, Charlie. He used to hug me in the driveway and tell me that someday I would have my own store…..I truly believe this is his way of signing off to the dream he always knew would happen.
What has been a highlight of your business/project? What’s been a highlight of being a mom?
Creating a community. I have met so many women who are now my friends. Before I started the store, I used to go into Foxtrot on Southport every day. I loved the feeling I had walking in there. It always felt so happy to me, and I loved walking through looking at all the merchandise. I wanted to create a similar space with Love, Charlie. I wanted people to walk in and be happy inside and leave happy with everything they got. We use the phrase “Happy Shopping” in a lot of graphics. It’s on the front door of the store and means exactly the feeling I had walking into Foxtrot. I truly feel we have succeeded in creating a happy space for people to shop in.
How do you take time to focus on yourself while balancing parenting?
I don’t take enough time for myself. I have completely thrown myself into the business and am only not in the store if we are out of town. It’s not necessarily the best thing, but also necessary when owning your own business. My son just graduated high school this year, so it was much easier to be at the store 24/7. I think it would have been much harder splitting my time between parenting and the store had I started this business with younger children.
What tips would you give to other moms to feel successful or empowered?
Therapy….I have recently gone back to seeing a therapist and it has helped me tremendously with the emotions I am experiencing with a rising College Freshman. I can’t speak for everyone, but I think most women are so hard on themselves. Women don’t give themselves enough grace, being a mom is hard, the emotions are always there. For me, speaking to a therapist has helped empower me and make me realize all the emotions I am going through are normal.
How can people learn more about you & what you do?
You can follow the store on Instagram @lovecharliechi or visit the website www.lovecharliechicago.com and follow along!
