When you give her the freedom to be creative and fearless, Meghan Santana strives to achieve her wildest dreams.

At the age of 22, Meghan has used her passions to benefit both her life and her business. She has truly defined what is like to be a ‘Chicka.’

You may know her as Chicka Artistica Photography – the wedding and couples photographer…

Or you may know her as Chicka and Co – the lionhearted clothing company owner.

2019 has been the year her clothing company has really taken flight. From constantly adding new pieces to her line, to opening up a mobile camper boutique, Meghan has made the most of her year thus far.

“My brand is very classic, I believe it started a local trend of mixing modern with old-school without overdoing it,” Meghan said. “Being unique in your own way.”

According to Meghan, girl’s are buying confidence, not clothing.

Chicka and Co’s clothing, shoes, and accessories are both striking and flexible. Whether you are a boss lady on a mission, or a stay-at-home Netflix binger, or both like Meghan, Chicka and Co has something for you.

“The best part about my clothes are they fit every personality without going outside the brand,” she said. “Chicka is a whole style in itself! We’re comfortable but at the same time you could wear that outfit to sign a contract.”

As for her highly anticipated fall clothing launch, she has given a sneak peak into what to expect very soon.

“Fall has already begun trickling in,” she said. “Lots of warm, retro designs as well as sweaters and ‘it’ pieces! + shoes!”

For a young and determined business owner like herself, it is hard to imagine a time where she wasn’t this confident and successful running a clothing company.

It was only 2 years ago Meghan brought Chicka and Co to life.

“Back in 2017 I randomly thought… hey what if I sold clothes?” she said. “When I have an idea I really like I go all in, so it took 6-8 months of prep, investing, branding, and learning then launched!”

Meghan believes if you have something you want to do, just go for it.

When asked what advice she has for those wanting to start their own clothing company or business, her best advice is for them to take their time.

“The crazy thing about a clothing company is it works differently for every person. You could be a wholesaler, designer, seller, storefront/online/warehouse, all the things!” she said. “Really have fun with it and avoid going into debt. If you’re using loans or a credit card, which is fine, be sure you have a plan to pay it off.

She also warns aspiring business owners of things to avoid.

“Avoid spending money on silly things or too much money on simple things like tape or poly-mailers. Really have a game plan,” she said. “Avoid buying too much inventory. Restocking is always an option so don’t buy too much at once! Pay attention to what your customers like.”

Meghan believes in being patient not only with your company, but with yourself too.

“Remember to give yourself grace! You got this!” she said.

Her guidance is respected considering the pride and gratification she gets from working hard and helping others at Chicka and Co.

“I adore the relationship I have with these women,” she said. “I have the authority to give someone a free gift, or a coupon, or whatever I please and it’s amazing having those opportunities to not focus on making a buck but blessing someone’s day!”

Meghan gave an example of a recent customer interaction that made her feel that sense of fulfillment.

“I recently did a big giveaway and the gal who won is an awesome mama who told me she doesn’t treat herself often and how excited she was that she won,” she said. “I decided to also write a little note to her in the notebook that was in the package and she posted it on social media, made my day!”

Aside from building her empire and forming bonds with her customers, Meghan appreciates her free time outside of business.

You can find her shopping at Home Goods, watching The Office, or surrounded by her cats.

Her latest passion is embroidery.

“I also do embroidery, which is VERY time consuming so I love when I make time for it!” she said. “Luckily for me, most of my hobbies are involved into the business.”

Meghan now looks at what’s to come with hopeful eyes. Besides the launch of her mobile camper boutique coming soon, her dreams for the future are even bigger than that 31 foot camper.

“Big picture for Chicka and Co is warehouse, employees, and offering wholesale of ‘Chicka’ clothes to boutiques!” she said.

Until then, we can all look forward to her fall line. The fall line is set to be released throughout the month of September.

Be sure to check out and support Chicka and Co here!

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