We recently connected with Natashia Lunt and have shared our conversation below.

Natashia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is deeply rooted in my commitment to building an eco-friendly, ethical, and socially conscious brand. I aim to provide quality products that stand the test of time while fostering a sense of community. This mission is meaningful to me because I believe in promoting awareness about sustainable consumption, advocating for a circular fashion model, and incorporating practices like upcycling, the use of biodegradable materials, and non-toxic dyes. It’s about making a positive impact on both the environment and society.

After working in fashion for over 20 years. Across luxury and fast fashion, I identified the need for a new approach and mindset. Less is more and being accountable is something I feel strongly about. We can’t just blame the consumer. We all do our part.

Natashia , 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’m Natashia Lunt, formerly known as Natashia Miyazaki, an accomplished fashion designer with an international career that spans London, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles. My journey includes working with renowned brands like Ralph Lauren, Guess Jeans, and Nasty Gal, showcasing my multifaceted expertise. Collaborations with dynamic startups and a portfolio featuring celebrities like Zendaya, Lil Nas X, and Billie Eilish underscore my creative vision.

Born and raised in London, my passion for design was cultivated by my artistic parents, who instilled in me a commitment to environmental impact and sustainability. This upbringing influenced my design philosophy, evident in my mission to drive positive change in the fashion industry.

Throughout my career, I’ve been a vocal advocate for sustainability, addressing issues of excessive consumption and ethical labor practices. Drawing from experiences in fast fashion, I embrace responsible practices, upcycling vintage materials and utilizing deadstock fabric. My focus on non-toxic dyes and biodegradable natural fibers reflects a continuous commitment to challenging and improving the fashion industry’s approach.

The launch of my non-binary namesake brand, Natashia, signifies a pivotal moment. With an unwavering dedication to sustainability and inclusion, I aspire to inspire change and encourage the industry to adopt more responsible, ethical, and inclusive practices. What sets me apart is not just my design prowess but the profound commitment to a fashion model that respects our planet and promotes positive change.

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

Building my social media audience was a journey shaped by authenticity, storytelling, and a commitment to values. I started by sharing the process behind my designs, weaving a narrative that reflected my passion for sustainability and inclusion. Consistency was key; I showed up regularly, connecting with my audience and collaborating with local and online businesses and creatives.

I shared not only the polished outcomes but also the behind-the-scenes moments, creating a relatable story. Communicating my values became a focal point – from upcycling practices to the use of non-toxic dyes, I invited followers to my commitment to positive change in the fashion industry.

Being present meant more than just posting; it meant actively engaging with my community. Responding to comments, participating in conversations, and acknowledging the community’s input were crucial. Collaboration played a pivotal role – partnering with like-minded businesses and creatives fostered a sense of community beyond my brand.

For those starting, my advice is to be genuine, share your journey authentically, and make your values a cornerstone of your content. Consistency builds trust, so show up regularly. Engage with your audience, and collaborate with others, both locally and online. Your social media presence is not just about your brand; it’s about building a community around shared values and stories.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the challenges brought about by the pandemic, my freelance career, primarily behind-the-scenes designing for others, took an unexpected turn. The lack of credit and being in the shadows prompted a pivotal decision – to launch my brand. It meant confronting fears and gaining the confidence to step into the limelight.

The pivot involved a significant shift from my comfort zone of working behind the scenes to putting myself and my work at the forefront. It wasn’t just a business decision; it was a personal journey of self-discovery and overcoming insecurities. The process required introspection, self-work, and a determination to embrace a new role that I hadn’t envisioned for myself initially.

Launching my brand became more than a response to external challenges; it became a transformative experience. Stepping into the public eye meant not only showcasing my designs but also sharing my values, journey, and commitment to sustainability. This pivot, born out of adversity, ultimately led to personal growth, newfound confidence, and the realization that sometimes the most significant opportunities arise from unexpected challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.natashia.studio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashia.studio
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@natashia.studio

Image Credits
Joshua Lunt