We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlotte Welch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charlotte, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I was deep in the world of fashion—styling NYFW, selecting fabrics, and crafting pieces that turned heads for all the right reasons. I lived and breathed style, obsessed with creating designs and looks that were both bold and timeless. But as anyone in the fashion industry will tell you, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. For me, it came from a problem I didn’t even know I shared with so many others: the need for a solution that blended practicality with style.
It all started when I was working different contracts between studios, celebrities, and tech companies. Picture this: I am waking up every day to do something different, I’m running from set to set, or from a celebrities hotel room to a creative direction meeting in an office. I always had a gorgeous handbag I’d designed—perfect for every setting but filled with so many things for my work. I wanted something discreet to store my cannabis essentials, something that didn’t scream its purpose but still complemented my aesthetic. Something that would be available for when I got a break or had a moment, but didn’t shout that I was a cannabis user.
That’s when it clicked. Why wasn’t there something smell-proof and downright fashionable? As a designer, I believed that function shouldn’t come at the expense of style. I wanted something that could float if needed (because, let’s be honest, not all sesh spots are inside) but also looked sleek enough to fit into any outfit or occasion.
Over the following months, I put my fashion expertise to the test. I sourced materials, experimented with designs, and obsessed over every detail. The result was Hautebox—a product that doesn’t just hide your essentials but celebrates the art of discretion in a way only a fashion designer could. It’s minimal but statement-making, practical yet polished.
Hautebox is more than a smell-proof case that floats; it’s a testament to the idea that utility and elegance can coexist. It’s for those who value their privacy and their style equally—those who understand that even the most functional things in life deserve to look good.
So here we are. From the runway to the real world, Hautebox is my answer to a challenge I never expected to face. And every time I see someone carrying one, I know I got it right. Because who says practicality can’t be chic?
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey to becoming a fashion designer and stylist wasn’t exactly linear—it was a whirlwind of creative sparks, bold risks, and a deep love for the transformative power of style.
It started when I was a kid, rifling through my mom’s closet, fascinated by how a single piece of clothing could tell a story. One day she could look powerful in a structured blazer, and the next, carefree in a flowing sundress. Clothes weren’t just things to wear—they were a language, a way to express who you were without saying a word.
By the time I hit high school, I was sketching designs in the margins of my notebooks and thrift-flipping pieces to make them my own. Friends started asking me for advice—how to style a jacket, what shoes to pair with a dress, or how to transform their hand-me-downs into something fresh. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was already stepping into the world of fashion design and styling.
After graduation, I dove headfirst into fashion school. It was exhilarating—learning about textiles, construction, and the art of balancing trends with timelessness. But it wasn’t until I assisted for a designer that I saw the magic of bringing a vision to life. Watching sketches turn into tangible pieces on a runway felt like alchemy, and I knew I was hooked.
Styling came naturally alongside design. I’d create pieces and instantly start imagining how they could be worn—what accessories, what vibe, what story they’d tell. People started coming to me not just for custom designs but for advice on how to pull together looks for events, photoshoots, and everyday life. I realized that design and styling weren’t separate for me; they were two sides of the same creative coin.
Over time, I carved out a niche for myself—a style rooted in flattering silhouettes, bold statements, and a focus on individuality. Whether designing a piece from scratch or helping someone elevate their wardrobe, my goal has always been the same: to empower people to feel confident, authentic, and chic.
Fashion has always been more than just clothing for me. It’s about creating a connection between who you are on the inside and how you show up in the world. And every piece, every client, every moment in this journey has been a reflection of that belief.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I thought the hardest part would be creating the perfect product. I had the vision, the passion, and the drive to bring something unique to the world. What I didn’t anticipate was that the financial world would be one of my toughest hurdles.
I approached banks and payment platforms full of optimism, armed with my business plan and projections. But time after time, I was met with rejection or getting shut down due to having something smoking related. Some said my business was “too niche,” others doubted the potential of a product that didn’t fit their conventional boxes. It felt like every “no” was a question mark on my dream, and there were moments I wondered if I’d ever make it happen.
But giving up was never an option. Instead, I decided to get creative. I looked beyond the traditional pathways and started to see opportunities everywhere.
I leaned heavily on community. I networked like my business depended on it—because it did. I found mentors who had navigated similar struggles, partnered with local organizations that supported entrepreneurs, and even bartered my skills as a designer and stylist to get access to resources I couldn’t afford outright.
At one point, I pivoted to micro-loans and peer-to-peer lending platforms, tapping into alternative financing that aligned with my goals. These weren’t the massive sums I’d initially hoped for, but they were enough to move the needle. Every dollar felt hard-earned, but it also made every milestone that much sweeter.
Most importantly, I let the obstacles fuel my fire. I doubled down on proving not just to the banks but to myself that Hautebox was worth it. And as I grew, the irony hit me—suddenly, the same institutions that turned me down were expressing interest. By then, I had built something they couldn’t ignore, and I had the power to choose how I wanted to grow.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a reputation didn’t happen overnight—it was a process of showing up, staying true to my vision, and delivering on my promises, one step at a time. When I first started, all I had was an idea and a drive to make it real. But in the beginning, there was no trust, no buzz, and no one lining up to take a chance on me.
So, I started small. My first clients weren’t big names or major players; they were friends, family, and local supporters who believed in me. Every collection I created, and every product I sold was a chance to prove myself. I poured my heart into every detail—ensuring quality, keeping the website and communication professional, and making sure everyone I worked with walked away feeling thrilled.
Word started to spread. A friend told a friend, who told someone else. Each time I delivered on what I promised, my name carried a little more weight. But it wasn’t just about the work; it was about how I treated people. Whether it was a customer, a collaborator, or even a supplier, I made it a point to operate with integrity and kindness. People remember that just as much as the end result.
Of course, there were missteps along the way. Early on, I underestimated timelines or overextended myself trying to say yes to everything. But instead of letting those moments tarnish my name, I owned up to my mistakes and worked twice as hard to make things right. I learned that your reputation isn’t just built on successes—it’s built on how you communicate through challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Charlottewelch.co
- Instagram: @homeofhautebox
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/charlottewelch/
