Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Ohashi-sides

Hi Shelby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

This little local Hawai‘i brand stemmed from an evening cooking a turmeric infused stir fry in a brand new off-white tee. Stains ensued. From a stained top to small creative business, Studio Sides has really bloomed into something of my dreams.

Capturing nature on a 100% silk has always been at the heart of this passion project but it did start out by simply breathing new life into well-loved garments. I am a big advocate of shopping secondhand, and upcycling promotes this more sustainable shopping practice.

Hand dyeing well-loved, dingy, and stained clothing is a service that we do offer upon consult. However, since the official launch of January 2020, the studio has expanded into other forms of wearable art that are both consistent in fit while remaining unique in print.

The natural dye process is such a fascinating creative journey. So to be able to explore color and its relationship with emotion has been an experience that I am very honored to have.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

I have always wanted to be an artist but I went to school for marketing. My go-to ice breaker in college actually started with “I actually want to be an artist but I donʻt want to be starving”. Looking back it is a little funny because while I am thankfully not starving, it took quite a bit of personal struggle to get here.

Studio Sides officially launched in January 2020 with the pandemic to follow a few months later. While the extra time home contributed to my color exploration with natural dyes, it was a challenge to navigate building a brand during such an uncertain time.

Establishing a small business requires quite a bit of putting yourself out there, and that kind of vulnerability was challenging for me. When there is so much passion behind the product or service, it can be hard to not take each and every interaction personally. Custom dye orders are my favorite because it gives me the opportunity to create with someone in mind but there are times that the piece doesnʻt end up aligning. The instances are few but they were significant moments and ones that lead to a lot of doubt.

I have grown into viewing all of the aspects of building this brand as some type of art form but it did take a lot of internal work and I still struggle with self doubt. Something I try to keep in mind is that there are going to consistently be obstacles, and unless you learn to pivot, things are only going to be harder.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am a natural dyer based out of Hawai‘i that uses real plant material and extracts to capture nature in her most vibrant form. Each Studio Sides piece is a combination for my love for 100% silk and color, showcasing dreamy colorways on a luxurious fabric.

To have the physical and digital space to share my art while simultaneously connecting with other creatives is something that I am incredibly grateful for and proud of. It can be surreal to look back and realize that I have the honor of bringing to life colorways dreamt in my daydreams.

I feel like I have honed in my dye style over the last few years, so I think Studio Sides have developed a signature look that can be better recognized as I continue to share within my community and online.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?

You will likely feel discouragement throughout the journey, especially in the beginning. There is a lot of unknown when it comes to running a creative business, but the highs and lows of it all can be an exciting experience for those who learn to pivot through obstacles.

If I could go back, I would want to encourage that version of myself to view each experience as a lesson. I personally feel that each moment from start to now was something that I needed to work through in order to be in this place today. I am constantly learning both in my craft and behind the scenes, so I feel like all the mistakes and disappointments are my greatest teachers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studiosides.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiosides/