We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pinky. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pinky below.

Pinky, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

I think there’s been in a big push in the industry towards being greener. We all know the impact of fast fashion. It’s cheap labor, polluting practices, flimsy fabric and constructions has only led to closets filled, sure, but with clothes that aren’t going to last.
I’ve noticed a push towards recycled fibers and anything is better than nothing. But diverging from their standard has to start with the consumer. It’s right in the name. If the demand isn’t there, they won’t supply it.
Starting with what you have, doing what you can, matters so much right now. Fix the buttons on your favorite jeans. Turn a ripped skirt into a tank top, and save the scraps for the day when you learn to collage quilt.
I used to hang out with my Grandpa a lot. One of my favorite stories he ever told me was about him going with his Mom and sister into town, to pick out bags of flour. Flour would come in these big sacks of different, pretty fabrics. And my Great Grandma and Aunt; would always want the flour sacks that were at the very bottom of the pile.
I guess it’s not easy being green. But that’s some old school sustainability.
Making something yourself can be a challenge, it’s almost a mix between mental puzzle and meditation. The satisfaction from a flow state is one that lasts much longer than what I think can be gained from a quick shopping trip, plus you spent less. AND you get that feeling again every time someone compliments you on it and you get to say “I made it”.

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?

I started sewing when I was pretty young. It wasn’t something special, But I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by some really creative adults, who taught and trusted me enough to let me use a machine. And it’s been pedal to the metal since. That has eventually morphed into wanting to learn to make fabric; which wasn’t such a seamless endeavor. Figuring it out is half the fun though.
Today, I have a few print-on-demand shops, I placate myself with the idea that they’re only making items when someone actually wants one. Also the feeling of validation when someone buys your art is unparalleled, so it’s hard to move away from. But, I had been wanting to move in a really-good-for-the-planet direction.
So, fighting all my introvert urges, I started sharing my sewing process. Which has always been, use what you got around the house (this idea also came from those lovely, crafty, adult influences).
If I can encourage people to trust in their own creativity, I’d be a pretty happy clam. I was lucky enough to have people who always supported me in that. And I’d like to pass that on. I want to convince people that they can make something they really love or needed, and they can do it with stuff they probably already have.

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

I used to think that because a lot of influencers are outgoing and front facing, that that’s what you had to be, to be successful. Then I learned about the silent, Korean, cleaning vlogs and my whole view changed. Of course, I had to wait for the algorithm to serve them, but once it did. I really found my opening. I realized that there’s a niche for every one, and you can be quiet on the internet, and still extremely popular.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I know consistency is key, and it is important for breaking through the algorithmic noise. But I think often overlooked but just as important, is quality. Attention to details is what I hope attracts people to my designs. If I can put in just a little extra effort to make it that much more special, I should and will. Even if it’s not noticed immediately, it’s almost like the customer can feel it’s presence, and they appreciate it. So, I try to prioritize things coming out as close to perfect as possible; rather than just having a lot of content out there, that maybe I’m not 100% proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pinky-swe4rs.web.app
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pinkyswe4rs
• Other: Redbubble:
  https://www.redbubble.com/people/maccm/explore?asc=u

  Teepublic:
  http://tee.pub/lic/a6Bl4HvAlQI

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  https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/maccm?sub_action=shop

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  https://www.zazzle.com/store/_maccm