We were lucky to catch up with Frank Robertson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Frank thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The foundation of H.I.M Studios was not laid in a traditional design school or a corporate fashion house. Instead, it emerged from the industrial world of shipfitting/welding, built on the principles of durability, function, and necessity. My journey into fashion began not as a designer but as a manufacturer for a small accessories brand called QUEORK. I worked there until it’s unfortunate closing in late 2021 due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Without a formal fashion degree, my approach has always been unconventional, guided by the principles of applied engineering rather than conventional design techniques. However, my unique background allowed me to see fashion through a different lens—not just as an artistic expression but as a structural and functional necessity.

The initial idea for H.I.M Studios came during my time as a shipfitter and welder. While working in that field, I realized that the clothing I wore offered little protection against weld arc sparks. This led me to design my first piece, The Team-Player welding chore coat. Initially, it was a practical solution to a personal problem, not the start of a business. However, a simple conversation changed everything.

One day, a co-worker noticed my coat and asked if I could hem pants. I agreed, thinking little of it at the time. Later that day, as we were leaving the shipyard, he called out, “You’re gonna hem my pants, right? I know you can—because you’re him!” At that moment, I realized I had a name: H.I.M Studios. Soon after, the acronym followed—Hands in Motion Studios—representing the essence of craftsmanship and continuous creation.

While the name and concept for H.I.M Studios had taken shape, I was still working long shifts, leaving little time to pursue fashion seriously. As my passion for making durable workwear grew, I faced a difficult decision: continue working 10-hour shifts or find a way to dedicate more time to my creative work. I eventually transitioned to a job with fewer hours, giving me the flexibility to develop my designs while also pursuing my engineering technology degree.

This was a pivotal moment, marking my commitment to moving beyond an idea and treating H.I.M Studios as a real venture. I began experimenting with different designs, creating and selling pieces, and building a small but growing audience. However, I quickly realized that having an idea wasn’t enough—I needed to refine my skills, learn new techniques, and figure out the logistics of turning my designs into a business.

Without a formal background in fashion, I turned to alternative methods to develop my skills. I studied YouTube tutorials, experimented with pattern drafting, and relied on my partner’s experience in the fashion industry. I had to teach myself how to draft and sew patterns, figure out where to source quality materials, and understand the business side of fashion, including pricing, marketing, and sales. Balancing my time between work, school, and fashion proved challenging, but I remained committed to the process.

One of my first major milestones came when I entered a fashion competition in Shreveport, Louisiana. I wanted to test whether my designs could stand alongside those of trained designers. To participate, I had to create a three- or four-piece collection for six models—both male and female. This was a significant challenge, as I had never completed a full collection before. The process required intense focus, trial and error, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone. After weeks of work, I completed the pieces and shipped them out for judging.

While waiting for the competition results, my career took another unexpected turn—I was laid off from my flexible fabrication job. However, this loss led to a new opportunity: I became a studio technician at a sustainable fashion school in New Orleans. This role exposed me to sustainable design practices, deepening my understanding of ethical fashion and reinforcing the mission of H.I.M Studios.

When the competition finalists were announced, I was among them. The other competitors included a Mardi Gras masking Indian, two fashion school-trained womenswear designers, and a costume designer turned fashion designer. The competition was fierce, but the experience was invaluable.

On the day of the final event, my partner and I drove to Shreveport, excited but uncertain about the outcome. The environment was electric—the crowd was massive, the energy was high, and the collections showcased a wide range of talent and creativity. As the show came to a close, the finalists were called to the stage. In that moment, all of the hard work, learning, and sacrifices culminated in a single announcement: “The winner is… Frank Robertson.”

Winning that competition was more than just validation—it was a turning point. It proved that my unconventional approach, rooted in engineering and functionality, had a place in the fashion industry. Since then, I have continued to refine my designs, explore sustainable materials, and push the creative and technical limits of my work.

H.I.M Studios started as an idea sparked by necessity, but it has grown into a platform for innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship. The journey from concept to execution was not easy, but every challenge and setback played a role in shaping the brand into what it is today. As I continue to build, create, and learn, the core principle remains the same: hands in motion, always moving forward.

Frank, 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 Frank Robertson, a handbag and outerwear designer specializing in sustainable fashion and small-scale garment manufacturing. My journey began as a manufacturer at QUEORK, where I developed knowledge in textiles, quality control, and manufacturing processes. At H.I.M Studios, we design and construct durable, functional garments and accessories with a focus on sustainability, precision, and ethical craftsmanship. Our work includes accessories outerwear, pattern drafting, textile manipulation, and garment prototyping. I’ve also mentored and developing curricula for Ric-Rack in New Orleans and previously worked as a studio technician at Material Institute. What sets me apart is my engineering approach to fashion, ensuring structural integrity, functionality, and longevity in every piece. H.I.M Studios is more than just fashion—it’s about redefining workwear, fostering creativity, and keeping hands in motion.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Humility. There is a great deal of pride in saying those magic words, “I made it.” But over time, that statement turned into questions: “Did I make it correctly?” or “Will it last long after it leaves my sewing machine?”

There are a few early pieces I’m proud of, but it doesn’t feel good knowing they won’t hold up for long. Yes, they were part of my early work, but that doesn’t excuse the flaws. I had to unlearn the idea that simply finishing something was enough. True craftsmanship means constantly refining, improving, and ensuring that what I create is built to last.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I believe that revealing the unseen parts of a business creates a deeper sense of authenticity for your audience. Trends come and go, constantly making way for the next, but authenticity stands the test of time. Have the courage to walk your own path, even if it means walking alone, it’s far better than being an imposter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://himstudios.live/
• Instagram: @himstudios.live
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsfrankrobertson/

Image Credits

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