Ten Minutes with Mary Meyer of Mary Meyer Clothing

While TMI is never a good thing, sometimes getting graphic can be absolutely gorgeous. Case in point: the tribal-esque prints that are a hallmark of Mary Meyer Clothing. This visual artist-turned-clothing designer is a pro at crafting clothing that is comfy without being sloppy,  eye-catching without being over-the-top, and, above all, flexibly fashionable.  Take the signature “Biggie” tunic, which can be worn loose and shoulder-skimming over skinny jeans or cinched with a wide belt into a dress over tights or . . . well,  you get the picture. Read on to learn more about Mary Meyer’s belief that process is just as important as the final product.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Mary Meyer Clothing is. . .

Mary: Interesting prints with a good fit.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Mary: My ideal customer likes to look cool and comfortable and understands different ways of wearing things.

Oligoville: How’d you end up a designer?

Mary: I started making clothes for myself and people wanted to buy them.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Mary: I launched in spring ’05. I started selling locally on consignment in California and then trade shows.

Oligoville: There’s something very painterly about the graphic quality of your clothing. How else does your training as a visual artist play out in your fashion work?

Mary: When I studied art, the focus of my work had a lot to do with process, not only what you’re making but how you’re making it. I feel that with clothing design what I bring to it is still this experimental process-oriented element. I like to see what happens if I mix fabrics and dye them together or bleach the heck out of something or stone wash jersey. The result is unusual combinations of things and something that is signature to my hand.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Mary: The beach, music, art, museums, my friends, taking a bath, food, and colors.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Mary: Like running a marathon.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Mary: A Hadyen Harnett party bag and a If You Nasty Vintage velvet and mesh dress.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Mary: A notebook, datebook, wallet, a bunch of flyers for Step Right Up (my after-school program).

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Mary: When I got into clothing design I was exciting because, unlike fine art, everyone buys clothes not just collector. It all seems very accessible and creative. As my business continued, I had to learn how to do thing like budget, manage debt, project trends. All of this has taught me about the business side of things, which I unexpectedly really enjoy.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Mary: Being able to do something creative for a living.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Mary: I expect outgrow my studio, hire my assistant full-time, donate 10 percent of my profits to my after-school program and start grant at CCAC- California College of Arts and Crafts.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Mary: Write a business plan. I didn’t.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Mary: Steel Phantoms and Light Asylum.

Oligoville: Any last words?

Mary: “Live free or die.” That’s New Hampshire’s state slogan as seen on their license plates.