We recently connected with Abby Barroll Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Abby, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I am not sure I have yet. I think if you suffer from it, it is a process you continuously stride to conquer. As someone who much later in life finds herself in Fashion yet has no formal education, background or experience in the industry, it is a notion I grapple with almost daily.
When you find yourself surrounded by the talents of designers, stylist, make up artist and other creatives working within this field it can be difficult to not feel less than qualified to be included in the same space.
I will say however, clearly without a doubt, those feelings of insecurity come from within myself and only on a rare occasion or two have been accentuated by the likes of others.
I actually have been incredibly humbled and pleasantly surprised as to how well I have been received by many who I have worked with.
Their reassurance and support of my brand has been a fantastic way to help me combat my imposter syndrome. When I have repeat clients whether they are purchasing from me or borrowing for celebrity events, photoshoots or press events, it reassures me despite my seemingly inadequate credentials, I must be doing something well.
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?
Willa Phoenix is a small luxury capsule collection of 100% Vegan and Cruelty Free stilettos and matching clutch bags looking to give shoppers an alternative in the luxury space to brands that have traditionally used leather, feathers and fur. Inspired by my love of travel, animals and my journey to live a more ethical and sustainable lifestyle, Willa Phoenix was founded during covid when I could not find vegan heels in the market I really loved.
With no formal education in fashion, I decided to try and design my own shoe. It seems awhile ago now, but at the time I do not think my intention was to ever launch a vegan line, but just to simply see if I could from start to finish design and manufacture a shoe to my liking. It snowballed into something I could have never imagined. What started from becoming a vegetarian to finding ways across all aspects of my life to be a more conscious consumer has turned out to be a full time job and a beyond fulfilling aspect of my life.
It has been incredibly exciting to meet a great deal of people in the ethical, vegan and sustainable fashion space I would probably would have otherwise never come across had I not launch my label. I feel fortunate and gratitude to those who have embraced Willa Phoenix and look forward to see what our next chapter holds.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. I think I am very much a people person and despite being hesitant about reaching out to more established individuals in the industry, once I managed to get over that aspect, I quickly realized the worst thing anyone could do was to say no to you or simply not respond to an email. I learned to not take it personally, keep trying to network and be grateful to those who did take interest. Being able to communicate and engage with people has been a skill of mine that has had tremendous impact on my label.
2. I am not sure I would qualify this as quality, skill or area of knowledge but one of the first rules I made for myself when I established my brand was to really listen to myself and try not to let others comments or suggestions overshadow my vision. Whilst it mostly comes from a good place, it can at times feel overwhelming and stir self doubt when so many want to tell you how if they were doing it, it would be different. I make stilettos! I LOVE high heels and hopefully one day when I am big enough I will have flat sandals in my line but until then they are not my priority so it can feel tiring to hear people say how much I just HAVE to have a flat shoe in the collection. No I don’t… yet. It’s just not how I see things at the moment. Stick to your vision!
3.Perseverance! Starting a small label is hard, hard, hard work!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
With a small label especially those who are seemingly in the minority such as those who are ethical, vegan, sustainable etc etc- collaborating is crucial.
For Willa Phoenix partnering with other likeminded brands has been invaluable. It creates content, reduces cost and provides a network of contacts.
We have worked with other clothes brands for fashion shows, fashion shoots and other celebrity events. Allowing brands to borrow our products has been impactful in a multiple of ways. They have dresses, we have shoes! It’s a perfect pairing for IG content, reels and any other social media.
We would be delighted to collaborate with other brands whether it be clothing, jewelry or accessories.
Please get intouch via our website- www.willaphone.com or via IG @willa.phoenix.com
Our collection can be purchased through our website or @ImmaculateVegan.
We hope to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willaphoenix.com
- Instagram: @willa.phoenix
- Linkedin: Willa Phoenix or Abby Barroll Brown
Image Credits
Mike Doheny
Ana Viegas
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
