Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Quickel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in Stillwater, MN, Sarah Stratte Quickel is on her third career. She attended St Olaf College where she received her RN and PHN. Her first career was as a public health nurse in Boston and Milwaukee, where mastering how to parallel park was a survival skill.
After moving back to MN with her young family, Sarah embarked on her second career as a stay-at-home mom, navigating the politics of PTAs, baseball, swim, and soccer clubs. She opened Enchanté in 2014 after struggling to find what pieces she was looking for in clothing boutiques. The first location in historic downtown Stillwater was dedicated to providing customers with a thoughtfully curated collection of current wearable clothing that is unique and expressive. 6 years later our customers were asking for men’s clothing as well. Garçon is a companion to our Enchanté woman. Offering some fun quality options for the Midwest guy looking for a place to shop. In 2022 we opened a second location on Grand Ave in heart of a St Paul neighborhood. Enchanté’s tagline illustrates her style, “clothes tell a story, say something interesting.”
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?
The past few years have been a challenge for all small businesses. When I first opened in 2014, about 25% of my brands could be found online. Now it is 100%. We have to monitor the public by trying on our curated collection and then looking them up online. I don’t call them customers as our customers value us. We have signs throughout the store of no photography as the public will take photos of our pieces right in front of us and shop online right there.
This is definitely our biggest challenge. I travel extensively and curated what I feel are the best styles for fit, texture, sustainability, and value. To have a person then try them on and buy them online is very discouraging. Luckily we have wonderful loyal customers with integrity and wish to support small businesses.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I feel that what sets Enchanté apart is the environment we create.
As a nurse in my early life, my strength is having an empathetic ear and making others feel good about themselves.
Our Sandwich board out front says, “Retail Therapy This Way”. We promote body positivity and lift others up. The environment in both of our locations is warm, friendly, and unique.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and are any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
We were pretty lucky during the pandemic. People were avoiding the malls and taking staycations in our town. We are grateful to the loyal customers that continued to support us throughout the trying time for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: shopenchante.com
- Instagram: @enchantemn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnchanteStillwaterMN
Image Credits
Alison Vruno
