Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tia Shabestari. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As a small, women-owned clothing business, my approach diverges from the industry standard, setting a distinctive tone that resonates with authenticity, creativity, and a personal touch. Unlike mass-produced garments flooding the market, each piece in my collection is a labor of love, crafted through the artistry of screen printing and embroidery. This hands-on process adds a unique touch to every garment, reflecting the care and attention to detail that defines my brand.

In an industry often criticized for its environmental footprint, my commitment to sustainability stands out. I take pride in utilizing eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste in both production and packaging and creating made to order items.

While many brands follow fleeting trends, I celebrate individuality. My designs are created from timeless inspiration that allows them to be wearable any season and through any trend. This personalized touch extends beyond the clothes themselves; it’s embedded in the customer experience, fostering a sense of community and connection.

In a world where faceless corporations dominate, I prioritize building relationships. I engage with my customers on a personal level, understanding their preferences and creating pieces that resonate with their lifestyles. This direct connection forms the backbone of my brand, transforming transactions into shared experiences and transforming customers into friends I continue to connect with.

In essence, my small, women-owned clothing business stands as a beacon of authenticity, sustainability, individuality, and community. Through the combination of traditional craftsmanship, a commitment to the environment, and a focus on personal connections, I’ve created a niche that not only sets me apart but also paves the way for a more conscious and meaningful approach to the 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.

My name is Tia Shabestari and I started my clothing business back in summer of 2019 in my parent’s basement while I was a Junior in High school. With having absolutely no idea what I wanted to do when I graduated I decided to chase after my dreams of opening up an online clothing shop and see where it took me. When Covid hit in 2020, my business absolutely took off, I shared my story online and it ended up going viral and receiving over 5 million views. I could not believe all these strangers on the internet wanted to support me and my dreams. From there sales just continued and my little business continued to grow, I currently have turned to the more production side of things, as I started out in more of the boutique style. I slowly started to touch into the production side just a year and a half ago and have absolutely fell in love with every part of it. I invested in a few embroidery machines and now create all my pieces, from the initial drawing phase to the final creating phase all of it is done in house by me. What sets me apart from others is my ability to create and produce, not many businesses do both and that is what I love so much about what I do. It truly has been such a crazy journey and one that has brought so many struggles, failures, and lows but also one that has brought the highest highs and feelings that leave me feeling so fulfilled.

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

Back in summer of 2021, my business seemed to have hit a low that left me feeling so confused and I knew that was a point that I needed to shift gears and take a new approach to things. This is when I started tapping into my creative side. I purchased an ipad and began drawing and soon fell in love with it. I purchased my first embroidery machine in 2022 and also started producing, this brought out a new creative side of myself I never thought possible. This really taught me the importance of change when it comes to business and acknowledge change is a good thing. And that it often times can lead to the biggest breakthroughs of your career.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I have built my audience to over 300,000 across all my social media platforms over the last 4 years and there truly is so much that goes into it. I think what has been the most beneficial to me is authenticity. People want to see a face behind a brand, people want to know who you are as a person and connect with you. The second I started putting a face to my brand is when more people began to show up and my following skyrocketed not too long after. Creating your brand as yourself is the biggest change you can make today that will absolutely transform your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.malibuskyye.com
• Instagram: malibuskyye

Image Credits
none all photos belong to me