Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Markovich.
Hi Meredith, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town and was ready to run off the second I graduated. Coming to Austin was a game-changer for me. I never looked back and just kept pushing. I enjoyed nature and grew up as a major tomboy, fishing, getting muddy, hanging with my older brothers, but I always had a love for jewelry and pretty things. I had no idea I’d become a shop owner and work in fashion, but the path started to carve out in my early 20’s. Music, fashion, art, and adventure have been key influences on who I am and how my shop, Risqué Nation, feels. I earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising after multiple major changes and have worked many retail jobs. From each one, I learned a lot and never forgot what I learned. for example, what they did right, and what they did wrong. I like to work hard and I’m not shy when in a leadership position. After managing and merchandising for six years at a smaller local business that had a big online presence, I felt I had the experience to go off on my own and take a risk! I knew I had the experience and the ideas to create a new concept and an exciting one in Austin.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest obstacle has been opening during a pandemic and staying creative, active, and keeping social media flowing. I’ve persevered and have had to think outside the box, but we’ve made it nine months and I couldn’t be more proud. Commit to your work and you will succeed!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Risqué Nation was born from a fashion and music blog created over a decade ago. It remained dormant for years, but the name stayed a part of me. It’s an idea of a community, from fashion to music, to creatives, housed under one name and now one roof. We support local and carry locally made jewelry, apothecary, and reworked vintage as well as new women’s clothing and a growing portion of unisex styles. Our jewelry is for both men and women. The options are really endless for all when it comes to jewelry. The coolest and most unique part of the business is our capability to offer jewelry customization and easy repairs. Our jewelry selection is larger than most small shops. I find so much joy in doing small changes to pieces on the floor to make it the perfect length or combination. RN is inclusive to all. Our clothing style is influenced by music, art, and traveling. You can take a risk or buy some loungewear. The goal is to have something for everyone and occasion. We have plans for expanding our inventory and will be announcing them soon!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
So many aspects of running a retail business matter so much, but most importantly are my customers and our community. I take pride in offering products that empower you. From intoxicating perfumes to clean body products, you will want to use daily to a style of clothing you’ve seen but have dared to try. Being face to face almost daily with our customers allows me to really listen and act on what someone is looking for.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $20-$200
Contact Info:
- Email: Risquenation@gmail.com
- Website: www.risquenation.com
- Instagram: @Risquenation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risquenation/
Image Credits
Images in collaboration with photographer Izzy Rademichir – @putapoetry on Instagram
