Meet Charoné DeShazier | RVT & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charoné DeShazier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charoné, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In May of 2020, I was laid off from my job as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) due to Covid-19 and I basically had a lot to figure out. There was a lot of emotion involved including confusion, anger and disbelief at what had just happened after being with my job for almost four years. I was angry for being let go, especially from a company that was still doing well and continues to do so and it led me to feel as though I never wanted to return to the field. While in the moment that sounded like a great idea, there was still the issue of needing an income. I knew I did not want to rely on unemployment forever, so I had to figure some things out and quickly at that. It was by absolute chance that I ended up starting my own business, it literally started because of a need that I had for myself. As an adult, I have developed my mother and her sisters green thumb, which originated with their mother (my grandmother) that soon turned into somewhat of a refuge from thinking about not having a job to be at every day. With that, came the need for space. I was acquiring plants so quickly, I was running out of space to put them! That’s when I began looking into plant hangers. I searched and searched for something that I could fall in love with and display in my home, but nothing seemed to catch my eye. So, I decided to look up how to make them myself. Lo and behold, it came quite easy for me to learn and there it was, my first macramé plant hanger. After I made mine, I did what any proud crafter would do the first time they made something, I posted it on Facebook. And that’s where it all started. A Facebook post. Once my friends and family found out that I could make them, the requests started pouring in and in September of that same year, I decided to start my own business and MacraméByCharoné was born. I had some awesome friends that guided me along the way and a close friend that designed my entire logo for me. I’ve started my own website and have sold at a few festivals/marketplaces, but there is still so much more to do. The world needs to know MacraméByCharoné! Although I have began working again, my main focus is to get my business off the ground and into the homes of plant lovers around the world!

What should our readers know about your business?
MacraméByCharoné specializes in bringing a new flare to an old gem. Instead of the basic, single colored/patterned macramé plant hangers from back in the day, MacraméByCharoné creates one of a kind, custom made hangers. Designs ranging from various braiding patterns, colors, pendants and other decoration varieties to create unique plant hangers. What set’s me apart from the other hangers you may see in an online search is that I take the time to listen to the customer’s needs or try and learn their personality so that not only can I create a home for their plants but create something that represents them in a sense. I am most proud of how far I have come and taking the risk to do something different, something I haven’t done before. It hasn’t been the easiest of journeys and I am still learning every day, but I have a strong support system that keeps me motivated and holds me accountable to achieve my fullest potential. I’ve learned to not let anything stand in your way, even if its your own self. To trust the process and not everything starts off as as a “huge success.” Most importantly, enjoy what you do while you are doing it so it never feels like “work.” What would I like the world to know bout my brand and story? I would like them to know that although I am a small business, I have big plans and won’t stop until I reach my goal. That although it was started by chance, MacraméByCharoné was created out of love and creates out of love. Take risks, believe in yourself, remove the word “no” from your vocabulary in regards to opportunities and keep pushing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend Summer-oh she is the true definition of a “ride-or-die” friend. If she had the chance to come back to California for a visit, I would show her all of California’s gems. San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego. A week full of good food, beaches, good people and fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
These three women had direct influence helping me start my business:

Ashleigh Ducato (MUA, Hairstylist and Artist)- IG: Sh0rtybynature_art
Tiffany Johnson – IG: Tiffanysfashionandbeautycrave
Mikeal Jinae _ IG: MikealJinae

Family: Constant and continuous support throughout my journey
Sharon Jackson (Mom)
Audreya DeShazier (sister)
Eric Williams (Boyfriend)
Countless friends and family members that purchased from me when I first started out

Website: www.macramebycharone.com

Instagram: CraftyQuarantino_daPlantmadame