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This week we profile and asked ten questions of community leader, entrepreneur and small business owner Tina Rose, as she begins her 35th year of leading popular ladies’ clothing boutique T. Michelle.  

1.   Tell us a little about your background and education

I earned an associate degree from Motlow State Community College, BA from University of the South Sewanee and MBA from Middle Tennessee State University with an emphasis in finance and marketing. I was born in Knoxville TN and have been in Tullahoma since I was 2 years old…pretty close to being a native.  After graduate school I worked in Franklin, TN as a marketing associate for CPS Corp., one of the largest manufacturers of gift wrap in the world at that time.  I received a couple of promotions but always wanted to own my own business and had always dreamed of opening a ladies store.  But now they are called boutiques.  

2.    When did you start T. Michelle Clothiers and what inspired you to choose a ladies’ clothing boutique? 

I opened T. Michelle’s in September of 1991 on a wing and a prayer that ladies would like our merchandise and taste.  We bought the cottage/house on Wilson Ave. that was the former Flower Shoppe and so it began.  I have always loved clothing and accessories and have always had an entrepreneurial spirit.  We quickly outgrew the little house but I was so fearful of moving.  Change is always scary.  I had always dreamed of building a new store but this time I wanted neighbors for the synergy and traffic.  So 25 years later we built the North Jackson St building and now have wonderful neighbors Fuel So Good Coffee Shop/Bakery and Staffmark; they are both like family to us! 

3.  Did someone encourage you along the way? 

Yes, I had a few people encourage me to start the business but the most encouragement came from my Dad.  He was always encouraging me to take risks and follow my dreams. Always!!!!! 

4.  What do you love most about your work? 

What I love most about my work are the people!!!  Our customers are all ages, all shapes, all sizes and from all different backgrounds.  That is the magic.  No two days are ever the same.  Every day is an adventure and similar to hosting a party and inviting a collage of friends.  I wanted to create an environment in the new store where ladies could gather, shop, visit and simply enjoy each other’s company while trying on all the latest styles and watching others do the same.  In the new location we have much more room where this is possible. 

5.  Why did you choose Tullahoma to open your business? 

I chose Tullahoma because I am a small hometown girl and I love my family and friends.  At one time we did have a second location in Shelbyville but two stores were just too much.  I felt like I lost control of the service that I like to provide when I could not be in two places at one time.  It was a valuable lesson. 

6.  What is a typical day like for you? 

A typical day for me is coffee and then Mother and I head to the store for a day full of surprises…continuous new merchandise to unpack, steam, price and display as well as welcoming lovely ladies coming through the door to shop and visit.  You just do not know who you are going to see.  We are blessed with wonderful customers from all over God’s green earth and I feel truly blessed!  I am also very blessed to have my mother by my side every day and she handles so many details at the store.  She is loved by everyone! 

7.  How many foreign countries have your visited and what was your favorite? 

I have visited 15 plus foreign countries and enjoyed each and every one.  I would have to say Germany is my favorite.  With Russ’ s (fiancée Russ Credle) German history and learning much history from his mother we just truly enjoyed everything from the delicious food to the beautiful scenery to the amazing culture.  

8. How has the women’s clothing industry changed since you opened T. Michelle Clothiers? 

What has changed so much about the ladies clothing industry is the online portion.  We really appreciate all those who shop local at all the wonderful small businesses in Tullahoma.  Amazon has definitely hurt all small businesses like ours.  Another change has been the addition of social media.  It almost takes a village to keep up with creating new posts each day.  Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day.  I can really tell a difference in the amount of activity on days when I have time to post new arrivals on social media platforms. 

9.  What are you involved in outside of your work? 

In my world outside of work there are not a lot of extra hours to spare, but I do enjoy my involvement with First Vision Bank where I serve on the Board of Directors and have for almost 20 years. I also enjoy working in the garden with Russ.  It is fun and much more work than you realize but gives a real sense of gratification when you have several things on the dinner plate that you grew from a seed. 

10. Describe your perfect day off. 

My perfect day off, which is very rare, is spending time at the lake or occasionally several days at the beach.  Both are very relaxing and calming to me after living such a fast-paced lifestyle.