From a young age, Chloe Canterbury knew she would have a career in fashion. Sketchbooks full of clothing designs, handmade outfits for dolls and at-home fashion shows dressing her sister’s friends in her artistic visions set the stage for a lifetime of style. When Canterbury’s grandmother taught her how to sew bean bags at just seven years old, she became enthralled by the idea of design, realizing she could create anything she wanted with her hands, her imagination and some fabric. Canterbury has since spent her adult life furthering her education within the fashion industry. After earning her degree in fashion merchandising from Kent State University, the Sarasota local began her professional career in fashion. Her list of experience has grown from her first job at Hollister Co., to employment in New York City working for Kleinfeld Bridal and experience with designer handbags and clothing at Micheal Kors in Sarasota.
PHOTOGRAPHY OF OWNER CHLOE CANTERBURY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
“The times I took the biggest leaps of faith were when I surprised myself the most,” says Canterbury. Following her own sage advice, she pursued her childhood dream. Sewing together her years of experience, she now owns her own boutique in the heart of Downtown Sarasota. Surge Style helps the growing population of young folks moving to our tropical, beachy city outfit themselves for every occasion. “What inspired me when remodeling and decorating the store was a beachy Tulum vibe,” says Canterbury. The boutique is also decorated with messages of self-love that reflect Canterbury’s personal beliefs of spreading positivity and encouraging customers to feel confident. Quotes like, “Feel the fear and do it anyway” and “It’s a good day to have a good day” decorate the walls and mirrors. “I wanted my boutique to have a warm and welcoming, minimalistic but chic feel.”
Clothes from Bali, LA, Australia and New York provide shoppers with beach-ready attire that can be styled for a day in the sand or a night on the town. Canterbury spends her days sourcing new pieces from around the world, unboxing new merchandise to display and helping customers find the perfect pieces to feel happy and beautiful wearing. “My biggest goal for the store is to bring trendy, affordable fashion from all around the world, here to Sarasota, Florida,” she says. And as Sarasota’s population grows to incorporates more young consumers, Canterbury hopes to grow her business along the way. Expanding into a larger storefront or acquiring a second location may be on the horizon for Surge Style.
