Renegade Craft Fair

Totally! I was (am) just a passionate person in general. Anything that needed to be made or imagined, I wanted to be a part of.

When/Why did you start working in this particular craft/field?

I used to aspire to be an animator, but I always spent more time thinking about what my characters wore than what they did. I took a bunch of youth art classes one summer and ended up taking a fashion illustration class after my first choice (digital illustration) was cancelled. I started to realize that fashion was a way better fit for me than animation.

I got my mom to start teaching me how to sew so I could make my own cosplay costumes but soon I wanted to make ALL of my clothes.

I went to Parsons for fashion design and have been working as a designer ever since.

What do you think sets your designs  apart from others?

I consider myself a fashion designer who makes jewelry and I think that makes my approach a little different. My jewelry doesn’t really sparkle or shine, but it still makes a really bold statement.

What has been your proudest/favorite moment since creating your business?

My boss at the design firm I work at has been really supportive of me. As soon as I told her about Renegade and what I was making we started talking about what my goals were.

What made you take this leap into being your own boss?

I grew up with my mother working from home writing databases and I’ve been a freelancer most of my professional life, so it’s not a new concept for me.

I like having a thing that is mine to shape. I think it makes me better at my day job and my day job makes me better at this.

What are some inspirations for your work?

Japanese dying techniques, nautical knots, robots, and my Girl Gang

What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?

Set tangible goals, make lots of lists, stop procrastinating.