To say that the Fall 12 collection was a "labor of love" would be an understatement.
In fact, this 31 piece collection had me second guessing everything! and I mean everything. As some of you know from following me on facebook, I recently partnered up with a new showroom, Stacey Rhoads in the New Mart. She is everything that I ever imagined in a sales team; Energetic, enthusiastic, well connected, beautiful showroom and a great team whom I get along with very well. But when she saw my Fall 12 collection, she thought it looked "Boring" and "understated"- and she was RIGHT! I had taken in everything that I had heard from my last showroom, retailers and consumers... Trying not to be "too dressy" or adding more "wear to work". In turn, I made a collection that was just "standard" and very different from where I had started.
Hearing her comments piling on top of the emotional stress of a roller coaster that I had experienced in the last year and a half, almost got the best of me. I would be lying if I didn't say that I started looking on career sites in hopes of finding a job with "security". It was through deep soul searching, BIKRIM yoga and some great therapy sessions that I knew that I would be giving up too quickly! Especially, since I wouldn't have given Stacey a fighting chance to prove herself. (someone that I had been waiting/even manifesting for, for a long time)
With many back and forth appointments with Stacey, I ended up changing almost every button within the collection, added some extra lace trim and shortened a few hems. All of which, helped to elevate the collection to a whole new level.
I know I still need to work on defining the clear vision of my brand and developing a stronger conviction to stand behind it! but I believe with Stacey Rhoads and co. I am finally on the right path...
the Fall LA market is happening right now- and Stacey is taking the collection to Texas next week! wish me luck :)
Much love. xx
image is from the kendall k. Fall12 collection.
Trust in yourself as you will always make the right decisions...Most will be a success, others a learning experience, but both outcomes are positive :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I believe your brand already has a clear vision --- Beautiful, well-made clothing, that makes the art of getting dressed a true joy!! Don't confine yourself to certain silhouettes, patterns, or fabrics...Go with what inspires you most for every given season. Lots of love xxxx
I am so proud of you, for so many reasons, but your honesty with yourself and your readers is so refreshing. Thanks for sharing your journey in this industry with all of us. You are such an inspiration! I am happy to know that you have such a fantastic showroom.
ReplyDeleteWishing you sunshine & cheer my friend.
Love the blue dress, the hat, the styling...! You can do it!
ReplyDeleteDo I need to dig out my pom-poms to do a Kendall K. cheer? Haha.....
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! Hang in there, girl.
It's so easy to start doubting yourself.... A lot of people don't really realize how much weight is on the shoulders of someone with an independent business.
While I LOVE my job, and being able to make people feel good about themselves almost on a daily basis, there are certainly times where I start to doubt myself and think, "I should've just become an accountant". Something about a very non-creative office job just seems so secure to me at times....
But then I kick myself in the pants, have some chocolate, and snap out of it. ;)
I guess what I'm trying to say is.... You're not alone, girl.
Keep your chin up! Xoxo