We were lucky to catch up with Brandin Vaughn recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brandin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success comes from believing in yourself, having faith in something bigger, and making your ideas happen. It’s about staying dedicated, even if people think your approach is a bit out there. Your self-confidence is the key to your success journey. And let’s face it, failures are just part of daily life – dealing with setbacks, stumbling, and sometimes falling flat on your face. But real success kicks in when you bounce back, keep hustling towards your goals, and stay true to what you dream and believe in.
Brandin, 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?
Textiles have always been interwoven in my life starting well before I was born. My non-hearing grandmother was a sharecropper and picked cotton on a plantation. She was also a laundry worker pressing and washing clothes. My mother being born on that plantation, grew up to work for a uniform company when I was a young child and would bring home the textile catalogs, fabric samples and even measuring tapes. This foundation ultimately led to my first experience as a designer when I was ten years old and I made pillows from a thrifted lamb shearling coat for my mother’s living room sofa found in an alley. Not having enough catapulted into upcycling garments from local thrift stores. I wanted to look ‘fly’ and be considered cool among my peers in middle school. I would get oversized hand-me-downs and thrifted clothes and upcycle them into a current trendy outfit. Through this process I learned how a garment is constructed by way of deconstruction, taking apart and piecing back together and sewing it to fit me. When I sew I look to empower people by giving them the confidence I felt when I upcycled my garments as a young child. It was my way of being accepted among my peers but it turned into a passion for creative expression through sewing garments. I focus on technical construction and craftsmanship and use textured fabrics to construct a garment that is fashion forward and functional. The textile, through transformation, as a finished garment tells a story itself but also allows the individual wearing it to feel confident in their own creative expression. I am helping each person find the style that best fits their lifestyle and individuality.
When I look at the world, I want to make people feel beautiful. In this melting pot of many cultures, everybody wants to fit in and be accepted. I found my niche in the art of fashion which is my gift to serve the community. Sharing this with others allows them to be creative in their own right through fashion.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I initially embarked on my journey as a fashion designer, the path to success seemed uncertain. Despite applying for a fashion incubator, which held the resources and connections any designer would desire, I faced rejection. After a period of reflection and overcoming a sense of disappointment, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I diligently worked to build and shape my vision, eventually opening my store. With unwavering dedication, I invested countless hours to ensure the success of my business. Fast forward a decade, and I am now recognized as a prominent figure in St. Louis fashion—a testament to the resilience and hard work that defined my journey.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When the pandemic struck, I feared for my business’s survival, thinking it would go under due to the global downturn. However, during the idle period, I shifted gears and began producing high-demand products like masks. Within weeks, I realized this strategic move sustained my business. Working tirelessly, I sold out masks within 24 hours, and as the world turned to comfort, I transitioned to tie-dye sweatsuits, attracting more clients. Pivoting my business, I ventured into products outside my usual range, ultimately thriving. Now, back in the store, I can afford manufacturing costs, and the lights are still on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brandinvaughn.com
- Instagram: @brandinvaughncollection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandinvaughncollection/