We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Hobson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.
Erica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
Designing has always been in my DNA. My grandma & great grandma were sewers, but I did not learn that skill directly from them. I’ve always been into fashion since I was a child and inspired by my mother’s distinct style. One Christmas about 7 years ago, my father gifted me a sewing machine. From there I started experimenting. I learned from YouTube university but really from trial and error. About 6 months after teaching myself to sew I decided to just launch my brand. I went to joanns to research fabrics and studied the contents of my favorite pieces. After I decided on my first couple designs I organized a photoshoot with my dad, who’s a photographer, had a promo video made with an upcoming videographer and shared my work on Instagram. From there I haven’t really stopped. I continued to design and create whatever came to mind.
Erica, 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 have a clothing brand called LUFF where I design and sew luxury streetwear. LUFF stands for Love U Find Freedom. I have found my freedom through being able to create designs I see in my mind. Due to the lack of black women designers, I felt it necessary to share my gift with the world. I’m most proud of going into my 7th year of business and having never stopped no matter what sales look like. This is my passion. I feel free when I design and sew a piece I see in my mind. I love seeing anyone in pieces I’ve made with my own hands. That’s what truly keeps me going!
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I love this question because I am still working to grow my brand’s ecosystem. I have clients that have pieces from my start and continue to support for a number of reasons. I take pride in finding ethical and durable fabrics, providing personal customer service, and designing pieces you won’t find in stores.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is when a client says they have never had clothes that fit them like LUFF. I always say when a person tries on LUFF there is no going back. They always want more and more. It’s rewarding to make people feel good through clothing that was made specifically for them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beinluff.com
- Instagram: @beinluff
- Twitter: @beinluff
Image Credits
Eric Hobson @nowyoufamous
Derron @itsledbetter
Sarah Fleming @flemi.jpg