Ten Minutes with Prizy Sebastian

Prizy Sebastian thought she wanted to be an accountant when she grew up. Lucky for us, she ditched her ledgers in favor of handcrafting architecturally romantic designs for her eponymous line Prizy Sebastian Design. Calling to mind couturiers of old, luxe fabrics in jewelbox colors are pintucked, pleated, and draped into red carpet-worthy gowns and singular separates, like a slightly asymmetrical bias-cut skirt matched with a pleated, clavicle framing jacket. Her strong silhouettes remind me of something a young Katherine Hepburn might have worn leavened with 21st-century edginess. Here’s the designer musing on the art of fashion.

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

Prizy Sebastian: I started my line, Prizy Sebastian, because I always wanted to be a dress designer. My brand is about offering beautiful, timeless dresses made with traditional dressmaking techniques, infused with color, and using fine, natural fabrics. All my work has high-end construction and great attention to detail. My line is different from competitors because it reflects my own vision and while I watch the trends, my clothes are not meant to be trendy.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Prizy: The earliest I remember being interested in design was in middle school. Growing up in Texas, I was extremely thin and had a hard time finding clothes that fit and looked good on me. I started getting subscriptions to fashion magazines and dreamed of  having those beautiful clothes.

I never imagined pursuing design as a career until my third year in college. I was struggling through accounting courses and attempting to follow a “secure job” path. I was given an assignment to interview a successful accountant, and during the interview, I kept imagining designing dresses. I realized then that I was never going to be an accountant.

Oligoville: What’s your design inspiration?

Prizy: Valentino has been a really big inspiration for me. I love that his clothes follow the feminine form, have a consistency that inspires loyalty, and truly make a woman look beautiful. I love making gowns–though they aren’t so practical–the artistry of it really inspires me. Red is also a favorite color of mine, though I prefer a blue-red as opposed to the Valentino red.

I also love Madame Gres because of the pin-tucks and pleats that add depth and dimension to her dresses.  I enjoy playing with the fabric and adding detail using construction techniques rather than through too much surface ornamentation.

I take inspiration from travel, art, nature, and the diversity of cultures found in NYC as well.
Oligoville:  Describe a typical day for you.

Prizy: My schedule varies day to day and currently I work from my home studio. The closest I have to a schedule is getting up around 7:30, making coffee, and checking all my emails. I will go to the post office in the morning to ship out any orders I have. I sell retail so I do most of the work. However, when I have wholesale orders, I hire a contractor to help with the sewing.

Today, I am working on an elaborate, time-consuming gown for a fashion section for an up-coming awards ceremony. I will work on this uninterrupted, except for lunch and a break to check emails. I may run to the garment district for any trims or notions and return to work when I get home. Around 8pm, I will resume work again, and continue for a couple of hours and finish off the night catching up on emails or doing research on the internet.

Being a small designer, I wear many hats. I am designer, draper, patternmaker, samplemaker, and, most times, production. I also do the marketing as well as the accounting and have very little free time. Since it’s difficult working by oneself, I accept as many invitations as possible, and I always go out wearing a dress!

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Prizy: My style currently is very classic and elegant. A casual work day is just jeans and a tee. But whenever I’m out, I am conscious of representing myself so I make sure to always wear a dress and a great shade of lipstick.

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

Prizy: I never had a rulebook when I first became an independent designer, and there have been many challenges along the way, especially financial, and this current economic climate has been a challenge.  My most recent setback this fall was giving up a retail space I was sharing with a fellow designer. I was unsure how to move forward, but soon new options came along. I’ve opened an online shop with some of my favorite pieces, and am exploring various selling possibilities on the internet.  Setbacks only test your level of commitment. I’m starting to see them as assisting me move in another direction.

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

Prizy: The most rewarding part has been the work itself and the freedom that comes with it. I love the idea of bringing a concept on paper to life on the form, and eventually moving on to someone else. I’ve enjoyed seeing myself improve creatively as a designer, and making people happy with my dresses. Once I went independent, I realized there was a whole community of artisans like myself who were being creative, working hard, and following their dreams.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years and some of the goals that you have for your brand.

Prizy: In the next five years, I hope to grow my online shop and build a strong domestic and international customer base. I want to work toward having a permanent space in [New  York City] and would like my brand to be recognized for its selection of great dresses.

As a designer, I intend to release collections organically, produce only what is needed, eliminate excess, and attract the customers who believe in investing in quality and who appreciate the art of fashion.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Prizy: Believe in yourself and never give up! Stay positive. If it’s a true desire, keep working at it, and the doors will open.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

Prizy: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Ten Minutes With Designer, Jordan Veatch-Goffi

Designer Jordan Veatch-Goffi sketches her personal style as “simple, classic, and with a splash of color.” The same philosophy guides Doce Vida Fitness Wear, Jordan’s line of fitness separates that’s as perfect for lunges and sun salutations as it is for lounging or running errands. Designed to flatter a woman’s body, the line not only comes in a bouquet of energizing colors but Jordan’s fit tips help you easily layer the tops to customize the amount of support and coverage that’s right for you. And judging from the testimonials throughout the site, working out in Doce Vida Fitness means you’ll spend less time tugging your togs back into place and more time perfecting your handstand. Here’s more from the former Gap merchandiser on her fashion-forward fitness line.

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

Jordan: Doce Vida Fitness Wear is perfect for everything from working out to lounging. It’s high- performance, stylish workout apparel made with a unique, ultra soft, super moisture-wicking 12% stretch fabric that instantly slims. Many things set us apart. If I had to choose two, I’d say our fabric is unlike any other. It instantly slims, wicks away moisture, and reduces muscle vibration. Also, our customer service is exquisite. We are known for our customer service because we get back to everyone in a timely manner and treat our customers the way we want to be treated as a customer. We believe in going back to the “golden rule.” Yes, it even pertains to business!

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Jordan: You don’t get much better retail merchandising experience than working for Gap Inc. I was lucky to be selected out of a pool of thousands to be a part of Gap’s prestigious Retail Management Program. During the course of one year a group of 20 young men and women are trained by company VPs in all four facets of retail: merchandising, planning, production, and marketing. This experience, along with my years as a merchandiser at Gap Inc., were invaluable to me. Doce Vida definitely benefits from my experience, especially in the realm of production and knowing the laws of manufacturing and importing.

Oligoville: What’s your design inspiration?
Jordan: The female figure inspires my designs. I design with our curves in mind, and Doce Vida’s signature piping is strategically placed to elongate and slenderize the body.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you?
Jordan: Every day is different, which is so exciting for me! I always start my day with a Vega nutritional shake. Then I check emails, respond to customers, and process orders. I take a break midday for yoga or Pilates to clear my mind and tone my body. Then I focus on new business.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Jordan: Simple yet classic with a splash of color.

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

Jordan: I manage every facet of my business from design to sales. However, the one part of my business that I have to entrust to others is my web site. The design and the shopping cart feature. I lost a lot of time and money working with a few developers who took advantage of me. My web site went through three different looks until I found the right designer and developer who finally understood my vision and created it. It is difficult to entrust someone with a part of your business where you are not the expert. Because of my experience, I have learned more about web development. My advice is that if there is a facet of your business that you are not an expert in, it is in your best interest to be knowledgeable so you are not taken advantage of. No one cares about your business like you do.

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

Jordan: Knowing I am contributing to women feeling fabulous and receiving customer feedback like this example from a customer in Idaho has been rewarding. She wrote, “I put on my Paraty Pant to go grocery shopping, and this amazing thing happened. Suddenly I wanted to go to the gym. . .I felt fabulous! Your fabric has amazing qualities!”

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years and some of the goals that you have for your brand.

Jordan: Within five years, my business will have full-time employees, be sold at hundreds of top retailers and fitness clubs worldwide, and be a recognized brand in high-end fitness gear. Personally, I will have the time and finances to contribute more to the charities and non-profits that mean the most to me.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Jordan: My best business advice is to always get back to those who contact you within 24 hours. Even if you do not have a complete reply, just send a note letting them know you received their message. We are known for our customer service because we get back to everyone in a timely manner and treat our customers the way we want to be treated as a customer. I can’t say enough how important it is to go back to the “golden rule,” which even pertains to business! Everyone from customers to business associates appreciates attentiveness. This will carry you a long way.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?
Jordan: “No One” by Alicia Keys

Ten Minutes with Jewelry Designer, Erica Simon

Bohemian sophistication are two words I would use to describe both the artist and her creations.  Her jaw dropping jewels are the result of one evening’s frustrations when it came to finding the perfect accessory. Erica Simon wasted no time and she began making her own. Her eponymous jewelry line is not just making other bohemian gals happy but it is doing a world of good. Partial proceeds go into helping others. Be sure to check out SOIL, to learn more about this worthy effort.

Below is a glimpse into the life of an artiste with a cause. Enjoy!

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.
Erica: My line, Erica Simon Jewelry, is bold but feminine– edgy but sexy. I use juxtaposition to make a statement. By assembling, for example, bamboo next to gemstones or by stringing African trade beads into an elegant necklace, I blend two exclusive points of view on beauty. I’m intrigued by the history and culture of adornment, so my designs are incited by global and historical influences.  One piece on my line is a thick, layered necklace composed of wood and iolite. For this piece I edited and modernized inspiration from a tribal Maasai necklace. Another piece, I went a different direction and roughened up the playful but elegant flapper trends with camel bone beads. By bringing together organic and fine materials, and elegant and rootsy styles, I believe I’m lucky to double—if not quadruple—up on the beauty packed into one piece of jewelry.

My charitable projects are another differentiating factor between my company and others. Currently, I’m working with SOIL and making a donation to their cause for every sale of my “Diyite” collection, as well as from every website sale, www.tonic.com.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Erica: For as long as she can recall, I have always had my fingers dipped into creative expression. I majored in art at Reed College. I had several stints as a seamstress, a long-term job as a woodworker and a full-fledged career in graphic design. But one Saturday night, standing in front of my mirror, finding it impossible to properly accessorize my outfit, I resigned myself to the thought that the foxy goods I needed simply were not out there. It seemed, to get the job done, I would have to do it myself. And so started my passion turned career in jewelry design, the creative endeavor that stuck.

Today as I launch my young company, I work as designer in New York City for two accomplished jewelry companies. Simultaneously, I am happily growing my company to get my jewelry out to the fabulous women of the world who are missing that one commanding item from their wardrobe.

Oligoville: Whom or what inspires your designs?

Erica: I’m most inspired by cultures or time periods that emphasize accessories (particularly jewelry). I love researching their cultural and historical significance, and then reinterpret the fashion from my own point of view and for the modern woman.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you?

Erica: I’m a one-woman company, so I’m not sure I have a typical day. I start the day with a pot of home brewed yerba mate or a coffee from around the corner, and then always a ton of emailing, following up with press, accounts, private clients and any other leads. Lately, as I’m developing my newest collection, I spend a lot of time at my work station, assembling jewelry (and sometimes disassembling and reassembling, and then again and again…). I work into the night– as a young company, I have no normal hours, it’s around the clock. I try to fit in a workout or yoga, and most nights I go out and hit the going-ons of New York City (balancing in the fun AND a great source of inspiration).

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Erica: Same as my jewelry, I like combining unusual elements. I love layering and combining different fabrics and patterns. I’m generally pretty earthy and feminine and I always make sure to accessorize!

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

Erica: My biggest setback was a toughy. I had been hand-crafting one of a kind jewelry for many years, and I was excited that I was on my path toward having a functioning business as a jewelry designer. However, when I really buckled down and developed my strategic plan and began crunching numbers, I realized there wasn’t enough hours in a day to create my jewelry and run my business through my existing efforts. My business model required a total revamp. It was a bit disheartening and a lot of work, but I’m fully back in the saddle now! The big lesson: set goals, plan ahead, and monitor progress. Be in control of your business!

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

Erica: I love creating, bringing something new and inspiring into the world. By far my most rewarding moments come when I finish a piece of jewelry. I put it on and I hold it up in front of me and take a minute to experience the accomplishment.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next 5 years and what are some goals that you have for your brand?

Erica: In my next five years, I’m expecting to have more collections and more breadth through the collections. I’m working toward more accounts, more web traffic/sales, as well as more trunk shows and private clients. I’m at a wonderful, exciting point of growth for my company right now, and I’m busting it out, so I expect ‘more’ is my theme over the next 5 years!!

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Erica: Never stop. One foot in front of the other, no matter what. Just as it gets hard, is when it starts getting good. Persevere!!

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

Oh so many!

Top 3 playing on my ipod right now:
Bluish- Animal Collective
Lovin in My Baby’s Eyes- Taj Mahal
I’m a Lady- Santogold

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