Alison Schuch admits it is a good question.
“What is a 28-year-old former biology/pre-med major doing owning four stores ? including three with a surf motif?”
First, the Dulaney High School graduate explains she?s always been an athlete and the outdoors type. She went to James Madison University on a soccer scholarship and she loves the beach and loves to surf.With blond hair and sandals, Schuch looks the California part, too.
She started out in pharmaceutical sales, but her competitive nature quickly took over.
“I liked business right away,” Schuch said. “But I also like taking risks.”
Three years ago she opened her first venture, The Fells Point Surf Co., at 1631 Thames St. and hasn?t looked back. The friendly, casual store, with lounge chairs in front for customers, carries everything from surf and skateboards, to hip Etnie, Vans and DC sneakers, and Billabong and Quicksilver clothing and gear. Schuch opened the Corduroy Button, a children?s clothing store, across the street two years ago.
Nine months ago, she opened a second Fell Point Surf Co. stop in Towson, and in May, she created Driftwood, a specialty clothing store, also on Thames.
Schuch readily notes that she knew the perfect mentor for a young entrepreneur in Fells Point when she began ? her boyfriend, Nick Johnson.
Johnson, 32, got his start just after high school when he launched The Big Iguana on Thames Street.
That store has morphed over the years, and he added other business along the way, such as Su Casa and PAD, two modern furniture stores on Thames. He also owns Dudley and Max, a pet store, located ? where else ? on Thames.
“Yes, it gets a little confusing remembering who owns what,” Johnson joked. “It?s not like we ever had a master plan, though. We?d just see a building sitting vacant and saw an opportunity. And the more foot traffic the better.”
What?s next, a restaurant?
Schuch smiles.
“I?d love to own a restaurant,” she said. “Somewhere on the beach, though.”
WHERE TO GO
Fells Point Surf Co.
» 1631 Thames St., Baltimore
410-276-SURF (7873)
» 425 York Road, Towson
410-847-9208
Driftwood
» 1500 Thames St., Baltimore
410-276-3030
Corduroy Button
» 1628 Thames St., Baltimore
410-276-5437
