Their passion and contributions have made us who we are.
This Women’s History Month, we shine a light on a few
of Shinola’s extraordinary craftswomen to celebrate
what has shaped them.
Quality is at the heart of everything we make. Still, as hard as we try, quality isn’t always something we can put into words. That’s because it’s a feeling and a way of life. From the weight of a Shinola watch in your hand to a warm welcome as you walk into our stores, it’s woven into who we are.
We’re lucky to have such an incredible crew sharing their talents, voices, and craft with us every day. This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to shine a light on a few of our retail craftswomen who truly make quality happen. Chõntel Cade, key holder; Lane Clark, associate store manager; Marguerite Kimball, sales associate; and Tiffany Baxi, assistant store manager shares how their achievements, values, and inspiration have shaped their paths.
Photographed by Brian Bilicki
Chõntel Cade: Key Holder and Accomplished Makeup Artist
When it comes to owning her craft, Chõntel Cade forges her path with extraordinary ideas and artistry.
By day, Cade leads the way as a key holder at Shinola Somerset. Off the Shinola clock, she’s led by her passions as a professional makeup artist and business owner of CADE + Company, her brand designed specifically for makeup artists to safely travel with their professional kits. Cade’s diverse talents have not only led her to us, but all over the world, working at both Paris and London Fashion Week.
Cade says three things drew her to Shinola:” The constant reach to the community in which we serve; the commitment we continue to make our guests and employees; and the courage Shinola had to bring watch manufacturing to Detroit.”
For Cade, community has been a lifelong devotion that was instilled in her by the matriarch of her family. “I admire my grandmother for her constant dedication to her family, love of God and determination to succeed, no matter the barriers.”
“My grandmother was born on a large 100-acre farm in Alabama but soon after moved to Ohio during the Great Migration. Once she arrived, she began her career starting out as the secretary and bore 12 children. As of 2022, she retired as the Vice President of the same company and plans to continue to serve her community.”
Chõntel Cade, Photographed by Brian Bilicki
Her community is also what inspires her the most. “I love how the Black community has a strong bond, love for each other, and the will to continue to fight, no matter what we’re facing,” Cade says.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked Cade about how she works to empower the women she works alongside and beyond.
“I empower other women by reminding them of the immense power we possess. The position of the woman may look different throughout the world; however, it will always be equal in significance.”
“Empowering women should not be just words
but creating a lane in which all women have the equal
opportunity to succeed and continue to grow.”
Lane Clark: Associate Store Manager and Vintage Aficionado
Once a customer, now forever a cherished member of our crew. It’s a Shinola love story that will never get old.
That love story began in 2018 when Lane Clark walked through our doors for the very first time.
“I was given an in-store experience that was so distinct and outstanding that had they offered it, I would have clocked in for a shift right then and there,” Clark recalls. “The team operated like a symphony powered by a V8 engine.” Cut to today, Clark now leads that team.
Lane Clark, Photographed by Brian Bilicki
Clark’s passion for timeless treasures doesn’t quit after Shinola’s doors are closed for the day. In fact, it’s helped them open their own, marking an achievement they’re most proud of.
“I started my own vintage business in 2022 after years of collecting. Since I was a kid, there has been nothing I enjoy more than visiting a flea market or vintage store and getting to interact with all the oddities of the past.”
This magic came full circle for Clark once they became a vendor, now being able to witness others enjoying their curated collection. “I’ve yet to participate in a market where I haven’t had an out-of-body, emotional upheaval of disbelief and gratitude at least once,” Clark says.
You can ask anyone who knows Lane, the joy that radiates from them is contagious. It’s a quality that Clark lovingly attributes to the one they admire most—their mom, Lisa Joy.
“She is unlike any human being I’ve ever met. Witnessing her be ablaze and unapologetic in her self-expression, emotions, creativity, and identity as a woman subconsciously gave me permission to do the same. This experience is not unique to just me either, I have seen countless people be ignited and affirmed just from being around her.”
Being shaped by women like Lisa Joy and inspired by the possibility of being able to create opportunities and experiences for the people and communities they care about are just some of the many reasons Clark strives to uplift those around them.
“Women unfortunately must fight for and justify the space they take up in the world. We spend our whole lives battling against notions that under value, underrepresent, and objectify us.”
“To counteract this adversity, we must be vigilant in not
only claiming our rightful space and innate value, but in
holding space for other women and marginalized groups.”
Clark works hard to bring this to life every day, guided by the values they hold close to their heart: “To lead people, walk behind them and do no harm, take no sh*t.”
Marguerite Kimball: Sales Associate, Mother of all Mentors
A mother, mentor, and motorcyclist, Marguerite Kimball is a craftswoman of many talents and trades. But when it comes down to it, her love for her family and passion for living life to the fullest is her driving force.
When she’s not connecting with guests and supporting her peers at our Ann Arbor store, Kimball mentors young women through a program at Ford that helps teach them how to navigate the world of business.
However, out of everything she’s accomplished so far, her children are what bring the most sense of pride. “My eldest, Mackenzie, is about to graduate from medical school in May, specializing in Emergency Medicine and my son, Spencer is a Junior at Amherst College in Massachusetts where he was recruited to play hockey.”
Kimball empowers her family and those she works alongside by showing them anything is possible. It’s a quality she gives credit to the ones who raised her.
“There are two people I admire the most, my parents. They successfully raised 17 children who all attended college. I think that is quite an accomplishment!”
Kimball’s dedication to her craft and attitude inspires us, but what inspires her?
Marguerite Kimball, Photographed by Brian Bilicki
“What inspires me is surrounding myself with inspiring people,
be it spending more time with a business mentor
or prioritizing time with friends who are honest
and bring value to our conversations.”
As Kimball’s journey continues to unfold, her integrity, compassion, and accountability will continue to leave a lasting mark on everyone she uplifts—just as she has on us.
Tiffany Baxi: Associate Store Manager and Comedy Queen
Whether she’s practicing her craft in our stores or owning it on stage as an improv and sketch comedian, there’s no denying Tiffany Baxi’s special knack for storytelling.
Her talent for lighting up a room and ability to make personal connections with everyone she meets stems from the two values she lives by: Kindness and understanding.
“Everyone comes from different walks of life, but as long as we can practice empathy and kindness, the world will be a better place,” Baxi explains.
Tiffany Baxi, Photographed by Brian Bilicki
To be a powerful storyteller, one must also master the art of being a good listener. Baxi uses this skill to empower the women in her life. “Sometimes people just want to be heard.”
So many look up to Tiffany in everything she does, so we wanted to know who she admires the most. “The older I get, my admiration and fascination for my mother grows and grows. She has endured so much, and I love our relationship now more than ever.”
We’re grateful to have women like Baxi in our corner helping shape our story while she writes her own.
Tiffany leaves us to ruminate on what inspires her:
“Knowing that women have paved the way before me
and that I am here to pay it forward.”