FACES of Nashville: Woo Caroland

Woo Caroland, owner of Woo Skincare+Cosmetics, has been providing a boutique shopping experience to the women of Nashville for over 20 years. With Woo Skincare+Cosmetics now open in Atlanta and plans to expand more, we raise a glass and toast Woo today, as she is an inspiration, an advocate for women and a loyal friend. October celebrates 10 years at Woo’s current location, so look for specials and events all month long!

What brought you to Nashville?

My husband, Trey Caroland, is from Nashville. We were living  in New York, had a one year old, and decided to move to a place that is more kid friendly. Nashville was the obvious choice.

You’re a native Texan. How is Tennessee different from Texas, and is it true that once a Texan, always a Texan?

Texas never leaves a person who was born up there; the Texas spirit is like no where else in the US. Texas has a frontier attitude, with a gamble-like, courageous spirit. There is less history in Texas than the South and more of an inclination for trying risky things. Tennessee seems more historic and truly Southern.

What was your career path before Woo Skincare + Cosmetics?

Anything visual. I worked in the art world in New York at various art galleries during the 80′s, then worked in the art department at Vanity Fair magazine.

When did you officially open for business?

In 1992 at Harry B’s. My neighbor (and fellow Texan) Lisa Spiva encouraged me to open Chanel cosmetics at her amazing store. I knew absolutely nothing about makeup but wanted the challenge to try to get the line in Nashville.

Woo organizing the Bobbi Brown collection

How long did it take for you to realize that your business would make it? Immediately? Or did it take time?

There was never a question whether it was going to make it or not; it simply was going to make it.

What is your favorite thing about owning a cosmetics and skincare store?

The daily challenges. Every single day is different. I love serving the customer and making sure they have a fun experience–shopping should be fun!!

What makes shopping at Woo a unique experience?

I believe a lot of stores today, most of which are chains, have lost the entertainment value that shopping used to have when I was growing up. Going to Neimans in downtown Dallas was truly a magical experience, and I believe this is lost today. Shopping at Woo is a fun alternative to the department store, the mall and the chain store. We work hard to create the relationship with the customer and having a fun time.

With locations in Nashville and Atlanta, do you think about expanding more?

Absolutely. Women want an alternative to the department store/mall  environment. It’s a joy to be able to offer that alternative.

Where is your favorite place to eat dinner in Nashville?

Chez Caroland (my own house!). My husband is an outstanding cook.

What books can be found on your bedside table or kindle?

Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton.

If you could change one thing about Nashville, what would it be?

To become more of a pedestrian-friendly city.

What is your one “must-have” purchase for fall 2012?

I generally do not buy on trend. I love, love beautifully designed clothes–always!

What is the last movie you saw at the theater?

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Change is scary, but one must go through change in order to progress in life.

Do you have a favorite StyleBlueprint post?

The April Fool’s 2010 Gwenyth Paltrow post – a SB masterpiece! (From 2010: www.styleblueprint.com/gp/)

What one place would you suggest that everyone visit, if they could?

Paris or Rome, it’s a toss up.

Name three things you can’t live without (besides God, Family and Friends):

• My sleep machine
• Art
• Superior food

Thank you Woo! For a listing of all of Woo’s amazing specials going on in the month of October during their anniversary celebration, click here.

Be sure to check out more photos from today’s shoot with our SB FACES photographer, Ashley Hylbert, here.