Hey, y’all! We’re halfway through the week and I’m so excited to bring this Brand Brief series back to the blog! As a series designed to tell stories of women in business and the truths and challenges that come with that, today’s story is just that. Sara Walker of Mark & Co Boutique is a Nashville-based online fashion boutique owner who sells beautiful, high-quality pieces for the sophisticated girl who still loves affordability.

I haven’t met Sara in person (yet!), but she is also a University of Kentucky grad, along with her husband, so I know we have a lot in common, including a love of fashion! We have a mutual family-friend connection and from the moment Sara reached out about Mark & Co I knew that it was a brand I wanted to share with y’all! Let’s dive into more of Sara’s story below:

Hi, Sara! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING ON THE BRAND BRIEF! What inspired you to start Mark & Co? 

Mark & Co was founded in the namesake of my late father with a simple dream of curating pieces that show the power and individuality of the everyday woman. 

What has been the most fun part of starting your business? And in contrast, the most challenging?

Mark & Co has been an amazing rollercoaster ride since we launched in April. The most fun part is getting to see my customers wearing their pieces and seeing the confidence on their faces when they get their new outfits! I have also built relationships and learned from so many very special people that I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to if it wasn’t for this business. Just like anything in life- there are challenges. For me, the most challenging aspect has been the content creation! I APPLAUD content creators because their jobs are not easy! Social media is always evolving and your business has to evolve with the trends to stay relevant. This is something I am consistently working on, learning, and also taking advice from peers who are well-versed in the social media space! 

You can only wear one outfit for the rest of your life. What is it?

I would LIVE in a good two-piece matching set if I could every day! The BOSS blue Mark & Co set is a favorite of mine.

What do you wish more people know about being a woman in business?

The world has come a long way with women in the workplace. I have worked in the Tech Sales world for almost 5 years now and have always known that I wanted to create something of my own that was empowering & life-giving. I love my day job and I know that the soft skills I’ve developed over the years in corporate America have aided the success of Mark & Co. I think it’s important for women to know that running our own business is not a “glamorous” job. As the owner of a small business,  you are the CEO, accountant, inventory team, sales team, customer support, etc. As women, we know that comparison is the thief of joy, and this is one of the easiest traps to fall into when running a business. it’s SO important to have a resilient mindset and an overall vision for your brand that you are consistently working towards every day. 

Where do you find inspiration for the pieces in your boutique? 

I truly believe that everything I carry in Mark & Co is a direct reflection of my personality, uniqueness, and style. Being from the South, the Southern influence is shown through my pieces as well as modern everyday essentials. I think one of the most beautiful things about fashion is not having to choose one specific “style.” I love that as I grow, my style evolves as well! 

What trends are you looking forward to in the coming seasons? Any that you’re loving right now?

I am looking forward to the fall & winter transition! Layering Is one of my favorite ways to style pieces, and fall/winter is the perfect time to do that! I think leather will be back this fall to make a statement as well as oversized blazers and staple pieces as the base layer.

Describe Mark & Co in three words.

Timeless essentials elevated.

Where can everyone find you? Share your website, Instagram, or anything!

You can find me on Instagram at @markandco.boutique & my personal account where I share all things Mark & Co as well as my personal life @lilsallywalker

Our website is www.markcoboutique.com Our Facebook page is Mark & Co Boutique

SHOP MARK & CO BOUTIQUE

I recently shared a #BrieflyStyled video with three Mark & Co pieces that y’all should check out here for styling inspo! I’ve linked some of my favorite Mark & Co pieces below for y’all and Sara was so generous to give TCB readers a discount code! Use code AMANDA10 for 10% off your order!