Meet Caryn Schumack | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caryn Schumack and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caryn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The decision to start my business sparked from conversations with my friends and family. I have always loved to express my personality through accessories. The brand that I shopped with frequently for bracelets stopped making them and offered her vendor list for purchase. I bought the list with the intention of using it for personal use only. Once I began posting my creations, others wanted their own pieces and thus MyDarlinNikki was created.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated from Lamar University with a Bachelor’s in Finance. After graduation, I immediately entered the job market in the Accounting field and have since also taken on HR functions as well. My career helped me in my business by seeing the behind the scenes aspect of a business from inception to close. I was able to take my knowledge of websites, marketing, and purchasing to form the model from MyDarlinNikki. The experience allowed me to mitigate some of the risk because I knew about fee structures and wasn’t blindsided by unexpected costs. It also allows me to think from a margin perspective. It has allowed me to be calculated and also secure in knowing that success doesn’t happen overnight.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I wanted to show someone the best time in the city, we would kick off the weekend with drinks at Urban Social on Thursday night. It’s not too crowded, the drinks are nice and the music is amazing. Friday, we would definitely hit Grooves happy hour. No matter what vibe you are looking for, Grooves never misses. From there we would bounce around on Main Street, stop by Underground Hall for a bite to eat (Bird Haus is my favorite) and end the night at Bovine & Barley for drinks and music. Saturday, we would have brunch at Lucille’s and see what exhibit is available at the museums. For night life, we will hit Washington Avenue and bar hop. Sunday Funday. You CANNOT visit Houston and leave on a Sunday. Sunday Funday is an absolute MUST. We would start at Phil & Derek’s for brunch and then pop over to Chapman & Kirby to continue the party. Before the night is over, we would definitely end at Bar 5015. Houston has so many pockets or bars and restaurants that no matter where you wind up, a fun time is bound to happen.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to dedicate my shoutout to my tribe. They have honestly pushed me to take a chance. They are always available for me to bounce my ideas off of them and ready to help in any way they can. It definitely makes it easier to start this unknown process, when you have a team of family and friends who are there with you and cheering you along the way.

Website: www.mydarlinnikki.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mydarlinnikki

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mydarlinnikki