Meet: Sharron Miles Gilty!

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: Hi! I am Sharron Miles Gilty from Chicago, Illinois. I am a mom of three boys (10, 19, & 23) and a wife of a very fashionable husband of twelve years.  I am a graduate of Bennett College with a degree in Business Administration, Licensed Cosmetologist of 25 years from Dudley Cosmetology University and became a Certified Style Coach™ from the Style Coaching™ Institute of London. 

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? I have loved fashion since I was a little girl. Growing up, I always loved to wear men ties, bow ties, scarves and anything unique that adorned the neckline. I always stood out in high school and college and was known for my unique style of dress. From that I created my own authentic style and I developed a passion for wanting to teach others to do the same. My specialty is Wardrobe/Closet Consulting and of course Shopping. I truly believe that "amazing style begins first within and then in your closet." 

Two and a half years ago I was suffered from some debilitating headaches and other physical challenges and prayed for and outlet to express more of my talents and God given gifts.  I was prompted to take a beginning sewing class in November of 2014. After receiving a sewing machine from my husband for Christmas that year I procrastinated and didn't pull it out until February of the next year. After playing around with re-purposing garments I continued to practice, watched YouTube Videos and studied the lifestyle and fashion garments of the 18-19th centuries, Black Victorian fashion eras, Vintage fashion, and neck wear of high end designers like Gucci, Prada, etc. In April of 2015 I made and posted my very first design and took orders from Facebook. 

​I continued to practice and develop my sewing technique by taking advanced sewing classes and leather making classes locally. Fast forward to today I continue to study my craft and have evolved my brand to more eclectic one of a kind pieces featuring bows and bow ties but also including any type of garment that beautifully adorns the neckline. I truly consider my designs "Fashion Art".

What advice would you share with those interested in a similar pursuit? I would highly recommend anyone who wishes to live out their dreams in this lifetime to pray and ask for direction for their gifts and talents to be revealed.   The biggest advice would be to LISTEN when you are prompted to take any action (no matter what field you are in) that you feel deep inside. Sometimes your answer may come from a family member, spouse, friend or stranger telling you that you are great at something and that you should pursue it. Others occasionally see gifts that we can't see in ourselves. Ultimately, when the answer is revealed, continue to take baby steps and along the way the bigger steps will be revealed and success will be inevitable. 

I NEVER knew that I would ever become a Fashion Designer. Ironically I always said that I just wanted to show people what and how to wear clothing not actually "make" a garment that they would wear.

Last but not least is a seemingly small bit of advice but could sabotage everything if you do it on a regular basis. Its something that I started out doing in the very beginning of designing and had to STOP!  That one thing is DO NOT COMPARE yourself to others. Yes you can look and admire but don't think someone else is better and or don't feel that you are better.  We are all great and we can all make it if that is our goal. 
Remember...Focus on you, your gifts and your talents. DO YOU!
 
Discuss a professional challenge and how you overcame it: Last September 2016 I decided to keep my salon (after 12 years) and remodel it in order to rebuild a new team of stylists after it had been on the market for 1 1/2 years. A resignation email from someone very dear to me who was going to be instrumental in rebuilding changed the complete structure and idea of my salon rebuilding process.  The email came on a Saturday back in February of this year. . Although I was disappointed and hurt. The following Saturday I went to look at some salon suites and had already planned to attend a Fashion Meetup. While driving to my destination I heard the message I needed to hear from Pastor Joel Osteen ,"Don't put a question mark where God put a period." 

I met a Commercial Realtor (who is a model as well) at the Fashion Meetup.  She had the salon on the market less than two weeks of receiving the "dreaded" email. , and in a few months the salon was sold (this past June 2017) This took place all within a period of 6 months.  I was all moved into my new Salon Suite by May 2017.  Although it appeared as a challenge to me it was exactly what was needed to give me the push to pursue my fashion career. I continue to give thanks and filled with gratitude for how this seeming challenge presented itself and transpired into my original dream and goal. 

What is next for your brand/business in 2017? The next move from my brand is to continue to work with my Fashion Branding Coach and follow her lead in taking my business to a new level.  Improve upon my design technique, increase my online sells, social media presence, and establish a solid relationship with celebrities/influencers, and boutiques. My goal is to have my designs on the Runways nationally and globally.  I want to create/design my neck wear/accessories for TV, Theatre, Black Tie events and Weddings.  Also, I plan to begin my Interactive Style Workshops for women in 2018. As my business grows I will be seeking to develop a team who can assist me with the day to day operations of my business such as social media, designing, PR, etc.

How can readers connect with you online and through social media?
My website is www.mybowchicboutique.com, Linked In: Sharron Miles Gilty, Instagram mybowchicboutique, Facebook: lovemybowchicboutique, and Pinterest: mybowchicbtq. ​