I recently did a mini interview with my friend Mars Correa. She asked me a few questions for her Intro to fashion merchandising class.
1. When did you know that you wanted to design?
-I knew I wanted to do design ever since I was little. I would collect magazines and cut out outfits and paste them together just for fun. I also used to design and hand stitch purses and wallets for myself and others.
2. How did you start, what was the planning process, did you just start making things or did you have a sort of plan?
-I have always had this idea of creating my own business. I started off making rings out of extra buttons I had laying around my room. I started to sell them online, and people from other states were actually buying them! I got pretty excited after that and started creating different things, like bows, earrings, necklaces, and bunch of other accessories. I continued to sell them online and I started selling them in different stores, and vending at different events.
3. What were two obstacles that you have had to overcome through this journey?
-An obstacle I had to overcome was balancing my time. Sometimes I would feel like there wasn't enough time during the day, so I would have to stay awake super late trying to finish all the new jewelry I wanted to create. Working part time, going to school, making jewelry for the stores, and vending events could get really stressful, but I love the feeling of keeping busy and working towards a goal. Another obstacle I had to face was money, I really had to budget myself on the amount I used for supplies, to pay for events, and money to live off of!
4. What is the biggest reward that has come from the experience?
-One time I was driving down a busy street and I seen some complete stranger wearing my sunglasses that I created. That was one of the hugest rewards by far. To see someone I don't even know wearing the glasses I created was an amazing feeling!
5. How important is networking in your opinion?
-Networking is VERY important. Yes, you can do things yourself, but knowing people that do what you do, makes things so much easier. It also opens doors to new opportunities.
6. How has networking helped you in the process of having your items sold at different stores?
-It really has helped my business grow so much.
7. What would you consider your target customer?
-My target customer is between 19 to 21. She focuses on creating a beautiful life and promoting an inspired lifestyle through jewelry, fashion, and pretty things. She believes in making everyday life special, so that's what she tries to inspire through her handmade accessories.
8. Where would you like to be in five years?
-In 5 years I will be done with school and I will have my own boutique and inside will be everything I have been dreaming of for years! I will continue to make handcrafted accessories and design my own collection of clothing for each season.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
-The truth is I live for my next project. There isn't a time in my life when I'm not completely obsessed about something. I find that carrying a journal with me is a constant reminder to write down my ideas, or finding a new muse! My current muse(s) can be anything from a band I'm loving to a movie that stuck with me or a vintage trend I want to re-create. A muse can be absolutely anything, but it's fun to find one with enough history to keep you studying for a while. The more I learn about my muse, the more inspiration I'll receive. Also, proving myself wrong is a great way to stay inspired because I'll be more motivated than ever when I finally meet my goal.
PS. Mars I just wanted to thank you SOO much for coming out to help me at the DTLA Artwalk! Your help was greatly appreciated girl!
xoxo Marissa
