We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LISA BEST. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LISA below.

Hi LISA, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

I had been working as a technical designer and fit specialist at fashion companies for quite awhile earning well. I was always selling something and stopping after a few sales. I began sewing faux suede bags that were selling out several a week. I asked a factory owner if they could make the bags for me. It was a factory I knew thru working at a big fashion company. I made some other bags and some of them kept selling also.

I really wanted to sell clothes I designed but was put off because of how much time the process requires.
I took a short course on starting a business. The teacher gave us all t-shirts and said come back next week using the T-shirt to promote your brand. Everyone returned with a logo on the t-shirt. I completely deconstructed mine to make it feminine showing more neckline, and sewed a bag onto the t-shirt at the hip, added a shoulder strap with buckle closure at the shoulder. The teacher and the class were so impressed. I even sold some at class and at an outdoor events. I decided finally, you are talented, stop quitting to just get a job, this is what you should be doing.

I worked freelance to source and buy fabrics and supplies. Found a work studio so I can meet customers who need patternmaking, tailoring, fitting my designs on them and selling from my space and online of course. I’m continually researching old designers of anything, furniture, graphic designs, shoes, architecture and vintage pieces for inspiration. I read classic and lesser known books of writers from the past, some contemporary, but mainly old books and lots of French, Russian, just foreign writers. It makes me dream and imagine people from other times and how they would live and dress. I started to create designs and sell them. I make patterns for other small businesses. I work as a teacher at a university costume shop helping students create their pieces for theater, tv, video and do lots of sewing projects for customers. I am always learning more ways to promote and attract more customers. Promoting everywhere is key. I’m truly just getting started with clothing sales and it’s working.

LISA, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began sewing at 5 years old making clothes for my dolls and Barbie. I never stopped making clothes for myself and others. I went to fashion design school and mastered fashion design and patternmaking and sketching. These are the services I provide.

I love high quality clothing, it makes you look and feel better to wear something that fits and is of a good quality fabric. My goal is to make things that just make you feel great that you will wear often.

I love this work, making clothing and learning how to do better, new techniques, refining designs, patterns, sewing. I have many repeat regular customers so I simply need to continue and expand. I also do alteration tailoring on high end clothing, eg. Vintage Chanel gowns, Dior women’s suits resizing, men’s Givenchy pant relining for example. Working with vintage pieces is fun because you see how well things were made and learn new ways to create.

I’m most proud of the fact that I never give up. Through many jobs, gigs, making more money, less money, more money, having to source supplies more online fabric prices increased, I’m still working in the fashion industry and this is what I will continue to do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

To ignore and deny the starving artist myth, and be a great example that high skill sets and dedication to work you love brings me high income.
I try to only use natural fibers. The land fill issue of plastics and polyester is really something we can solve.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn “turning it off”. Meaning I have a big personality and high energy. So I make friends easily and like people. Well, this type of personality can get shut down or snubbed by others who think I’m too much, too present, too big, whatever. As a woman also, we all know how this goes. In work and the world. Thus, I have spent a lot of years just quieting down my personality to appease others, women and men.

When I just let go and am my true, wonderful, kind, considerate self, And Turn it On, the help, support, respect and aid come to me with ease. So, I am completely resolved to now just keep it turned on, be me. Who else can I be? It attracts all the good.

“To thine own self, be true.” Shakespeare

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Pippihepburn.com
• Instagram: Pippihepburndesigns
• Facebook: Pippi Hepburn
• Other: https://Www.Pippihepburn.etsy.com

Image Credits

Question. Some of these have magazine pics I tore from magazine pages. If not usable please let me know. Thank you!