Charla R. Mitchell doesn’t just design clothes—she creates a mood with fabrics that are daring and unapologetic. “When it comes to my clients, some may be afraid of bright colors, but it’s magnetic and unlocks her confidence. I love being accessible to the people who wear my clothes—it’s like they have a designer in their closet. My woman is dynamic—whether she’s a real estate agent, an art collector or a teacher showing up in vibrant colors to captivate her students. She’s bold, confident and always ready,” said Mitchell, the founder of Charla Ruschelle Clothing Company.
Mitchell’s brand journey began with passion and persistence. In college, she launched her first collection, WicKid, and later elevated it to CR Clothing Company, Charla Ruschelle. After earning her degree in art, fashion design, and visual merchandising from Clark Atlanta University, she joined Rocawear, managing major accounts like Dillard’s, Macy’s, Jimmy Jazz and DTLR.
Her retail store, Concoction the Workshop, is a hidden gem located in the Old Fourth Ward, a diverse mix of urban and bohemian chic that defines the Beltline of downtown Atlanta. In a recent interview with EBONY, Mitchell shared that she discovered her workspace by chance.
“Coming from the East Coast, I missed the feeling of walking into an unexpected, intimate shop in places like Georgetown or New York. My location lets me bring that vibe to the South, where everything feels a bit more spread out.” Mitchell’s shop is a speakeasy of fashion; you don’t just walk by it, you discover it, including designs that speak to women unafraid to stand out.
Growing up in Columbia, Maryland, Mitchell’s love for the arts went beyond the superficial. Fashion became her language, a way to express what words often couldn’t. She made her own clothes and as a child, she was surrounded by strong influences. “My godparents dressed me up in Benetton when I was little, and I remember loving the feel and color of it. It was how it made me feel,” said Mitchell.
That sense of emotional intelligence and experimentation in fashion followed Mitchell throughout her creative career. Her recent trip to Cali, Colombia, as part of a trade mission expanded her vision of what her company could be. “Colombia was life-changing,” Mitchell recalls. “Connecting with Afro-Colombian designers showed me that fashion can be more than local—it can be global without losing its cultural depth.” This experience deepened her understanding of the global roots of Black identity.
Her latest collection, “High Value University,” taps into her experiences at Clark Atlanta University. “High Value University is about school spirit and legacy. When we show up at homecoming, we’re representing something bigger,” Mitchell explained. “I wanted to give alumni something that reflected the excellence we carry every day—not just the weekend sweatshirt but something that speaks to who we are now.”
Attending an HBCU instilled in Mitchell a deep sense of pride and purpose. “Clark Atlanta was a foundation for my artistry. It gave me a sense of pride in who I was and where I came from. That energy built me as a designer, and it’s what fuels my collections.” Mitchell’s clothing combines Black excellence with a unique creative vision.
Her accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed. Selected for both the U.S. Bank Inclusive Growth Program and the FedEx E-commerce Learning Lab, Mitchell views these recognitions as opportunities to uplift others. “I’m not interested in being the only one in the room. These programs are teaching me how to scale my business, but more importantly, they’re helping me pave the way for other Black entrepreneurs to rise.”
Mitchell’s advice is simple for Black women looking to break into the fashion industry: “Start now. Don’t wait for connections or resources to show up—bet on yourself and watch the rest fall into place. You have to step out boldly, even when the path isn’t clear.”
Mitchell’s journey from a little girl in Maryland to a global designer proves she’s not about trends but transformation. Her designs encourage women to wear their confidence and stories out loud for the world to see.
