We were lucky to catch up with Braylee Flaska! recently and have shared our conversation below.

Braylee , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?

Recycle denim! I am definitely not the first or last to do this but I am so glad I tried! My Grandpa gave my mom all of his old farm jeans for her to fish in or use the fabric for whatever. Of course, once I saw the pile of jeans it was ALL MINE. I cut them all into pieces then sewed them back together as yardage. Then I started to cut out a shapeless jacket that could fit most people and could be styled in different ways. These jackets flew right out of my hands and into friend’s and family’s closets. So I decided to make pants, skirts, puffer jackets, all sorts of fun garments! I also printed pictures, with the help of my mom, onto some of the denim and patch-worked them onto the garments to share memories of loved ones. I love using denim because the more it’s used and ripped the cooler it looks!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started “making” clothes at a young age for my dolls, just wrapping fabric around them and knotting it to stay on. In elementary school I told my parents I HAD to be a professional soccer player because I needed people to wear my name on their jerseys. Little did I know that all could translate to I wanted to be a fashion designer. I didn’t know anyone in the industry growing up so I didn’t really realize it could be a career or how to do it. In high school I found everyone in my hometown who could sew and I had them make a little collection for me so I could have a fashion show at my birthday party. I was obsessed with fashion and finally figured out I could go to school for it! I went to the University of North Texas to study fashion design and learned how to pattern, drape, and properly construct a garment start to finish. I interned for anyone who would have me so I could learn as much as possible before I graduated. I worked for so many amazing people and now feel very confident in my craft. I currently offer custom garments and alterations upon request. Making custom garments for clients is so fun for me because I get to bring someone’s dream vision to life! Seeing how excited people get and how confident they feel once the garment is complete is my favorite! A lot of opportunities in the works for Fall so keep an eye out on my Instagram for updates! @Brayleeflaskadesigns

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I knew that other creatives were willing to help each other grow and do collaborative shoots. I always thought you had to hire hair, make up, photographer, studio, etc. When really, most of the time you can just message someone on instagram and they are also looking to do something creative and fun! I did shoots with my friends and family of course, but would have loved to connect to more people while I was in New York or even just in college for more experience. I have found that most people in the fashion industry, especially in Dallas are very welcoming and encouraging!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a fashion designer is seeing how the client feels after putting on the garment. I love how excited they get and 9 times out of 10 if it’s a dress they are going to twirl around immediately! With styling, I love to see the final images and how everyone’s hard work comes together into one amazing product! Design and styling are great careers for people who like to see a result and have the instant gratification of a final garment or image at the end of the day. And come on, what’s NOT rewarding about getting to play with clothes all day?! This is the most fun career I could imagine for myself! If it’s not fun, I don’t want to do it! :-)

Contact Info:

• Website: brayleeflaska.com
• Instagram: @brayleeflaskadesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braylee.flaska/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd-PU5J3kqRR9Of8jDdShGQ

Image Credits
Rita Sharp, Elizabeth Savetsky, R’Bonney Nola, Lindsay Adler, Anna Cantu, Lovell Cox, Tameika Gasaway, Ronda Flaska, Tinsley Merrill Paul, Taylor Lavine, Sabra Washington