We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ginger “Gigi” Damon. Check out our conversation below.
Ginger “Gigi” , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of the risks and heartbreaks I have taken to to pursue my business. Having the courrage to go against the norm at all costs and create not only a product with a lot of thought to it, but to create a new cultural identity, a new philosphy for the modern motorcyclist. I have self invested all my time and energy into something I so passionately believe in I dont know how else to explain it but to create and collaborate with those that inspire me. Gigi Montrose is a reflection of you – your identity of what your beliefs and values are.
. I was seated on a bar stool and through out the night I was given micro-stories and insights about these leather clad “bikers”. I recieved confessions of who they are and what they do but, most importantly I heard their dreams. I left that night feeling full of honest emotions and kindness. It felt as though two worlds existed simultaneously, one over there and one over here. Yet they meshed together and morphed into its environment as a whole and sometimes in little segments. It was like being in a lava lamp.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I am Ginger “Gigi” Damon designer and owner of GIGI MONTROSE MOTO COUTURE.
I have always been into fashion and the statement or story it tells. It is emotional, artistic freedom and expression. This is how I feel today, this is how I express myself today,
Fashion tells a story, Fashion pushes the limits. Fashion is a time marker in history.
Based off of contemporary classic designs ,Gigi Montrose is a brand that is founded on expression of your style. When I see someone ride up on a motorcycle I know they are a “biker” but I became more interested in who are these people and their passions on 2 wheels
The gap I saw in the market was, times have changed we are not all the same, no one was looking stylish or modern. I didnt relate or identify with the image we all know. As my psyche veered into riding a motorbike the old identity didnt fit me. As a designer and creative person, Fashion is provocative and has its subtle rebellion of not being like everyone else. I choose to question the status quo and bring two powerful philosophies together and bring discreet style and wild together.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
As a child I was facinated with old Hollywood glamour. I was inspired by the wardrobe, makeup and hairstyles that created these characters that we related to. I dreamed of working on major motion pictures and I did in fact accomplished that dream and as unbridled as it wa,s it was an environment that allowed me to perfect my craft , research, think fast and make changes. I was challenged every day. One day I began to realize the majority of my dreams had been accomplish and as a goal oriented person I was needing new challenges. I was faced with needing new creative outlets and the career I had only ever known was beginning to slip thru my fingers. A professor had once told me there are transferrable skills associated with my past experiences and to make a list of my skills and talents-so, I did.
The hardest thing for me, was to tell two amazing women I was working with at a Academy Award event for best hair and makeup that I was going to leave the industry. I had a new hope and dream I was growing into a new version of myself and I was terrified to let go of everything I knew to venture into the unknown. I was touched at their support and encouragement to go on my journey.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’ve felt exhausted, depleted and drained of my energy and ideas but I have always been persistant. There is some kind of intuition and drive that pushes me to the edge. I never believe I can give up after all the time and effort I put into something I have to see where it goes. Its not about success or failure its about, did I try my best? did I leave any stones unturned? where has this all taken me? Am I happy with what I learned and what other paths opened up?
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Differentiating between fad and real foundational shitfts? Fads are quick and easily forgotten. foundational shifts come from true values and beliefs in my opinion. I do things because I truly believe in what I am doing. My head and my heart are in sync to carve a path, shed a light or just feel. I believe they come from the core of your being. For me it is having a solid statement , philosophy and consisitancy. Shifts happen in the collide of caos and calm
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I could only hope to tell is that I lived my life by following my insticnts and my heart. That I did my damnedest to fight the good fight.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gigimontrose.com
- Instagram: @gigimontrose.com
- Linkedin: Ginger Damon
- Facebook: Gigi Montrose
- Other: Threads and Tictok gigimontrose
Image Credits
Photography: Travis Shinn
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