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

Hi Faren , thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

In the athletic wear world. Trends are constantly moving throughout each year. When I first started acclimating my small business in the world; athletic brands such Lulumon, Vitality, Fabletics etc were dominating the market. The color palettes that were popular at the time were more dark and neutral tones. There were hardly any intricate patterns or designs displayed on athletic wear. My brand was developed in at a time of plain and safe clothing designs. Within two years the market trend completely flipped, and more Lisa Francisque designs, and bold bright colors became the new norm. Because the market is so fickle. I personally did not try to conform to the trends unless I found them interesting and or inspiring. Fashion in general will always move. However, if a designer is concerned about not keeping up with the times or trends. Just know that fashion trends always circle back around.

Faren , 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?

I am a water colorist and athleisure wear designer. My journey is unconventional, to say the least. I am very sensitive to energy and emotions of people, energy of places or energy of objects. Some people may refer to it as being an Empath. For the longest time, I had no idea this was something out of the norm. I thought everyone could feel and experience people and places on the same level as I experienced them. As I got older, my experiences became more intense. It was very difficult for me to hide or run away from it. So, I prayed to God for wisdom and guidance. God told me to paint. I thought it was absurd. I hadn’t attended art classes since middle school. However, I did it. After sharing my artwork via social media, I began to receive sale requests and requests for commissioned art. That was when Farever Art was born.

My painting technique and process is unconventional. I paint based on how I feel about a particular subject. All of my paintings are based on the energy of a person, place or object. I close my eyes and meditate on a subject. I paint with my eyes closed or I may gaze without focusing on the paper and paint. I don’t judge my art. I just create it. This is my precipitation, interpretation and vision of a subject.

I am also a 200hr RYT and Barre Instructor. I created an athleisure wear clothing line. This line transforms positive energetic painting and designs into wearable art.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

As a yoga instructor growing my clientele was a remarkably interesting process. From the very beginning my clients and community inspired my artistic vision of creating an athletic line. So, growing my clientele was built into my community from the beginning.

As an instructor in any field of fitness, clients will analysis and observe their instructors, teachers or guides very closely and will draw inspiration from them. For example, if your favorite teacher says or wears something you like, the chances of you (a client) may use a phrase or want to purchase whatever your instructor is wearing. Because of this, I was able to grow my audience simply by wearing my own brand daily.

I launched and wore my collections in class. Over time my clients noticed my unique athletic wear and would inquire about it. Once, my regulars found out I launched my own athleisure business. It became a snowball effect. My clients supported my business, they would travel or visit other studios wearing my clothes. Because of that other people would see my brand on my clients and inquire to them about it and so forth.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started my business, I soley focused on art prints and home decor. I was very new to the concept of entrepreneurship and the world of art. I wanted so badly to stand out and be trendy. At that time, I felt that home decor would be the most marketable avenue for my brand. I unfortunately misjudged this market and realized the home décor world is over saturated and most importantly unfulfilling for me.

It was not until I decided to step back from focusing on what is trending in society that I produced a new plan. I realized, for me to relate to an audience; I should look within my own community and determine their wants and needs. I used my world of fitness to guide me into my next medium of art. A few months later, I pivoted my business into athleisure, and I have not looked back.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fareverart.com
• Instagram: farever_art
• Linkedin: Faren Brooke Collins
• Other: TIK TOK: Fareverart

Image Credits
Photos: Faren Collins @farever_art