Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chasline Fontenot . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chasline, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

One of the things I love to do with all my customers is to write them each handwritten thank you notes to show my appreciation. I carefully package each of my customers’ purchases with so much love. As a small business owner, every purchase means so much to me that I try my best to express that in the very small details of my packaging and take my time in presentation as I don’t want to ever take any of my customers for granted or make them feel that way.

Chasline, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Chasline Fontenot, best known to friends and family as Chas. I was born and raised in Mamou, Louisiana and currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

My vision came for my business in 2013. I wanted to combine my passion for fashion with my love for others and sharing Christ. Initially, my business was named Kloset Inspiration and I sold jewelry to women only. Later, I rebranded my business to Identity by Chas by creating shirts for women, men, and children in hopes of simply encouraging others. My business has now expanded to other products such as jewelry trays, pillowcases, and mugs; as well as expansion to its sister business, So Chas. So Chas is a lifestyle brand that offers digital marketing services, purposeful podcasting with The SoChas Chatroom, and connoisseur advice and assembly on thoughtful gifts and creative party favors.

What I feel sets me apart is that I look at my business as ministry first, merch secondly. My products are birthed from my personal experiences. We are living in crazy times. My hope is that my products are relatable, that people don’t feel alone, and that it encourages love, hope, and the desire to keep going. I want my products to meet people at their need, right where they are.

I just celebrated 9 years and I’m most proud of all the people who have been encouraged through my products. I often hear my customers say someone asked me about your shirt in the grocery store or nail salon and that makes me feel humbled and full of joy that it hopefully led someone closer to Christ. Also, hosting a women’s symposium in 2019 and having my mugs on the shelves of Rejoice Christian bookstore in Lawrenceville, Ga.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe your gift makes room for you and your character keeps you there! It is my belief that my character has helped me to build/building my reputation within my market. Kindness, genuineness, honesty, integrity, and love are a few of the traits I strive to build not only my business brand on, but my everyday life.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I wholeheartedly believe because of my purpose in my business, I’m constantly under spiritual attack. I fight a lot spiritually, mentally, emotionally during my alone time. Apart of my unshared testimony are some of the times, I felt defeated, unworthy, purposeless, full of shame, battling depression and anxiety, and wanted to give up. Thankfully, I have hope in Jesus and He has brought me through so much for me to share with others and help bring someone else out of their situation by the words of my testimony. My life has been a journey and hopefully a representation of resiliency, authenticity, strength in God, and grace.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.identitybychas.com
• Instagram: identity_bychas
• Other: Instagram: @so.chas_

Image Credits
@starstudiospics- Stargennia Clark @east_atl_studio- East Atlanta Suite and Studio