Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Suggitt.
Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in 2013. I got a Idea for a Scarf. I had been sewing for a long time since I was 5 actually. My Grandmother was a amazing seamstress and taught my mother to sew and she taught me. I made the scarf that I would Later call a Snarf for (Snap Scarf). The Snarf is around 5′ long each has leather trim and stainless or brass snaps. I had been dabbling in bag making and i had always loved making blankets for people I cared about. I made enough Items for my first Craft Show and named my new company Sew U.P. Style Company to pay homage to the Upper Peninsula of Mi where I live and grew up. I am a Yooper.
Shortly after my first of many Craft shows I decided to Trademark my company. Sew U.P. Style Company LLC was officially trademarked in early 2014.
I started to sell my products wholesale in hair salons boutiques and art galleries in early 2015.
In early 2017 I started selling my line to a boutique on Mackinac Island MI.
In the fall of 2017 I was notified that a small shop was available off main street on Astor Street. I pitched my Idea to one of the owners with 10 other prospects. I was so nervous till I finally heard back and they picked me! I was so excited my first real store. I had done some seasonal pop up shops in D0wntown Sault Ste. Marie but nothing like my own shop on Mackinac Island. I was in my Astor street location from 18-19 the shop had changed hands and my least was not renewed. At this location I started as a small art store. I carried a lot of my own work and pieces by women I knew and met through the craft show world. I had originally named my store Sew U.P. Style Co. After my design company but soon learned by daily customer confusion it sounded like a sewing store. In 2019 I had moved more into a boutique with clothing shoes and accessories and renamed the store Rustic Chic’ Boutique reflecting my personal style. With my Personal line Sew U.P. Style Co. still prominent in the store, By the 2nd year on Astor the shop was now 1/2 dog store. This was because i was starting to attract dog people due to my dog Jack sitting on the steps. Marketing genius i must say.
In the fall of 19 I was notified that a shop was opening on Cadotte by the Grand Hotel. I was able to secure the lease for that building. So in the spring of 2020 my shop opened on Cadotte even during Covid Mackinac Island was open to tourists, In the Cadotte location I was able to move my store into a fashion boutique. I had dabbled in clothing and accessories on Astor street but it was so small of a location. I was so excited to be able to expand. At my Cadotte Street Location I was able to turn my store into a unique shopping experience full of unique one of kind pieces. I was able to curate a collection where women of all sizes and ages could find pieces they enjoy. The dog section was also growing. I now had lots of toys treats and clothing for dogs. I loved how someone would come in for themselves and find something for their dog or Vis versa.
In the fall of 2021 I got terrible news that yet again my property had sold and my lease would not be renewed. I was devastated. Not long after I was contacted by a fellow business owner offering me the opportunity to take over their lease at a down town location right on main street! I was elated. I was able to secure the lease at the now location 7344 Main Street Mackinac Island.
I have now been at the Downtown location for 4 years and to my women’s and Dog collections Men’s was added. My boyfriend and I reimagined the store due to the much larger location and he joined the business. We think of my Boutique as a fashion forward boutique for Woman Men and Dogs. He has now taken over the men’s portion but my opinion is still heard. Over the years I have found many unique High quality brands. Most brands you’ll find in the store are boutique or well established brands that are cut to order. Sew U.P. Style Co has remained a prominent brand in my store and remains my biggest selling line. I produce every piece Myself still till this day.
I traveled to clothing shows all over the county to find my favorite things never skipping out on quality. I believe that people were looking for unique beautiful quality pieces.
I started to think about designing my own clothing line in 2021. I wanted to maybe do outer wear to pair with my accessory line. Quicky I learned that maybe the clothing line industry was to saturated. After some research I set out to design my own High end dog clothing line. That’s a growing industry. I bought a book online about how to start your own clothing line and I followed the steps. I started sketching in the winter of 2022.
Savage couture LLC. was born in the spring of 2023 a high end dog line including my own designs. The line includes a lambskin leather jacket jean jacket cowl neck hoodie canvas jacket and cardigan, I contacted a boutique clothing producer in LA called TEG. After sending my sketches and working with a pattern maker my first samples were produced in the spring of 2025. Soon the boutique will be adding Savage Couture.
So I’m not exactly sure how I got to where I got to where I am today but if anything I have always been Persistent.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was not a particularly easy rout. I did loose my lease twice in the first three years. Lots of uncertainty
Learning how to run a business. Taxes inventory terms with one year retail under my belt.
Covid happened my third year and that was interesting to navigate to say the least especially being open during those times.
Introducing Men’s wear was interesting. What do men was was even more puzzling than women.
Having a dog friendly store with shop dogs in it should not be as controversial as you think/Learning how different cultures view dogs.
Having shop dogs blessing and pain.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always been happiest and calmest when I’m creating. As long as the sewing machine isn’t acting up. I have been sewing since i was 5 years old. My best friend still has bags I made her in grade school.
I love to give people items I have created in my imagination. I do believe you can create and bake with love creating magical things.
I pick hand pick all the materials that go into Sew U.P. Style Co. Products. I work with a lot of different fabrics form rayons to heavy woven fabrics. Its not a dream to sew Lambskin leather on to lighter fabrics like silk and nylon. I have Mastered it. All my Snarfs have lambskin leather trim.
I also make bags out of cowhide lambskin and hair on hides.
The piece the Snarf and my Worlds Coziest Blankets are what I’m known for but lots of women do love my bags.
I’m proud to be a woman business owner and to have started both my companies on my own.
I’m proud my company has made it 12 years and counting.
I think something that sets me apart from other is my ability to adapt and always look for new opportunities.
What are your plans for the future?
My Plans for the future are to hopefully get Savage Couture into production and in Rustic Chic Boutique on Mackinac. I would love also to get that line into high end dog stores all over!
We are considering expanding to a new year round location and will be scoping prospect cities in the near future. A winter off season road trip is in the works.
Pricing:
- Snarf $120-$175
Contact Info:
- Website: RCBMackinac.com / Sewupstyleco.com
- Instagram: @Rusticchicboutiqueofmackinac
- Facebook: @rusitcchicboutiqueofmackinac / @sewupstyleco
