Christine Marchuska, Founder of C. Marchuska
Looking for a sexy new look that won’t break the bank or the environment? Christine Marchuska, Founder of eco-friendly fashion line c. marchuska, along with business partner Brooke Bresnan, may have just the combination you’re looking for.
Born and raised in upstate New York, Christine received her undergraduate degree from Cornell and went on to pursue a career in finance working in New York City for Morgan Stanley. Successful, but unfulfilled, Christine began looking for a way to put her love of fashion to work and delved deeply into sewing and fashion classes based in and around New York’s garment district. When Wall Street layoffs made the rounds in 2008, Christine fell back on her new-found knowledge, and eco-friendly fashion line c. marchuska was born.
With the addition of a professional fashion designer along the way, as well as business partner Brooke, the c. marchuska line continues to focus on sustainability (primarily using bamboo fabrics sourced domestically), urban design, a moderate price-point, and giving back through charitable contributions.
And in case you’re wondering what c. marchuska’s hand-dyed scarves can do for your love life, just take a look at their advertisement…
(yes, you’re going to buy one after watching)
1. Give us a brief description of your line and how it stands apart from other eco-friendly fashion.
c. marchuska is an eco-friendly clothing line by Christine Marchuska and Brooke Bresnan, which provides chic and sustainable clothing at affordable prices. Manufactured in New York City, the clothing is designed to embody versatility throughout different trends and seasons in order to stay true to the sustainable fashion mantra of producing less waste. The sophisticated clothing with green benefits is a perfect match for the socially conscious woman who doesn’t want to sacrifice style, price, or comfort to help save the planet.
2. Fashion design and finance are dramatically different career paths. What appeal does each of them have for you?
Finance and fashion are dramatically different, but are both actually also very much the same in the sense that both industries are constantly changing. Thus, both provide for a challenging environment that keeps us continually learning and trying to adapt to evolving consumer or financial markets.
3. Have you ever felt held back because you don’t have a traditional fashion background?
Well, Brooke actually started out in the creative/design world when she was younger. I have also always had a passion for drawing and art. However, when it comes to design, we knew we needed to utilize true fashion designers who could translate our vision into a reality. We always come up with ideas and the looks we want to capture, but then rely on our design team to make our vision come to life.
4. What method of approaching retailers has been most successful in terms of convincing them to carry your line?
I think the best method has been Brooke and I contacting stores on our own. A close mentor and friend of ours once told us – no one is going to be able to sell your clothes the way you can, because it is your line and you know it inside and out. Although we are looking for new showrooms for representation for upcoming seasons, we still like to hit the pavement and knock on doors ourselves. It is all part of having a line that we really believe in.
5. You decided to go back to a “real job” while continuing to work on your business. How have your co-workers reacted?
I did go back, while Brooke is 100% focused on the business. My co-workers admire and support what I am trying to do. I give 110% to both my day job and my business, which does not make for much of a social life, but it is what I have to do right now. I grew up watching my parents constantly work between their day jobs and businesses so this really is the norm for me.
6. You described your family as being very entrepreneurial. Was it always in the back of your mind to start a business?
From the age of 5, I was always starting businesses with my older brother, Justin. We admired our parents and wanted to imitate them. So, I guess it wasn’t that much of a shock that I would eventually start my own business when the right opportunity and business partner came along.
7. Describe the person who would best complement both your life and your business.
Well, I would say he would have to be understanding in terms of how stressful it can be to be an entrepreneur. Generally I am drawn to people who are supportive and can de-stress me when need be, ultimately letting me know that everything is going to be okay in terms of business and life.
8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see Brooke and I ruling the world 
 (joking) I see Brooke and I having a global business where we are able to give a large percentage of proceeds back to all of the organizations we believe in.
Christine’s Bio:
Christine Marchuska was born and raised in upstate New York. After graduating from Cornell University, Christine moved to Manhattan to pursue a career in finance. In April 2008 the credit markets took a turn for the worst and restructuring on Wall Street was inevitable. It was time for a change and Christine focused in on her entrepreneurial roots.
By November 2008, cmarchuska was born and now Christine’s time is spent scouring through the garment district comparing buttons and fabric blends. Christine’s career as a financial analyst has prepared her for the challenges of developing a new line, but it is her passion for fashion that makes cmarchuska an exciting newcomer in 2009!
