Meet Blair Goldman

We were lucky to catch up with Blair Goldman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Blair, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

Taking risks has always propelled me forward, whether I’ve succeeded or failed. In 2021, I took a risk to enter a fashion competition that ended up completely shaping the trajectory of my career and life for the better. Though I was uncertain about the money and time commitments at first, I said ‘yes’ which ultimately led me to dozens of opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise found. Though I thought the ultimate best case scenario was winning the competition, it led to so much more. I became an Artist in Residence, found (and lost!) dream jobs, and discovered a newfound passion for teaching. For me, the most rewarding part of taking risks is knowing that even if I fail, that experience will open my world in a way that I wasn’t expecting. I heard a great phrase recently that “there are no wrong doors, only doors.” This has been the case for me even when–and especially when–I’ve failed. That said, risk can sometimes require an amount of privilege that I’ve been grateful to have. Leaning on what you do have, learning to ask for what you want, and saying ‘yes’ has been such expansive way of life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve been a professional fashion designer and seamstress for 8 years, and have been sewing since I was 6 years old. I started teaching in 2021 and absolutely fell in love with sharing my passion with students of all ages. Since then, I’ve taught hundreds of children and adults how to sew. Currently, I offer private classes out of my West Town studio.

When I’m not instructing, I love creating one-off bespoke pieces that have been worn by Lizzo, Dodie, Dorian Electra, and Girli and have been featured on Chicago Today. My work is quirky and playful, and has always been defined by bright, loud colors, patterns, and textures. I love to incorporate textile manipulation and embellishment into each of my designs. This year, I’ll be launching an inclusive and sustainable line under the name blairs.wear.

In addition to one-of-a-kind pieces, I created the Chongus brand of plush frogs! What started as a Mother’s Day gift turned into an online frenzy of friends and family wanting their own chubby little friend. This year will introduce readily-available plushies in the original 3 sizes as well as a new, collectible Chonguses in mystery colors and patterns!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The most impactful habit I’ve developed is saying ‘yes’ to things. If you can connect to new people or develop relationships by saying yes to things, it will always lead to opportunity. A trait that I am lucky enough to possess is that I’m very extroverted and I love talking to peopl.e. If you approach a conversation with genuine interest and kindness (kindness especially), people will remember you. But by far the best piece of advice that was given to me was to ask for what you want. I think people underestimate how much others want you to do well. They want to help you! It is not rude to express your goals to others. More often than not, you will find that it was always within reach.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Accepting and embracing “baby steps”. I tend to be someone who expects change to happen all at once, and when it doesn’t, it feels overwhelming and frustrating. When I didn’t immediately improve at my new job after a month, I thought I would never get better. But over time, it’s been the small, barely perceptible changes that have been responsible for my growth. This extends to self care, as well. Really intentional self care was something that I had neglected for so long because I spend all my time and energy grinding towards a career I wanted. But once I slowly started investing in myself again, every aspect of my life became easier and more pleasant. It’s very easy to put yourself on the back burner when you are so singularly focused on achieving a goal, but strengthening your relationship to yourself and your body will only accelerate your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blairgoldman.com
• Instagram: @blairs.wear, @chongus.us
• Linkedin: in/blairgoldman

Image Credits

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