We recently connected with Angelica Curtis and have shared our conversation below.

Angelica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I was inspired to start designing my own clothing after seeing the innerworkings of big business. I was confident that there was a more ethical way to produce a clothing line right here in the united states vs outsourcing labor to another country with horrible working conditions. How could I feel good about a customer wearing my designs with this model of production? I kept this goal in mind as I started my career. My journey in the Fashion Industry has not been an easy one! Over the past 15 years I have worked under some amazing and some horrible designers for large manufacturing companies in Los Angeles. I knew I needed to get as much knowledge of the industry before I went on my own. Throughout my years designing I have found a few windows of opportunity to jump, taking a risk and walking away from a comfortable salary to venture out on my own. I will say that although I have failed at some of those risks, I always bet on myself.
Now that I am on my own as a business owner and designer for my own line I am focusing on quality designs and growing my brand from a small one person company to big business while making a positive impact in the Fashion Industry.

Angelica, 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?

The Fashion Industry has a bad reputation for manufacturing and waste. As a Fashion Designer of Angelia Curtis Collection, I have set an intension to do my part in changing how apparel is manufactured. First, I decided to strictly produce my brands in the United States so that I can be hands on in the workplace and monitor wasted materials. I use local vendors and hire skilled employees in Los Angeles, it is important to me to funnel my business dollars back into my community. As my company grows, I am confident that my sustainable fashion designs will positively impact the Fashion Industry. What sets me apart as a designer is listening to my customers. I found that many customers need a simple way to shop for clothing that fits. My brand offers a custom size option for customers that need minor tweaks to for a desired fit. By keeping my production local I can make the adjustments for a perfect fit and happy customer.
One of my proudest successes would be that during one of my leaps of faith I was featured on Ashanti during Access Hollywood Live! Around that same time frame, I participated in my first Trade Shows and Showcased at LA Fashion Week. I am very proud of the work I put in to making these successes happen for my designs. These moments are validations to me that no matter how many times I fail I am on the right path.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The path of entrepreneurship has phases of successes and failures. It is so important to learn from your failures and pick yourself up as quickly as possible. As a result, you will be stronger and more resilient. One of my biggest failures thus far has been investing my entire savings into a Fashion Mobile Retail Truck. It was sooo beautiful I left no detail unturned in designing it. My downfall was that I was often alone going out setting up and selling. The truck was a 2-person kind of venture and I didn’t have anyone to consistently be there with me. I also didn’t take into consideration how much time it was taking away from designing and producing new products to sell. What I learned from this was to focus on what makes me a great designer and double down on selling online. It became clear that selling is not a strong skill for me and designing is really were I thrive. Although selling in person can be great, I realize doing pop up shops is a better for me, this allows me the time I need to design and develop collections while still getting in front of my customers for feedback and brand awareness.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

The first years of funding my company I worked a part time job to support myself and business. I then began applying for many grants and was awarded with funding to get things going. Grants are great way to get capital. They take time and to apply and months to find out if your chosen, but I feel it has been a great way to get my company to where it is today.

Contact Info:

• Website: shopangelicacurtis.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shopangelicacurtis
• Facebook: facebook.com/shopangelicacurtis
• Linkedin: angelica curtis
• Youtube: angelica curtis

Image Credits
Models: Daria Rottenberk Macy Chanel Dianna Condori Franchesska Photographer: Justin Cox Dylan Perlot