We are thrilled to introduce one of the newest stores to Styleshack.com, Cotton and Copper. This chic women's apparel store offers a curated variety of trendy and romantic feminine clothing. In the store spotlight below, owner, entrepreneur and major girl boss, Erica Kelch, shares her journey of starting the business, advice on managing time and of course her personal style notes!  

{SS}: Can you share with us your career background and how you got started with your company? 

{Erica Kelch}:  My background is in digital advertising and marketing. I graduated Michigan State University with a degree in marketing. After graduation, I moved to Chicago and got a job at a digital advertising agency and have been there for the last 6 years. I decided to use my career background and love for retail therapy and merge the two together, to create an online shop for fashion minded women like myself. 

{SS}: What inspired you to start this business?

{Erica Kelch}:  The idea came to me a few years ago, when I was faced with a situation most women encounter in their mid-twenties …the year of a million weddings! I’m the type of person that has to find the perfect outfit for every occasion. Between the showers, bachelorette parties and actual wedding, not to mention traveling for most occasions, it was difficult to stay on budget and on trend, while living in a major city. I came across some small local online boutiques across the U.S that offered affordable fashion that you wouldn’t find in big box retailers and I fell in love with these shops. One day, I told myself, “This is what I want to do, I can do this!” I bought a domain name and the rest is history!

{SS}: Can you share with us any lessons learned or business advice you have gained throughout your journey of being a business owner? 

{Erica Kelch}:  Owning your own business requires a tremendous amount of passion, drive and patience. You have to put yourself out there and give it everything you have, every day.  It’s challenging, but incredibly rewarding at the same time. I’ve learned so much during this process, every day I feel like I get a little better and that’s what makes it such an exciting journey!

{SS}: What do you love about your job?

{Erica Kelch}: I love that I can curate a space for women to have fun with fashion, without spending a fortune. The shop offers high quality fashions that are on trend and everything is under $100.  When you put on a dress and look like a million dollars in it, knowing you paid under $100 for it – is an amazing feeling and a win in every fashionista’s book! 

{SS}: Who inspires you in the Fashion/Design world? 

{Erica Kelch}:  Lauren Conrad has been a huge inspiration.  She has done a brilliant job creating an empire that is relatable and attainable to women in their 20’s and 30’s.  

{SS}: Your secret to work/life balance?

{Erica Kelch}: It’s a tough balance when you are starting out. Every day I wake up and write down 5 key items to focus on, those are the areas I focus on for that day. If it’s a larger project, I set goals for when I want to accomplish it and break into pieces so it’s more manageable. It’s so easy to over work yourself, but quality time with friends and family and traveling with my husband is what keeps me going. When I let my mind rest and have balance in my life, I’m more creative.  

{SS}: What are your current favorite product(s) on the site?

{Erica Kelch}: 

SHOP: BB Dakota Hildy Water Color Maxi / BB Dakota Jolene Dress

SHOP: Take me to Church Midi Skirt / Tied Up Chambray Top

SHOP: Everly Feeling Floral Tank

{SS}: In regards to your personal style, do you have a signature accessory?

{Erica Kelch}:  I wear a gold necklace with my wedding date engraved on it. My husband has always pushed me to live out my dreams so it’s very special to me. 

{SS}: A few items in your "Styleshack" A.K.A closet that you can't live without? 

{Erica Kelch}:  My Henry and Belle skinny jeans, they fit like a glove! Chaser Brand graphic tees and sweatshirts. They are so soft and fun to wear. Bralettes {LEFT: Barely There Bralette} they are great for layering under oversized tees or under blouses to add a little extra detail. 

{SS}: Who inspires your style?  Favorite Style Icon?

{Erica Kelch}: I don’t have one particular style or icon. Anything classic and feminine or inspired from the 1920’s era. I love the gilts and glam of fashion during that time. 

{SS}: Style Archetype? 

{Erica Kelch}: 

 

{SS}: What is the "2016 Spring Trend" you are most looking forward to ? 

{Erica Kelch}:  Off the shoulder tops and breezy dresses. They are both perfectly feminine and can be styled is so many ways.

{SS}: Favorite fashion, lifestyle, food or business blog?

{Erica Kelch}: The Everygirl. It has a little bit of everything and I love that it’s based in Chicago! 

{SS}: Favorite place to eat? (In your local neighborhood)    

{Erica Kelch}: Bavettes in River North, Chicago. The crab and avocado salad is what dreams are made of!

{SS}: Never leave home without…. 

{Erica Kelch}:  Lip gloss {LEFT: Sara Happ The Lip Slip: One Luxe Gloss MasqBeauty}

{SS}:  Favorite quote or words to live by?

{Erica Kelch}: