Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dana Felt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

To be honest, all I can think of is what a difficult yet rewarding road it has been. Ramble James launched exactly two weeks before Covid shut the world down. It was devastating to my small business as I had sunk most of my life savings into sewing machines, fabric, embellishments, wholesale denim, website design, photoshoots, marketing, you get the idea. Nobody really needed to be spending money on a one-of-a-kind clothing item when we were all stuck inside or tending to family & friends. Although 2020 activities were not on my five years business plan, it was a lesson in patience and pivoting (cue Ross’s infamous moment on “Friends”). As my Grandfather would always say, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”. With the help of my mother, Debbie, we have been able to come up with new, fresh ideas to keep Ramble James growing and offering an exclusive product.

Opening a small boutique at The Painted Tree in Franklin, TN has allowed for a second wave of momentum. The hands-on, tangible experience customers get being able to see jackets first hand is necessary and I LOVE seeing the smile on their faces! Photos just don’t do a jacket with full back panel embellishments and 32 inch arm fringe justice! It has been an honor moving my business to Franklin and I am thankful for the chance to get to do so.

Dana, 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?

Launched in 2020, Ramble James was cultivated on the principals of individuality, rebellion and uniqueness. Being in front of the camera since I was 15 years old, I’ve been greatly inspired by the modeling world through the years and decided to create a brand based around the fundamental idea of “un-doing trends” and establishing a wardrobe that encompasses ones true self. I had the rad idea to forge Ramble James while on location in Nashville, and I haven’t looked back since.

These one of a kind pieces are a labor of love, each designed to make men and women embrace their inner bad ass, wild & free souls.

With a strong focus on imagery and art, RJ is proud to provide individuals with 100% hand-crafted denim jackets that speak to their inner Rambler. RJ was born of an idea that “trends” have no place in a Ramblers world, if you like something you wear it. It’s as simple as that.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Although still building Ramble James online presence and reputation, I take great pride in ensuring every single piece that goes out is held to the highest standard. I will not sell product that I wouldn’t myself buy or wear. When I say we spend hours making sure each piece has every detail necessary to be as high end and unique as possible, I mean it!

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

When I started Ramble James it was a literal shot in the dark! I had no clue of the processes involved or HOW MUCH MONEY it would cost to cultivate a small business out of thin air but all of the challenges along the way make for a more rewarding outcome.

I think something that would help potential new business owners is the simple act of being organized and focused in ever facet of your company. This may seem like an *eye roll worthy* piece of advice but you’ll thank me later!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ramblejames.com
• Instagram: @ramblejamesdenim
• Facebook: @ramblejames
• Twitter: @ramblejames

Image Credits
Main photo: Whitney Klyeen Extra Solo Photos: Nick Alexander “Couples” Photos: Michael Lee