Chic Spotlight: The Boutique Truck

Catherine Shadeed, Founder of The Boutique Truck

Cincy Chic: What is The Boutique Truck?
Catherine Shadeed, Founder of The Boutique Truck: The Boutique Truck is Columbus, Ohio’s, first mobile fashion truck offering unique, boutique style (yet affordable!) women’s clothing and accessories to the trendsetting woman on the go!

Cincy Chic: Who’s behind the fashion-mobile?
Shadeed: I’m the owner and founder of The Boutique Truck. As a child other kids wanted to grow up to be doctors, lawyers or firefighters – I, however, wanted to run my own business! I would create babysitting clubs and cleaning kids clubs with my friends complete with homemade business cards, pamphlets and brochures! I’ve always had that entrepreneurial mindset and just so excited that it’s become my reality. I have worked in numerous retail positions throughout the years – all the way from an associate and manager in stores to corporate retail (in two different companies). I can accredit most of my adult working career to retail in some shape or form.

I truly believe that with a good plan, hard work (x100!), persistence, dedication and a great support system that anything is possible! I’ve had the most amazing support system that anyone could ever ask for – my family and friends have been there for me every single step of the way, and I’m so incredibly grateful and blessed!

Cincy Chic: When did The Boutique Truck officially launch?
Shadeed: The Boutique Truck launched on June 28th, 2013 at the Powell Festival in downtown Powell, Ohio.

Cincy Chic: What’s the inspiration behind the concept?
Shadeed: A little over a year ago I began my search for a brick and mortar space – as my lifelong dream was to own my own store! After much research I realized the cost was just too high and finding the absolute perfect location (cause it’s all about location, location, location) was just way too difficult. So, I reluctantly decided to set my dream on the back burner for the time being. However very shortly after that I discovered an article in a magazine about similar fashion trucks out West. Literally it was like a light bulb went off in my head – this was it…my opportunity to finally fulfill my dream! I immediately went to work doing a ton of research, talking to numerous professionals and writing my business plan! About a year later I was able to see all of my hard work and dedication come to fruition at The Boutique Truck’s Grand Opening!

Cincy Chic: Where can followers find out where The Boutique Truck will be parked next?
Shadeed: I post our “truck stops” on our Events page< > on our website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Cincy Chic: Is there anything new on the horizon for The Boutique Truck in 2014?
Shadeed: The Boutique Truck is still very new and I really am excited to continue to see the growth and popularity of the truck around town! Throughout the winter we’ll be having different types of fun sale events online (deals of the week) to continue to spark the interest of our growing customer base. We are also continuing to partner with other local businesses in town (it’s all about supporting local!) to put on amazing and unique events each week.

Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more about The Boutique Truck?
Shadeed: Readers can check out our website at www.theboutiquetruck.com, “like” us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. We also have Instagram and Pinterest!