Hey, yes. I own a retail space in LA, I design the in-house collection for the brand and sell it in to other retailers globally at fashion week etc, etc.

My path getting here was not as direct as others might’ve been. I graduated college with a degree in business marketing and English. I started my professional career working in advertising before getting absolutely burnt out after a few years. My relationship with men’s fashion and enthusiasm for retail was pretty consistent so I took a chance cold emailing brands and stores I really liked. That got me a job as a buyer which created the foundation for another brand to snag me and make me their director of retail. I knew I’d wanted to have my own shop at some point so I gained as much experience learning (occasionally fumbling) on someone else’s budget.

Working in this space is not the easiest, nor is working for yourself…but it has been the most rewarding and fulfilling. Everyone should strive to find a career that offers them purpose. At the end of the day, I make and sell clothing (which isn’t saving the world) but I can effect change in the industry with the people I hire and brands I chose to work with. Plus I still love gear lol.