We recently connected with Esmeraldad Gutierrez and have shared our conversation below.

Esmeraldad, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea of having my own clothing brand started when I was working full time, part of a design team for a well known fast fashion brand. I saw the amount of waste that goes into producing a collection and how uncreative “designing” for a brand truly was.

The idea came from wanting to create something that would make people happy, something that would make them feel good about themselves and their bodies. The idea behind this was to break away from the norm and create pieces that genuinely sparked joy in people’s eyes.

I started out by creating one-size items made from materials that my then job no longer needed. With a couple commission jobs here and there, I began to upgrade my sewing studio and felt it was time to show my designs at local markets.
This was my way of nourishing my creative side, it was a fun hobby that eventually turned into something more. With every conversation at every market, I began to truly understand who my shopper was and why they connected with my brand. I saw the need for fun, quality pieces that are size inclusive. I knew offering a one-size or standard size scale wasn’t enough. I saw the need for custom sizing. I saw the need to offer styles that were unique and limited.

Fast forward to now, I have made it a mission to eliminate fabric waste by strictly using dead-stock materials and to design styles that can be offered to a variety of people, regardless of their size. Everyone deserves to be happy and to be able to dress themselves in garments that spark joy.

Our days always start by choosing our outfits, by shopping Lonesome & Thread, you’re shopping a brand that fits YOU, your unique style, your size, your way.

Launching my brand was a way to release the creativity that was building up while designing for others. It was a passion project that has grown into something beautiful. I create small-batch apparel for those who value their style and value quality. I listen to your pain points, to why shopping can be tricky for some. Lonesome & Thread wants to make you feel 100% comfortable in your skin, in your clothes.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Starting Lonesome & Thread was something that came naturally.

I grew up in a household where my creativity was encouraged. I would easily spend hours drawing, painting, or finding ways to create.

At a young age, I found a love in sewing. Throughout my younger years, I spent a lot of time at my grandparents house. Their house was like my second home. They didn’t live far from my home so stopping by their place was just part of my routine growing up. Their home was where I was first introduced to sewing. I would look over as my grandma would sew us pajamas and clothes, amongst a variety of other things.

She had piles of fabric scraps that eventually came home with me. With these scraps, I designed my first dress! It was a maxi denim, halter dress with a suede belt, for my barbie. Fully hand-sewn. My Malibu barbie became my first model to wear an original design.

Throughout my early school years, I began to alter and adjust my own clothing.
In high school, I started to knock-off garments and began to understand pattern making. During this time, I would also get a few commission jobs that helped motivate me to keep perfecting my skills as a seamstress.

Flash forward to being in my 20’s and moving to Los Angeles, I began my career in the Apparel Industry. It was fun and exciting at first. Designing for well known brands was such a thrill. Seeing what my team created, in stores and on people was a new form of excitement.
Unfortunately, seeing first hand the stress and what goes on behind the scenes when designing was something that began to kill my love for fashion. And working for fast fashion meant there was no room for original creativity.

I began to dabble in freelancing after just 2 years of working full time in design. I looked for indie brands and companies that were genuine and welcomed my creativity.

As time went on, my focus in freelancing was shifting more and more onto the production side of fashion. Specifically, garment construction. With everything I was learning, I was adapting that to my own work and any commissions I had.

With every new client, my love for fashion began to grow once again.

I stopped designing for others and began helping with their construction instead. During this time, I was introduced to a well established tailor who needed help with his gigs. I took the risk and became a freelance seamstress, working side by side with the most talented tailors I have ever met. I quickly became a solo seamstress working with a few LA stylists. I began to alter for award shows, PR events, music videos, etc. Working with high profile clients meant dealing with expensive garments. This made me feel like I was new to sewing and altering once again!

Knowing how to sew is one thing, knowing and understanding alterations is another skill set. My basic alterations skills were being tested. After a few meltdowns and moments of wanting to give up, I realized these skills were something I could and should incorporate into my own work (for Lonesome & Thread).

As my passion project shifted from a hobby to an actual business, I began to focus more on quality and construction for my brand. Taking what I’ve learned as a seamstress and applying it to my own designs is something I feel you won’t get with most brands.

I’m a slow fashion brand that knows one-size won’t fit all. I’ve been lucky in working with talented people that I want my brand to reflect that.

Lonesome & Thread isn’t just clothes. It’s a conversation. It’s designing with a purpose.
My slow fashion journey is about being transparent with my designs, my thought process, and sharing that with my followers.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I didn’t have much money when I started my business. So instead of sitting around waiting for the perfect opportunity, I took advantage of what was available to me.

I worked with what I had on hand. Stretching out every dollar and learning how to make the most of my resources was a valuable skill, one that has served me well ever since.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I’ve been sewing for over 20 years, and have worked in the apparel design industry for about 15 of those years. I’ve also been a seamstress for most of my career, so I’m familiar with the process that goes into making garments.

I think it’s important to know basic garment construction when working in the apparel design industry. Seeing first hand what it takes to go from idea to product is critical. You need to know what makes a garment good or bad, and how to make sure your customers are happy with their purchase.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lonesomeandthread.com
• Instagram: @lonesomeandthread
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/lonesomeandthread