We were lucky to catch up with Taryn Vaughn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Taryn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I first learned how to sew and create my own patterns through YouTube in 2019. Shortly after, I took a class at Colorado Fabrics to learn the proper techniques. That experience opened the door to a deeper understanding of construction, and I continued to expand my skills by enrolling in virtual classes focused on pattern making and garment design. While I became confident in sewing, I realized I wasn’t retaining pattern-making concepts in the way I wanted. In 2024, I decided to enroll in school to truly refine my craft as a fashion designer. I am now a sophomore at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.

Looking back, there are countless things I could have done to speed up the process and grow my brand sooner. But I’ve come to appreciate the journey; The ups and downs have taught me patience, resilience, and purpose. Through every challenge, I’ve grown stronger as a designer. I know that when my time comes to shine as a fashion designer, I’ll exceed even my own expectations.

Currently, I’m expanding my skills in digital design, working with programs such as CLO3D. With AI becoming increasingly integrated into the fashion industry, I believe these digital tools are essential for the future. I also place a strong emphasis on mastering pattern making. Having creative ideas is important, but understanding how to fully execute a design is what truly separates a great designer from a good one. Developing that skill takes time and practice, something I continue to invest in every day.

Access to limited resources has been a challenge throughout my journey. YouTube provided a great start, but I wanted a deeper education, so I took online courses taught by Tricia Camacho (@creative.costume.academy). I’ve learned that investing in yourself is crucial, even if the rewards don’t come immediately. Another ongoing challenge is the lack of nearby fabric stores, like Joann’s, that offer affordable materials. Despite these obstacles, I continue to adapt and push forward, driven by my passion to grow and create within the fashion industry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began my journey in fashion design in 2019, driven by my modeling career and passion for creating. Since then, I’ve taken online courses and enrolled in fashion school to continue refining my skills and expanding my technical foundation. Along the way, I founded my brand, R.Cher, a label that embodies prosperity and the pursuit of one’s highest self.

R.Cher started as a grassroots brand and continues to grow steadily as I develop both my craft and my creative identity. While I’ve intentionally taken my time before fully pushing the brand forward, my focus has been on mastering design, construction, and storytelling so that the brand reflects authenticity and purpose.

Investing in my education and experience has been essential in shaping not just my skill set, but also my understanding of how to build a brand with longevity and integrity. Even without heavy promotion, my work from 2019 to now speaks for itself, earning me opportunities to participate in pop-up shops and design custom looks for clients. Every project reinforces the core of what R.Cher stands for: growth, excellence, and prosperity in its highest form.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve learned that comparison truly is the thief of joy, and that I’m not in a race against the clock. At times, I’ve been my own biggest obstacle by setting unrealistic expectations and measuring my progress against others who may be further along in the same field. Everyone has their own story, pace, and path to success, and it’s not my job to control that. What I can control is how I show up for myself, continuing to grow, improve, and stay committed to my journey, one step at a time.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is that I am in control of my own narrative and I own everything I create. I love knowing that no one can control my art, and I’m able to create whatever I am feeling at the moment. Designing offers me a creative outlet and also gives me the chance to spread that same joy to others when they see my designs or even wear them. Coming from the modeling world, it’s completely different to be the one creating these beautiful designs that have meaning than it is to be wearing them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialtarynv/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taryn-vaughn-a15100391/