Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy and Morgan Russom.
Hi Wendy and Morgan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Morgan and I have shared a passion for fashion for many years. We have often spoken about having a boutique someday. After completing treatment for breast cancer in late 2019, I set out to accomplish many long-term dreams, including sharing a boutique with my daughter. In January 2023, we embarked on our journey together. We bought an RV and began 216 Collective Mobile Boutique. Our goal was simple: Live our dream and help women become beautiful. We spent many hours painting the interior and getting it ready to roll. Since neither of us had the luxury of quitting our day jobs, we knew this would begin as a weekend-only venture. In mid-May, we participated in our first market, the Barrow Brewing Farmer’s Market. We spent most Saturdays the rest of this year setting up somewhere: Barrow, Empresario Wines, and Taylor Market Days. The work is hard, the days can be very long, and the summer was brutally hot, but we endured. We were fortunate to be accepted at MAKS Mercantile in Salado for a permanent space in September. Today, we can be open for business 5 days a week and still maintain our day jobs. The ladies of MAKS are phenomenal women who are in the business of helping others realize their dreams. We have made great friends and business relationships in Salado and the surrounding areas. We look forward to outfitting locals and visitors for many years to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road could have been a smoother one. It took months to get the RV ready. When we bought it, a graffiti artist had painted it, and the interior was turquoise and orange. With many coats of white paint, our vision began to come together. We had the exterior wrapped because it was less expensive than paint. We hosted a private Sip & Shop in Georgetown, and on the way home at 10:00 at night, I had a blowout on one of the tires. I limped the truck home and had to have someone come out and replace the tire. That was costly. He also advised that I return the rest of them, but I wanted to wait for a few weeks. The following Saturday, I opened at a market in Salado and had another blowout on the way home. I had to replace all 6 tires. One step forward, two steps back!
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I have spent many years in the government software industry with years of travel and conferences. Dressing for work fueled my passion for great style and gave me a confidence I never had before. Sharing this passion with Morgan kept us connected and close throughout the years. After earning her Associate Degree in Merchandise Marketing, Morgan decided she wanted to pursue a career as a hairstylist. She is exceptionally creative, and I am a problem solver. We know each other so well and work with our strengths and weaknesses successfully. As far as my accomplishments, I am most proud of Morgan. I got my strength from my Mother, and I passed it down to Morgan.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
We are looking forward to seeing where this journey leads. We continue to love the style and the ever-changing way it is constantly reinvented. We want to continue to expand our customer base and offer unique and beautiful clothing that makes the wearer feel special.
Contact Info:
- Website: 216Collective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop216collective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shop216Collective
