We recently connected with Maia Potter and have shared our conversation below.
Maia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
I originally established my brand in 2019, but did not launch and attain sales until 2021. The idea was to begin as a cut and sew line with 3 original designs. Transparency moment— I can sew, but I needed a professional to carry out these specific designs for me. After going through a couple of manufacturers, samples kept coming up short of my expectations, so I pivoted to jewelry and furs. I was grateful for the redirection honestly, but that doesn’t mean those designs won’t see the light of day. Once I had a grasp on that, the hardest part was getting the confidence to launch. I was dragging my feet. I always give credit to my man around that time. He truly gave me that final push to step outside myself and quit making excuses. Thus Basil & Gin finally launched in August 2021.
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?
My name is Maia and I’m an artist. I love all things art and fashion. I have since I was little. I always knew my purpose would derive from art in some way. I’ve always done my own thing and never minded standing out. I’ve always loved shiny, fuzzy, furry, or over the top pieces or accessories. So about 4-5 years ago, I bought my first fur coat and fell absolutely in love with it. I wanted to wear it anytime I could. That’s what made me look into the fur/leather business. I work with some of the most amazing manufacturers to produce my top quality bespoke fur pieces. Basil and Gin provides custom jewelry as well as custom fur coats and accessories. If the style they are looking for is not offered on our website, clients can work with us directly to make a custom coat. At this moment we only have 5 coat styles, 1 vest, 1 robe, and dress offered on our website. If a client wants something completely customized that isn’t offered, we’re more than capable of bringing their vision to life. As a brand, that’s what we are most proud of.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to learn fairly quick that unless you desire fast fashion, working with manufacturers over seas can be challenging. My sister is a lash tech and has had two successful businesses under her belt. While discussing the options of cut and sew with her, she suggested I seek manufacturers in China. She insisted it’ll be cheap and I’d get what I needed. Well that turned out to be wasted money and lessons learned. I realized that due to her niche, she can easily get products needed in bulk from China. I on the other hand was traveling down a different path. What worked for her did not work for me at all. I appreciated her idea, but realized I either needed to find someone in the states myself or ask someone who is in the Fashion industry as well.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Literally word of mouth and in person interaction has helped grow our clientele. Those that support Basil & Gin are not shy in letting others know where they bought their pieces. We are so grateful to those that are loud and proud with their support. Sporting our own products every time we leave the house is absolutely necessary as well. No matter the day, someone will compliment or ask about them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.basilandgin.com
- Instagram: @basilandgin
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Caleb Green