I thought you might like to see a few behind the scenes shots from a couple of our recent photo shoots. Photo shoots are one of my favorite parts of my clothing line. Even if they are sometimes a little stressful. (Like when the weather won’t cooperate.) We get to be mildly creative and we often have interesting company…
The other day, as I was sitting in my studio obsessing over the pleat depth in a new design I’m working on, I realized that I hardly ever share that part of my life with you. You know, the part where I design clothes and then sell them. I sort of stopped and thought about that for a minute, because wow, this is such a huge, huge part of my life now and I almost never even hint at it on this silly little blog. I think it’s one of those things we do, you know as human beings, where we’re okay talking about the silly insignificant things in life, but it’s harder to be real about the stuff we really care about. And the truth is, I love my little clothing line. It’s part of me now, it’s changed my life and my family in so many ways. It’s taken us to all kinds of bizarre and beautiful locations, from the industrial district of Seattle, to the smelly streets of the garment district in LA. Textile shows in New York, Las Vegas, and photo shoots on piers, railroad tracks, abandoned fields, city streets and my own kitchen. Each of my designs becomes a constant source of motivation to work harder, and make something better. When I look back at my original samples on my very first design 2 years ago, I can hardly believe how far I’ve come, how far I have yet to go.
My skin, which has always been too thin for my own good, is growing thicker. I’ve learned to be comfortable and not terrified having real conversations with manufacturers, suppliers, jobbers, and mills; even when I feel incredibly out of my league. I’ve learned not to sweat quite so much of the small stuff, but I still lay awake racked with anxiety the night before we launch a new design every single time. They are kind of like my own version of wearable art, and it’s hard to put your own art out there. Really hard, and also really fantastic.
And when I see somebody fabulous wearing one of my skirts, or a customer emails me and tells me how fantastic they felt when they wore theirs, I feel like my child just won the spelling bee. Also, I really really love my customers. They are so fabulous. All those sweet husbands who have emailed me for advice on sizing, color, style, trying to secretly surprise their wife for Christmas, a birthday, Mother’s day; I want to literally give them a high five. Yeah man, you’re buying her chairs! [insert fist pump] And all those lovely ladies who have ordered and then come back and order again and again, can I just hug you? Please, and then buy you a really big double scoop ice cream cone, because you’ve made me feel the greatest.
And then there’s Mr. I don’t know how many men there are out there who would have put so much of their own time, talent, heart and money into helping their wife with a silly little dream, but without him it would still be just that. A silly little dream that I was too afraid to share with the world. He’s one of those optimistic types that just figure out a way to break through walls and make things happen and never ever give up. And wow, it is just really fun getting to do this with him, and when he turns his ball cap around and lays down right on the ground to get just the right angle on a shot, and then takes a peek at his work and gets this pleased little grin, I don’t think I could love anything more.
Truly.
It’s funny that you talk about getting a thicker skin because the first thing that went through my mind was, “There is SOMEONE out there who doesn’t like her designs?!” Oh, the unbelievable audacity! I haven’t purchased a skirt yet … mainly because I can’t decide which to get. Aaaaand the other part, I generally don’t spend lots of money on ONE item of clothing. HOWEVER. I am going to. And that is saying a lot. :) Love your work. Love your blog. :)
someday i will own one of your skirts :) i’m thinking after baby comes and i’m back to a somewhat normal size/proportion…that will be the day. love love you skirts. truly. and i don’t even own one! (yet). share more about this – it’s fun to hear about!
this is SO beautiful!
kw, ladies in navy
jewelry giveaway!
I have THREE of your skirts! Love them all. :)
Cor,
This is so great. And I love all the shots. So, can I purchase the horse shot you had on Instagram and the railroad track shot? I mean, please please PLEASE? I really love them and its not everyday that I find something I want to hang on my wall–and it would be that much more special coming from you guys. Just let me know..
Xo
These shots are gorgeous! Love a behind-the-scenes look at your fantastic business!
“He’s one of those optimistic types that just figure out a way to break through walls and make things happen and never ever give up.”
I wish everyone had someone like this in their lives.
Beautiful photos.
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oh, how I was saving my pennies for one only to realize nothing in the shop is past size 10 ~I’m a 12/14 :(. I love how dressing like a lady is FINALLY catching up again. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Love this post, Cori! It’s so rare to see what happens in order to get the beautiful shots. Craig does an AMAZING job shooting you, I’m always so impressed. Now if only I could get my Craig to do the same ;) Keep up the amazing work!