We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LISA MCFADDEN. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LISA below.
LISA, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
As a child I used my imagination from the time I woke up until I was fast asleep. This, of course, probably sounds like most children. But as I grew into adolescence it became clear to me that what seemed to come easily; that which I loved to do, is what I should pursue as a career. Being an artist! Now, choosing to be an artist is a very broad term. Locking down one concentration would prove difficult for me, even today. I found that I had the ability to do and/or could at least cultivate several creative paths. I wanted to do them all: sing, draw, design spaces and fashion, photography, costume design, art direction, sew, dance and I was even told I could write a little. How could I choose? It was all bubbling inside of me, but time and focus came to the rescue. I know that I’m here to create and share my abilities with others by manifesting what flows through me onto various canvases. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that I can use all or a combination of those talents toward a focused project. None of my creative passions have to suffer. They just have to wait in line and eventually their numbers will come up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
LISAMCFADDEN MILLINERY is a New York City based headwear brand that I launched in 2014. Working over 20 years in the fashion industry as an illustrator, fashion and technical designer were very useful experiences. My main goal after earning a BFA in Fashion Design in Atlanta was to move to New York and see how my new skill set meshed with the real world. The practical experience was priceless and has served my business. Recently, I collaborated again with the dynamic team, Byron Lars and Sheila Gray, of In Earnest by Byron Lars . Their latest showing for New York Fashion Week was topped off with my custom confections including a life sized Black Barbie ‘Sugar” hat recreation and bespoke tees from the Sheila Gray Collection. My virtual brand anniversary party was in September and a great pre-kickoff to fall. This year marks 20 amazing years of my signature hat, the CRUSH Cap. The most versatile hat one can own as my collectors can attest. These ready to ship styles and special collections can also be found on my website. Custom orders are only an email request away. I am forever grateful for the continued years of support from my clients and look forward to 20 more!
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?
For anyone who chooses a career in fashion, I would suggest that they learn as much as they can about the business of fashion. It will serve you more than you can imagine. Secondly, make sure it is a passion. There will be tough times and you may not always have the support you need. That passion will keep you going. Lastly, ask for help before you need it. Have a plan and try to stay in front of it.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
After working in corporate environments for many years, I learned how to tap back into my creativity by reading The Artist’s Way. Inside are not only revelation exercises that help to open your mind to creative blocks but it encourages you to think out of the box. The nuggets? Consider a path that embraces what comes to you naturally. There is an opportunity there and your passion for it will keep you on the path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisamcfadden.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LISAMCFADDENMILLINERY/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LISAMCFADDENMILLINERY
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LISAMCFADDENMILLINERY
Image Credits
4 LOOK – JORDI FOSTER SINGLES – DAVID GENICK
