We recently connected with Cali Mcdonald and have shared our conversation below.
Cali, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic stems strongly from my grandmother, whom I lovingly call Neena. Growing up and to this day, Neena has been the embodiment of resilience, strength, and dedication. She never stops until a task is completed and always puts others before herself. Neena is the most hardworking person I know, constantly on her feet from the moment she wakes up until she goes to bed. The number of tasks and projects she completes in a single day could easily take someone else a week.
From raking and mowing her entire lawn, bringing leaves and sticks to the dump, walking her dog Daisy around the neighborhood and at the beach, running to her local garden club, driving friends to doctors’ appointments, to cooking meals for the entire family—the list never ends. I admire Neena deeply, and observing her relentless approach to life has instilled in me the work ethic I have today.
That said, it’s important to remember to breathe and take time for yourself, a reminder I often give to both myself and Neena.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
The story of my sustainable fashion business, Calico by Cali McDonald, began after I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Maine College of Art & Design in 2022. Following graduation, I was in search of my niche as a designer and became intrigued by the idea of creating upcycled apparel and accessories. I became invested in making eco-conscious clothing that was still stylish, youthful, and truly one of a kind.
I started by thrifting sweatshirts that had some imperfections—stains, small holes, or signs of wear—that made them less desirable to consumers. I took these sweatshirts home, cut them into small pieces, and remade them into new textiles, which I then used to create unique sweatshirts. The first upcycled and patchworked crewnecks I made set the tone for my business. Now, I create not only upcycled crewnecks but also t-shirts, tote bags, bucket hats, and more. Additionally, I crochet accessories, including stuffed fruit earrings.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Networking, risk-taking, and persistence have been the cornerstones of my journey as a designer. Right after graduation, I felt burnt out and lost my place in the design world. There was a time when I didn’t even have the desire to sew or be creative. A big part of that was due to no longer being surrounded by other artists and creatives daily. I found it challenging to create and design in isolation.
This need for a sense of belonging led me to explore the local community and social media to see what creative opportunities were around me. Building a network of like-minded creatives required taking some risks and being persistent. I applied for a New England-based upcycled design competition called Project Upcycle. Through that experience, not only did I receive an award, but I also reconnected with fellow alumni, made friends with talented designers, and met people within the fashion industry who shared my passion.
This networking and risk-taking reignited my passion for designing and fueled my persistence.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to push past the nerves and put yourself out there. Follow your dreams and be persistent in seeking out opportunities that excite you. Find like-minded people to share your interests, talents, and hobbies with. Take those risks and chances—something great will come out of it.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is their unwavering support in pursuing my dreams. Growing up, I was always interested in art, spending my free time doing arts and crafts and taking every elective art course available in high school. I never imagined I could make a career or business out of it—I thought it was something I would do only if I had the time. Because of this mindset, I initially chose not to go to an art school or pursue an art degree, which turned out to be a mistake but also a clarifying moment in my life.
During my first semester of college, I was miserable simply because I wasn’t doing art. I shared my unhappiness with my parents, and they were the ones who helped me make the decision to transfer to the Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D). While I was focused on studying and taking my final exams, my parents were busy sending me information about different schools, helping me with applications, and putting together an art portfolio. In just a week or so, they drastically changed my life. They helped me get all the materials ready to submit to MECA&D, and once I was accepted, they packed up my dorm room, drove me home, attended accepted students’ day with me, and got all the new supplies I needed for art school.
They’ve pushed me to take risks I might not have had the courage to take without them. Their endless support, love, and encouragement have made me who I am today and have allowed my dreams to come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calimcdonald.com
- Instagram: calicobycali
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
