Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to ADRIENNE DEVASTO. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
ADRIENNE, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing self-confidence and self-esteem is often a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. Reflecting on my own journey, I can see how my life experiences and interactions with others have played pivotal roles in shaping and enhancing these aspects of myself.
One of the most significant factors in my journey toward self-confidence and self-esteem has been learning from my failures and setbacks. Initially, these experiences often left me feeling inadequate and doubtful of my abilities. However, over time, I came to view these moments as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for self-doubt. Each failure taught me valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of picking myself up and trying again. Through this process, I began to trust in my ability to overcome obstacles and handle whatever challenges life threw my way.
Another crucial aspect of my journey has been the support and encouragement I received from those around me. Whether it was friends, family, mentors, or colleagues, their belief in me often served as a catalyst for my own self-belief. Their words of encouragement and affirmation helped me recognize my strengths and capabilities, gradually building my self-esteem. Moreover, witnessing the impact I had on others through my actions and contributions boosted my confidence and reinforced my sense of self-worth.
Interactions with others, both positive and negative, have also played a significant role in my development. While positive interactions bolstered my confidence and affirmed my worth, negative encounters taught me valuable lessons about boundaries, assertiveness, and self-respect. Over time, I learned to surround myself with people who uplifted and supported me, while also developing the courage to distance myself from those who undermined my confidence or belittled my achievements.
Furthermore, I found that setting and achieving goals played a crucial role in boosting my self-confidence and self-esteem. Whether they were small, incremental goals or ambitious long-term objectives, each accomplishment served as tangible evidence of my abilities and potential. Celebrating these successes, no matter how small, reinforced my belief in myself and motivated me to strive for even greater heights.
In essence, my journey toward self-confidence and self-esteem has been shaped by a combination of self-reflection, learning from failures, seeking support from others, navigating interpersonal interactions, and setting and achieving goals. While the road has been filled with its fair share of obstacles and doubts, each experience has ultimately contributed to my growth and helped me become more confident, resilient, and self-assured individual.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
ANDLifestyle started out as a lifestyle blog focusing on custom clothes and recyclable fashion. Since then, it has expanded beyond clothes and how I make my own custom clothes, and style my wardrobe while still being able to afford my lifestyle and take care of myself.
I am a professional stylist that is knowledgeable in clothing brands. I do not just thrift, I also custom design clothing pieces which is the center of my blog. Drawing inspiration from life and the people around me. What sets me apart from other personal stylist apps/companies is that you can have a personal relationship with your stylist instead of an algorithm. I get to know their style and what personally works for them. It’s a close personal relationship. That way, you are not just hoping you get the right comfy piece in the mail the next month.
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?
1. Creativity and Design Skills: Developing creativity and design skills is essential for crafting unique and personalized garments that reflect one’s style and personality. To improve in this area, I recommend:
– Experimenting with different fabrics, patterns, and styles to discover what resonates with you.
– Sketching design ideas and concepts to visualize your creations before bringing them to life.
– Drawing inspiration from various sources such as fashion magazines, social media, nature, art, and culture.
– Participating in workshops, classes, or online courses to learn about design principles, color theory, and garment construction techniques.
2. Technical Proficiency in Sewing and Garment Construction: Acquiring technical proficiency in sewing and garment construction is crucial for translating design ideas into well-made garments. Here’s how to develop and improve these skills:
– Start by mastering basic sewing techniques such as threading a sewing machine, sewing straight and zigzag stitches, and seam finishing.
– Practice reading and interpreting sewing patterns to understand garment construction and assembly processes.
– Experiment with different sewing projects of varying complexity to gain hands-on experience and confidence.
– Seek guidance from experienced sewers, join sewing communities or clubs, and leverage online resources such as tutorials, forums, and blogs.
3. Resourcefulness and Problem-Solving Abilities: Being resourceful and having strong problem-solving abilities are invaluable traits for overcoming challenges encountered during the clothing-making process. To enhance these qualities:
– Embrace a mindset of experimentation and willingness to learn from mistakes.
– Develop the ability to troubleshoot sewing issues, such as adjusting tension, fixing seams, and altering patterns to fit properly.
– Learn to adapt and improvise when faced with limited resources or unexpected setbacks.
– Build a network of fellow makers, mentors, and resources for support, advice, and inspiration.
For those early in their journey of making their own clothes and shaping their lifestyle, my advice is to embrace curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn. Start with small projects and gradually challenge yourself with more complex designs as you gain confidence and skills. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Remember that making your own clothes is not just about the end result but also about the creative process and the satisfaction of expressing yourself through your creations. Enjoy the journey and have fun exploring your creativity!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As I continue to expand my reach and influence within the realm of lifestyle and fashion, I am actively seeking partnerships with photographers, influencers, self-care brands, fashion brands, and businesses that align with my values and vision. Collaboration plays a vital role in creating meaningful content and fostering connections with a diverse audience.
Photographers: I am on the lookout for talented photographers who can capture the essence of my style and vision. Whether it’s through editorial shoots, product photography, or lifestyle imagery, I value collaboration with photographers who can bring creativity and innovation to our projects.
Influencers: Partnering with like-minded influencers allows for cross-promotion and amplification of our messages. I seek influencers who share my passion for sustainable fashion, conscious living, and self-care, and who can help broaden our collective impact through authentic storytelling and engagement with their audience.
Self-care Brands: Self-care is an integral part of my lifestyle philosophy, and I am interested in collaborating with brands that prioritize holistic wellness and mindfulness. Whether it’s skincare, wellness products, or mental health resources, I aim to partner with brands that offer genuine value and support to their customers on their self-care journey.
Fashion Brands: I am drawn to fashion brands that embrace sustainability, ethical practices, and inclusivity. Collaborating with such brands allows me to showcase eco-conscious fashion options and promote a more mindful approach to clothing consumption. Whether it’s through styling collaborations, brand partnerships, or promoting sustainable collections, I am eager to support brands that align with my values.
Businesses: From eco-friendly retailers to wellness spas and sustainable fashion startups, I am open to collaborating with a diverse range of businesses that share my commitment to sustainability, creativity, and community impact. Whether it’s through sponsored content, brand ambassadorships, or event partnerships, I believe in the power of collaboration to drive positive change and inspire others to live more consciously.
Overall, I am excited about the potential for meaningful partnerships and collaborations with photographers, influencers, self-care brands, fashion brands, and businesses that share my passion for sustainability, creativity, and holistic well-being. Together, we can inspire and empower others to embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes mindfulness, self-expression, and positive impact on the world around us. If you’re interested in collaborating, I encourage anyone to reach out and let’s explore how we can create something beautiful together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/STLandLifestyle/edit?ref=edit_trust_header
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealandlifestyle/
