We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katara Banks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Katara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.
My brand takes a unique approach in the fashion industry by focusing on slow fashion principles. Unlike the prevalent fast fashion model, we prioritize sustainability, ethical production practices, and quality craftsmanship. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by designing timeless pieces that are made to last, rather than following the trend of disposable fashion. Additionally, we create exclusive drops that are limited in quantity and once sold out, we don’t restock them. This approach encourages our customers to embrace individuality and appreciate the value of each garment. By taking pride in slow fashion, we aim to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of fast fashion on both people and the planet.
Katara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey into fashion design has been a culmination of personal exploration and a deep love for creativity. It all began when I started sewing by hand at a young age, under the guidance of my mother. She taught me the basics, igniting a passion for transforming fabrics into something entirely new.
However, my early experiments weren’t always met with approval. I would frequently find myself in trouble for cutting up my grandmother’s jackets to create unique doll clothes. But these instances only reinforced my belief that fashion could be a powerful means of self-expression.
Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t fit in with societal norms. In search of my own identity, I turned to style as a way of learning who I truly was. It became a pathway for me to express my individuality and stand out from the crowd.
In 2018, a remarkable opportunity presented itself when I stumbled upon a vintage Coach purse while thrifting. Inspired by my vision and desire for unconventional designs, I transformed the purse into a stunning bikini. Eager to share my creation, I posted it on social media and tagged Coach. To my delight, they noticed and appreciated my innovative approach, leading to a collaboration that further solidified my passion for fashion design.
My process of designing is driven by a simple yet powerful approach: think it, visualize it, and sew it. I’m drawn to designs that push boundaries and defy expectations. Creating everyday items isn’t my goal; instead, I strive to craft unique, out-of-the-box pieces that challenge conventional notions of fashion.
Attending a performing arts school provided me with a fertile ground for nurturing my creative instincts. Surrounded by fellow artists and immersed in a vibrant artistic atmosphere, I refined my skills and expanded my horizons in the realm of fashion design.
Now, at 25 years old, my unwavering love for fashion fuels my ambition to work with renowned names in the industry. One of my ultimate dreams is to collaborate with Doja Cat, whose bold and unapologetic style resonates deeply with me. With every design, my mind naturally gravitates towards innovative and unconventional ideas, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Fashion has always held a special place in my heart, serving as a powerful outlet for self-expression and a medium to communicate my unique perspective. I’m excited to continue my journey, translating my passion into extraordinary designs that captivate and inspire others.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Several factors have contributed to building my reputation within the market. One key aspect has been my focus on creating custom pieces for clients. For a long time, I dedicated my skills and attention to crafting unique and personalized designs tailored to the individual preferences and needs of each client. This commitment to delivering one-of-a-kind creations helped me establish a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Another significant factor in building my reputation has been my close connection with the community. By engaging with local events, collaborating with other artists, and actively participating in community initiatives, I was able to build strong relationships and gain visibility. Through word-of-mouth referrals and positive recommendations, my client base expanded, bringing in new and diverse clientele.
My experience working in the nightclub industry as a bottle girl further propelled my career. By interacting with dancers and performers, I had the opportunity to create custom dance pieces for them. This collaboration not only enhanced my skill set but also led to the creation of more elaborate and intricate designs for larger-scale projects. This exposure and experience allowed me to showcase my versatility and ability to bring unique visions to life.
One aspect that sets me apart is my willingness to take on any challenge. I pride myself on being able to make virtually anything, or at least giving it my best effort. If I can visualize a design in my mind, I am determined to turn it into a reality. This mindset has earned me a reputation as a resourceful and innovative designer who can tackle complex and unconventional projects with confidence.
Overall, it is the combination of my dedication to custom creations, involvement with the community, experience in the nightclub industry, and unwavering determination to bring any vision to life that has helped me establish a strong reputation within the market.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that all business is good business. In the early stages of my career, I was eager to take on any opportunity that came my way, believing that every client and project would contribute to my growth. However, I soon realized that not all customers are a good fit for my business.
There have been instances where I had to make the difficult decision to block certain customers from ever working with me again. These individuals exhibited unprofessional behavior, were difficult to work with, or showed a lack of respect for my craft and time. Recognizing the negative impact they had on my well-being and overall business, I had to prioritize my own professional boundaries and ensure that I surrounded myself with clients who valued and appreciated my work.
Another lesson I had to learn was the importance of setting limits and taking care of my own well-being. As a sole creator, it can be challenging to manage a high volume of custom orders while also dealing with the pressures of running a business. There were times when I experienced burnout and realized that I needed to close my custom books temporarily to regain my energy and creativity. Understanding my limitations and finding a balance between work and self-care became crucial for my long-term sustainability and success.
Growing up as an only child and grandchild in a small town like Lima, Ohio, I faced unique challenges. Coming from a single-parent household, I had to navigate life and my career path largely on my own. Overcoming bullying and finding my own identity in such an environment instilled in me a drive to work harder and prove myself. These experiences taught me resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of staying true to my vision even when faced with obstacles.
Unlearning the idea that all business is good business, recognizing the need to establish boundaries with difficult clients, and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout have been transformative lessons in my journey. They have enabled me to create a healthier and more sustainable business model while staying focused on providing high-quality work and nurturing my own well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nuclearfamilystudios.com
- Instagram: @thekatarabanks
- Other: Tiktok: @katarabanks4
Image Credits
Photography by instagram @mpov_photography