Meet Abby Lane | Founder & Owner of Chérie Lane, Recent Baylor University Graduate

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

Hi Abby, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about the boutique industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is how it can be difficult to supply pieces that other’s would buy and not just yourself. It is important to find styles that many different types of women would feel beautiful and empowered in. Additionally, it is important to be a visionary when picking out styles for the store. You could find multiple wonderful pieces across different vendors, but if you can’t see how they would all pair together to bring about a feeling or theme, then it will be harder to style and sell them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I recently graduated from Baylor University this past May with degrees in Supply Chain Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. I plan to begin work for an oil and gas company in Dallas, TX as a Category Specialist. I will be running Chérie Lane on the side in my free time. I got where I am today because of the amazing support network that surrounds me. My family has been there for me through thick and thin and I have had some incredible professors who have bent over backwards to help me achieve my goals. I would not be here today with out them! My sweet friends have also played a large role in my success and building me up when I needed it most whether that was running my small business or difficulties of college – they’ve seen it all!

Starting a small business in college is no easy task. While it is a great way to get the word out and build a community around it, there will always be people who doubt you and your abilities. This was something that I had to learn to overcome – that the people I thought I was closest to were actually not my biggest supporters. Rather it was my friends who I met in my various classes and organizations that were always cheering me on and wanting to see me succeed. It was also tough to know that there were people in my community who despised me for going after my dreams and starting Chérie Lane. I’ve learned that no matter what it is always important to build these people up so that they feel supported and encouraged even if they are not in the best place to give support back to me. Life is too short to not build each other up and support one another throughout our different endeavors.

If there is one thing I want the world to know about my story and Chérie Lane is that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and not let what other people are going to say interfere with your goals. Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I first began my beading business when I was just seven years old making necklaces and bracelets on the dining room table. I even had business cards, order forms, and a website. Fast forward to high school, I had two major projects in which I was able to choose the area of study. I chose to study what makes or breaks an entrepreneur and different women entrepreneurs that have made an impact in their communities and the world. Little did I know that just 4 years later I would be a self-starter entrepreneur myself also looking to empower women to go after their dreams as well. My wish is that when people see or hear about Chérie Lane, that they know that I am no different than anyone else and that they too can go after their dreams if they put their mind to it and don’t let what others say impact them. I hope that women from all over the world see Chérie Lane as a community of young women who seek to build each other up and empower one another to go after their goals and dreams!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Dallas, TX I would definitely take them to the Uptown area and show them all of the cute bars, restaurants, and shops! We would definitely be going to Legacy West for shopping, drinks, and dinner. It would also be fun to go to a professional sports game depending on what season it was! If we had enough time, I would take them to my home college roots of Waco, TX and show them Cameron Park, Union Hall, Magnolia & the Silos, walk around Baylor’s campus (it is so beautiful), and go to a Baylor college sports game if there was time. These two cities mean so much to me and I would definitely want to show her all the fun, meaningful spots to me!

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?
My family has played a huge part in the creation and success of Chérie Lane. Without their help, I wouldn’t be where I am. Their encouragement and support to pursue despite the obstacles has meant the world to me! They have empowered me when there are hard, slow days but have also celebrated the huge successful days with me as well. They are there for me as I grow Chérie Lane through thick & thin!

Additionally, Baylor University has played a very significant role in my learning of how to start, run, and operate a business. My professors, mentors, and fellow peers have all encouraged and supported me in this journey in ways I never thought possible. I am forever grateful to be an alum from he best university! Sic’ em bears!

Website: www.cherielane.com

Instagram: @cherielane_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherielaneboutique

Image Credits
William Lane Cyndy Lane Casey Culbertson