Welcome to the second interview in our Pride Month Spotlight series! Last week, we met @SquishyFace and this time around, we're excited to feature @HC_Charlie, who is also involved in our Super Seller program.
Community Username: @HC_Charlie
Business Name: Homestyle Charlie - Hershey, PA
Website: www.homestylecharlie.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/homestylecharlie
Facebook:www.facebook.com/homestylecharlie
Where is your business located?
Hershey, Pennsylvania. Sometimes referred to as “the sweetest place on earth” because it’s the home of Hershey Chocolate. But ironically my store sells Seattle Chocolate, because Hershey is everywhere in town and I like to offer items that can’t be found in other stores.
How did you get the idea or concept for your business?
I started selling handmade stained glass and metal and glass jewelry at art fairs, and it gradually grew to include other items like greeting cards and home decor in a permanent brick and mortar storefront.
What makes your business unique?
My products fall into either being sincere, heartfelt gifts...or funny retro kitsch items like magnets and irreverent greeting cards. We also focus on vendors we call “Makers with a Mission” who work toward special causes important to them, like Doctors without Borders, Anti-Bullying Campaigns, and Womens’ Mission Trips.
What’s something you want to learn or wish you were better at?
Singing and dancing!
What’s been the most challenging part of running your business?
Finding new customers.
What’s one thing in your business that you’re most proud of?
Building everything myself from the ground up. If I had known then what I know now, would I do it again? I’d like to think so, but probably not. Taking it one day at a time makes it easy to conquer even the biggest of challenges.
Who is one of your LGBTQ+ role models and why?
Design and lifestyle guru Christopher Lowell. Over twenty years ago, Christopher Lowell taught his TV viewers to believe in themselves, that they had the courage and ability to live a well-designed live. This was before the popularity of HGTV and do-it-yourself room makeovers became the genre du jour. He really was a trailblazer in his field.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you first started your business, what would it be?
Work everyday that you work for yourself like you’re working for a boss. That means stay on task and don’t waste time. Make sure you’re being accountable to yourself, to set and reach goals and add value to your own company.
What’s one thing you’re excited about for 2021?
Developing new products and finding new wholesale opportunities. But I guess that’s two things LOL. Just like Kath Day-Knight says to Kimmy, “I’ve got one word to say to you...”
Great chat, Charlie! Best wishes on developing new products and searching out new wholesale opportunities this year. One day at a time. 😉
View and access the full stories of Pride in Business members who we interviewed this month here: 🏳️🌈 Pride Month Recap 🏳️🌈
