Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelsey Riley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kelsey, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I really had a “call-to-action” moment during my search for a job after graduating from Fashion Design school. There weren’t many companies or opportunities that offered what I was passionate about: sustainable fashion. Most options were working for larger corporations that were heavily involved in fast fashion. That was something I wasn’t interested in pursuing. I wanted to really be hands-on and involved with all aspects of the process of designing and making clothing that would last a lifetime. Quality over quantity has been something that has propelled my identity as a designer. I love being able to interact with my customers to inform them of the importance of sustainable fashion and the effects it can have when you support locally made clothing on a small scale! This is what continues to drive me in my business today!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
After opening my first storefront in 2021, I have really enjoyed growing the “Collective” portion of my store by providing a platform for other local artists to offer their handmade products! I look for individuals who share similar values in their own creative process! Product categories range from pottery, photography, plant-dyed textiles, felted housewares, painting, and repurposed home furnishings.
Another element I am really excited about is having space to offer in-studio classes including sewing and machine knitting for all ages! I am launching “Kids Crafternoon” summer camps where I can expose kiddos to all kinds of creative workshops using a variety of mediums! Being able to introduce people to the power of creating something from nothing brings me so much joy!
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?
Perseverance is something I have found that is very important when you start your own business. You need to establish the identity of your company’s vision and stay the course, especially when challenges are thrown your way. It is also important to be able to creatively adapt to different obstacles. Sometimes you need to change the steps to attain the goal, but always keep the final goal in mind!
I have also been consistently drawn back to the skills I learned in design school. Fundamentals like color, movement, repetition, balance, and contrast are everywhere you look! The basic design principles can be applied to not only making art, but to arranging a interior space, cooking, a wardrobe look, and curating a storefront.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One resource I found to be extremely powerful is the Manifesto from Fashion Revolution. They are a group of designers, brands, retailers, makers, producers, and fashion lovers that have become the largest fashion activism movement dedicated to education about the importance of preserving the environment and the lives of fashion industry workers. They provide updated statistics regarding the impact every level of the industry has on the planet and it’s workforce. Much of the information they provide can be quite alarming to understand and can have a huge impact on how people view their role on one of the largest industries in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elsewearcollective.com
- Instagram: @elsewearcollective
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/elsewearcollective
Image Credits
Desireejohnsonphotography.com
