Today we’d like to introduce you to Noelle Tavares

Hi Noelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I started out as a cut and sew designer back in the early 2000s. I got tired of going out and having to go to the same little fast fashion shops to get clothing to go out in or just to look good in general. I always like clothing that were vintage, retro or just “out of the box” per say. Did a crash course on how to sew with my aunt plus classes at a local community college. Got my first sewing machine off a loan and started my first company. Did tons of unpaid shows and such throughout California, was housed in a couple of local boutiques (before there was any real boutiques and stores around). Took a break and rebranded myself into the company I have today which is now more of clothing, accessories, wearable art, art shows, showcases, store placement and classes.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It’s not a smooth road as some may think it is. There has been a lot of trial and error. Being self taught and learning the ins and outs, the what to do and what not to do. There’s also the waiting game on working your way up to the making of money as you build your name, attempts to getting booked, getting shows that are useful for your brand, collaborations, and keeping a steady pace of launches and collections all at the same damn time. Having to wear as many hats as a one man band.

At times, it will be quiet for months. Or going months at a time (during the year) before you get asked to do certain projects/commission pieces or maybe even getting an online order. Had a small height in my career when I was getting jobs and gigs during the pandemic. Being black was in popular demand for me. But outside opened up and so did the flood of all these “creators” and such. Business came right back down.

Then there’s “gatekeeping” that you deal with. It’s even worse when you’re a creator and putting up with it in your own hometown. When you have been in the field and industry for over almost 20 years, been “putting on” when there was NO scene, still creating and still…no love. Words of advice: You really have to have tough skin for what I do and what I had been through in order to keep going, especially if you’re passionate of what you do. Don’t give AF about anyone’s opinion and/or what they think about you or your work. Stay focus and keep going, even if gets rocky and bumpy along your path and journey, just keep at it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a self taught artist. Never took any actual art classes. I participated in art camps as a kid because it is what I enjoyed doing plus it kept me out of trouble every summer. I have been doing paintings and have participated in art shows at a very young age. I have been known for the “girl with the glasses who paints on clothing” for a while now. I have been doing so before social media exploded and then “everyone” started doing it. I did a lot of shows, vendor events, housed in various boutiques throughout the US and other countries. I have had celebrities and reality tv stars wear my clothing on tv shows, blogs and at major events. Have gotten to do big projects for big branded companies over the years. I’m proud of all the opportunities I have been given over the years that has highlighted my work. I am beyond thankful. I thankful that my children have gotten the chance to witness some major achievements I have been given over the years as well.

What sets me apart from the others is that I do work that is not like the others. That you can tell that it’s a certain piece or creation that I have done (especially if you have been following me or supported me for a long time) and that I have been doing what I love to do for almost 20 years now.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

I just started reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin which has been a great read so far! Another book has been All About Love by Bell Hooks. I like listening to The Read podcast which helps me get through creative blockage for me. Even though the discussions maybe on pop culture, sports and such…it’s does get personal at times and can be relatable.

Pricing:

• Custom made jackets start at $290
• TShirts start at $39
• Canvas: Prices May Vary
• Styling Services $75/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://finetunedinc916.square.site
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/finetunedinc
• Other: https://music.apple.com/profile/thefinetuner

Image Credits

Self portrait shot by Nicholas Haystings