MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BITSY STONEKING
Sourcing items from around the globe for her online shop; BITSY STONEKING, Katrina Stoneking is fueled by a passion to bring unique finds to her shoppers and a dedication to increase awareness about a rare condition called Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). Stoneking’s discerning eye and colorful sense of style provide a brilliant playground for her shoppers to enjoy!
A native of the sunshine state, Stoneking grew up in Delray and then attended The University of South Carolina where she received a double major in management and marketing as well as a double minor in fashion merchandising and retail - with an emphasis on global retail. After various roles including time at Miller Brewing company in Milwaukee, Red Bull and Pabst Brewing then Bacardi in Los Angeles, she moved back east to Charlotte to start a family with her husband; Matt and joined a wine and champagne company. Over 2 years ago, the Stoneking’s decided to move home to south Florida.
It was during this time that Stoneking started having health issues. At 32, she suffered from 3 heart attacks, due to stress and baseline hormones. Stoneking was diagnosed with a rare condition called SPONTANEOUS CORONARY ARTERY DISSECTION (SCAD for short) and has spent the last three years refocusing her priorities and life. Thanks to the incredible team at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota - a leading researcher in SCAD- her recovery process began to turn around, in part to some amazing results with clinical trials with stem cells. For this reason, Stoneking donates 10% of the sales from her site to stem cell research at the Mayo Clinic. See more on CD34+ stem cell research HERE.
During this time of recovery and reflection, Stoneking began to dream up an online platform where visitors could shop the globe without leaving their homes. The brands featured on Bitsy Stoneking are sourced from all over the world. Often, the brands are found from the country the Stoneking’s last traveled to and the brands they have had the opportunity to research and talk to the designers and manufacturers. Bitsy Stoneking’s latest collection is a beautiful capsule from Greece, made of beautiful whites, bright blues and colors that take you directly to the Hellenic Republic and the Ionian and Mediterranean Sea.
Stoneking prides herself in carrying items that are exclusive to the site and limited in production. Her favorite looks for either staying in or going out are an easy dress to throw on. The JONES DRESS from Paris, KATHERINE MINI KAFTAN or ANASTACIA KAFTAN from Greece are all lightweight, chic and comfortable.
Bitsy Stoneking adds new items to the site every month! The next import will arrive from Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand & Haiti.