We first met Sherri McMullen through her namesake shop McMullen, a small womenswear boutique in Piedmont, CA, just west of Oakland. Sherri is a true cultivator of community; walking into her store is to immediately understand that she curates an environment for the women around her, guided by empowering others through what they wear and how they feel. We visited Sherri at her home to touch on these themes — what it means to embrace your ambition, to move forward with intention, and how to be an advocate for yourself and others.
Photos by June Rustigan, Styling by Lauren Ardis, Text by Leigh Patterson
Can you share more about your background — where you are from, what your childhood and upbringing was like, and what has led you to what you are doing now?
I grew up in Oklahoma City and the youngest of six children. My upbringing was rooted in love, spirituality, and family. We are a close-knit bunch. Even at a young age, I was interested in business. Picture this: me at the tender age of 11 with a developing head for business and a box of candy. I took a case of candy, sold each bar individually, and doubled my money. That was the start of my entrepreneurial spirit. Little did I know I was planting those seeds to become a business owner.
I grew up in Oklahoma City and the youngest of six children. My upbringing was rooted in love, spirituality, and family. We are a close-knit bunch. Even at a young age, I was interested in business. Picture this: me at the tender age of 11 with a developing head for business and a box of candy. I took a case of candy, sold each bar individually, and doubled my money. That was the start of my entrepreneurial spirit. Little did I know I was planting those seeds to become a business owner.
What led you to starting your own shop? What continues to inspire you about clothing, and how do you see it as a tool to empower?
First it was my desire to be my own boss and then organically, it led to fashion because I always loved clothing and was interested in how things were made, and how they got into stores. After studying business in college and spending two years in accounting, I quickly realized I wanted to do something more creative. I started my buying career at Neiman Marcus and later moved to San Francisco where I helped launch the Pottery Barn Kids stores as a textile buyer. As one of the few buyers who developed product, traveled around the world, negotiated costs, and worked with factories in India, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taiwan, I was able to help create a brand and open retail stores. Being part of the global industry was a turning point in my career. It helped me develop my business skills, have an appreciation for the work that goes into developing a product, and learn the process of launching a business from start to finish. After years of working in a corporate environment I knew it was time to open something of my own.
First it was my desire to be my own boss and then organically, it led to fashion because I always loved clothing and was interested in how things were made, and how they got into stores. After studying business in college and spending two years in accounting, I quickly realized I wanted to do something more creative. I started my buying career at Neiman Marcus and later moved to San Francisco where I helped launch the Pottery Barn Kids stores as a textile buyer. As one of the few buyers who developed product, traveled around the world, negotiated costs, and worked with factories in India, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taiwan, I was able to help create a brand and open retail stores. Being part of the global industry was a turning point in my career. It helped me develop my business skills, have an appreciation for the work that goes into developing a product, and learn the process of launching a business from start to finish. After years of working in a corporate environment I knew it was time to open something of my own.
I'm constantly looking for new talent and the best designers out there. That means, finding designers who tell a story through their work, have a distinctive point of view and ones who are producing responsibly. That's important to me.
What colors, shapes, or styles do you think are universally timeless (or that perhaps you’ve observed look good on just about anyone?)
A wrap dress is universally flattering and timeless and all ages can wear this style.
A wrap dress is universally flattering and timeless and all ages can wear this style.
We’re always learning and relearning, discovering and rediscovering parts of ourselves. Tell us about what you’re learning about yourself now?
With everything going on in our country right now, I'm more focused than ever on being an activist and advocate for women's rights, for children, for my race. I have decided to put my energy into things I can change and waste less time on things I cannot.
With everything going on in our country right now, I'm more focused than ever on being an activist and advocate for women's rights, for children, for my race. I have decided to put my energy into things I can change and waste less time on things I cannot.
Something I'm learning to do is to be present and appreciate the moment. Not just check the box and move on, but really appreciate that time. I have to plan out my business so far in advance that it sometimes spills over into my personal life.
When was the last time you were in awe, or in wonder of your own abilities — as a woman, a mother, business owner, any of the above?
I'm in awe of mothers and didn't really know the strength mothers have until I became one. I'm in awe of my ability to juggle. As a mother first, I think about the world my son is growing up in and I want him to be safe, to feel protected, and to have the best opportunities. As a woman, I think about how I can do more to support other women.
I'm in awe of mothers and didn't really know the strength mothers have until I became one. I'm in awe of my ability to juggle. As a mother first, I think about the world my son is growing up in and I want him to be safe, to feel protected, and to have the best opportunities. As a woman, I think about how I can do more to support other women.
How has motherhood refocused/re-shifted/redefined your approach to your work?
I have learned to say no and be okay with it, knowing that I have to prioritize my time and my son always comes first.
I have learned to say no and be okay with it, knowing that I have to prioritize my time and my son always comes first.
What are some personal non-negotiables when it comes to maintaining your own sense of “wellness”or “balance”(whatever those words mean to you)
I grew up watching my mother meditate and we saw her take that time for herself. It was her space, her time, and we respected that. I am finding that time for myself again. It's hard with a young child but it's important for me to make time to exercise in the morning before work or hiking on the weekend. It's therapeutic. I find comfort in routine in my personal life, although I am constantly pushing myself in my professional life. I'm always working to find the right balance.
I grew up watching my mother meditate and we saw her take that time for herself. It was her space, her time, and we respected that. I am finding that time for myself again. It's hard with a young child but it's important for me to make time to exercise in the morning before work or hiking on the weekend. It's therapeutic. I find comfort in routine in my personal life, although I am constantly pushing myself in my professional life. I'm always working to find the right balance.