Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Pratt.
Hi Cassie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Worked as an Oil & Gas HR Executive for 7 years (14 total) before leaving to start my own business. Had an online boutique several years ago, but wasn’t ready to make the leap. My husband, Paul, and I left our corporate America jobs about a year ago, and haven’t looked back. I always knew I wanted to open another boutique and often refer to Southern Fuss as “a dream, resurrected.” We launched the website in November 2021, and we’re opening our first storefront in Friendswood, TX late August 12. Paul has an extensive background in warehouse management and wears TONS of hats for Southern Fuss. Ashley Anderson is one of my best friends and literally my right hand. I’m so grateful for both of them. While it’s risky and scary at times, we’re excited to see where this journey takes us. I always encourage people that what’s written for you is already yours, and I couldn’t believe it more – especially now. I knew this time would come. It’s here, and it’s only going to get better.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was very tough for me to walk away from our online boutique back in 2017, but it was necessary. God encouraged me that He’d bring it all full circle if I would just be still. I did, and He has…time and again. Prior to deciding to open a boutique again, my husband and I had a design and construction business called House of Pratt. We still do some boutique projects inclusive of remodeling and pool building, but our main focus really is Southern Fuss. The storefront has been so much fun to design together. We’re not perfect, but we’re a team and we make things happen. Construction always has ups and downs, but he’s an amazing contractor and really keeps things moving. I couldn’t ask for more. The risks of starting any business are scary and this is the largest one we’ve taken together, but it won’t be the last….and the rewards will outweigh the risks.
We’ve been impressed with Southern Fuss, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We’re a women’s boutique specializing in apparel and fun home/gift finds. We focus on being kind, classy and confident. We want women to wear what they want, when they want, how they want, and to feel GOOD in their own skin. We use the slogan “For women who still dress” often. To us, this doesn’t refer to age at all, but more of a woman who knows when you look good, you feel good, and THAT is good. It brings self-confidence and strength – both attractive and healthy.
Here’s our About Us section if helpful:
I’m Cassie Pratt, Owner of Southern Fuss. We are a women’s clothing and lifestyle boutique in Friendswood, TX. We currently sell online and our storefront opens in the Summer of 2022. Super exciting stuff happening around here!! We’ll be in a brand new shopping district called One Sixty One featuring beautiful shopping, a boutique hotel, eateries, etc. But don’t get it twisted – we LOVE our online community and strongly believe we are lucky to have the best girl gang around!
When it comes to style, we’re all about mixing high-end flair with a little edge to offer an eclectic mix and encourage women to dress their best. It’s all about chasing, reinventing, and loving the best version of YOU. We wear what we want when we want, how we want. Our girl gang is kind, classy, and confident, and we’re proud of that. Whether you’re on a mission or shopping for fun, we’ve got something just for you. Maybe you’ll take home a new secret weapon for your wardrobe. Perhaps you’ll find a new everyday staple. When you shop with us, you will experience a FUN upscale vibe and a sense of feeling WELCOME. We WANT to hang with you!
A little about me….Southern Fuss is somewhat of a dream resurrected. My husband Paul and I started a boutique a few years ago, but we weren’t ready to take the leap and leave corporate America just yet. Fast forward a few years, Southern Fuss was born and we are ALL IN! Thank you so much for being on this journey with us. Whether online or in-store, we can’t wait to meet you!
What makes you happy?
Seeing others become and continue to chase the best version of themselves truly makes me happy. I challenge myself to do the same. I think we should consistently grow and change, and we should really try to always leave others better than when we met them that day. I learned all about perseverance at a young age when my father died suddenly. He’d written to me once at a 7th-grade school event, “Be bold, be beautiful, and make a contribution in life.” And that’s exactly what I’m trying to do.
Teamwork makes me happy. There’s something magical about people accomplishing things together. I can’t wait for the team we’re going to build.
Downtime, travel, rest, being in the presence of my family makes me happy. Everyone deserves a little time away now and then.
Work makes me happy. There’s always something to work for, something needing to be done, and this gives purpose to all the chaos.
I’m not perfect, and I know it, so please don’t misunderstand. Ha! I always say “I’m prayerful, not perfect.” But God has been, is being, and will continue to be good. And that makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.southernfuss.com
- Instagram: @southernfuss
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernfuss/?ref=pages_you_manage
Image Credits
Cenia NY
Karlie Remaining
