Meet Bailey Renée

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bailey Renée a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Bailey, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Developing confidence and self-esteem has been a journey for me; it’s something I’ve actively cultivated rather than something that came naturally. A key way I’ve built this confidence is by showing up for myself, committing to my personal growth, and aligning my actions with my values, creating a strong foundation that supports my resilience and authenticity.

Embracing a Growth Mindset
After graduating from SCAD, I recognized my desire for continual growth and learning. I embraced a growth mindset and committed to being a lifelong learner. Each morning, I practice this by meditating and journaling for self-reflection, gratitude, and personal intentions, fostering self-compassion and a positive self-image. I continuously educate myself through reading and listening to audiobooks or podcasts, exploring topics that deepen my understanding of my craft, business, and consciousness. I find that books are among the easiest and most accessible ways to expand my mind.

Cultivating Purpose-Driven Goals
My purpose-driven goals reflect my core values, guiding me to create mindfully, ethically, and sustainably while infusing beauty and authentic artistry into the world. I prioritize surrounding myself with positive influences and collaborating with artisans who share these values. Together, we hold each other accountable for our creative processes, ensuring our products consistently align with these touchstones of integrity and craftsmanship. This collaborative environment fosters a supportive community that bolsters my confidence and self-esteem, reassuring me of my abilities and inspiring me to push creative boundaries.

Creating Authentically
I also give myself the space to create joyfully, embracing the process as much as the outcome. Whether designing a new clothing collection, making pottery, or envisioning retail spaces, I find my flow when I allow my creativity to flourish without expectation. Recently, while working on a clothing collection, I let my ideas roam freely, and the experience reminded me that the joy of making is just as important as the finished product. By focusing on exploration rather than results, I free myself from the pressure to perform, enabling me to express my artistry authentically. In these moments of effortless creation, I discover the true joy of making, which significantly boosts my self-confidence. This journey enhances my skills, reinforces my belief in my abilities, and reminds me that every creative endeavor is a valuable step in my evolution.

Life as a Practice
Ultimately, my confidence and self-esteem flourish from viewing life as an ongoing practice, where I learn to trust the process and myself, embracing each evolving version of who I am along this journey of growth, purpose, and authenticity.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Bailey Renée, and I am the founder and designer of my eponymous label—a contemporary fashion brand with an artisanal focus dedicated to making conscious choices about how we treat people and our planet. Dreamt up in 2020, Bailey Renée represents my journey to reconnect with creativity during “the great Covid pause.” My experience in New York’s fast-paced fashion industry taught me the importance of slowing down and embracing intentionality. Drawing inspiration from my meditation practice and love for nature, I now create garments that embody beauty, sustainability, and ethical craftsmanship. Each collection is produced in small batches, with every piece lovingly crafted by artisans in India and dyed using plant-based materials, ensuring that each garment reflects care for the Earth and its creators.

What excites me most about Bailey Renée is the opportunity to create pieces that embody ease, fluidity, and versatility, seamlessly integrating into one’s wardrobe while promoting sustainability and deepening the narrative of buying better to buy less. As we approach the new year, I am eager to explore new silhouettes across existing and emerging categories. I’m also excited to introduce my handmade ceramics, crafted in my Portland-based community studio, to further enrich the Bailey Renée narrative and enhance our commitment to storytelling through mindful design.

I am actively seeking partnerships with like-minded boutiques and brands that share my vision for ethical consumption and conscious living. Each collaboration offers an opportunity to weave stories of connection and empowerment into the fabric of our community, inspiring a movement toward a more mindful and beautiful world.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1.) Mindfulness and Intentionality:

Developing a practice of mindfulness has allowed me to slow down and truly connect with my creative process. This intentionality helps in making choices that align with my values, both personally and professionally.

Advice: Start by incorporating small moments of mindfulness into your daily routine—whether through meditation, journaling, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply. This practice can enhance your focus and clarity, helping you make more intentional decisions.

2.)Adaptability and Resilience:

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and bounce back from challenges has been crucial. The fashion industry is fast-paced and unpredictable, especially during times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Embracing change and learning from setbacks has fueled my growth.

Advice: Cultivate a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities for learning. Surround yourself with supportive communities that encourage you to share your experiences and learn from one another.

3.)Collaboration and Community Building:
Building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and brands has enriched my journey. Collaboration fosters creativity and allows for shared resources and knowledge, leading to impactful partnerships.

Advice: Actively seek and nurture relationships within your community, approaching each connection with an open heart and a genuine willingness to share and learn. Embrace the value of collaboration and mutual support to create win-win situations, as these connections can lead to shared growth and inspiring opportunities.

In essence, embracing mindfulness, adaptability, and collaboration can lay a strong foundation for anyone starting their journey. Cultivating these qualities will not only enhance your personal growth but also enrich your professional endeavors.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always eager to explore partnerships and collaborations with individuals and brands that embrace mindful and purposeful creation. I’m particularly drawn to like-minded boutiques, artisans, and companies committed to sustainability and high-quality craftsmanship. Together, we can craft compelling narratives and produce work that is both meaningful and beautiful.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to send me a note through my website’s contact page or connect with me on social media—my door is always open.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopbaileyrenee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.baileyrenee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopbaileyrenee
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shop.baileyrenee

Image Credits

María Mylena