Q&A with MEEEE

So apparently you all want to know a little more about me, my life, & most importantly - What do I do for a living? What sparked this was all the traveling I did from August up until September. Thanks so much for submitting your questions on Facebook - I will try to keep answers short & sweet! xx

What do I do? I am a designer/merchandiser in the rag trade (clothing industry). The company I work for supplies retailers with ladies fashion merchandise. While I can't name some customers, one of our main customers is The Hub.

How do I get to travel? Since August, I have been to New York, Hong Kong, China & Dubai. Hong Kong is a normal stop before China - we generally spend a day or so there doing trending (aka shopping), & entertaining of customers (aka dinner). China is where all the work happens. Sittings in costings; going to the markets to source fabrics & trims; going to textile suppliers; visiting factories etc. I have recently taken on the merchandiser-in-training role & thats where New York & Dubai come in. Those trips are purely for the purpose of trending - which means you shop until you drop! Literally.

Me at our knitwear supplier in China

What did I study? I studied fashion design straight out of matric. So glad I realized it soon enough - this is my true passion in life.

What jobs have I had since finishing my studies? Before I even had my degree, I had a job - junior merchandiser for a kiddies character t-shirt supplier to a MAJOR retailer in SA (I can't mention names).  I had no real understanding of what the industry really was & I hated it. Quit before 6 months was up. I then took time off (which is when I started the blog) to do my own thing & figure my life out. I did a few matric dance dresses; styled photoshoots; studied a course on entrepreneurship; & blogged. Then, 2 years ago, I had a life changing experience which made me realize that I had forgotten about all my career ambitions. Now, with a BA Degree in Fashion Design, there were lots of different jobs I could've gotten into, but I knew I wanted to be in that buying/merchandising area. Anyway, I got a job at Woolworths working as an instore visual merchandiser aka window dresser. And while I loved it there & loved the job itself, I knew what I wanted in the long run. I stayed there for 6 months until I found my current job. Designer. I have been doing this for just over a year & a half.

Does my job support me as a blogger? Absolutely. I am so lucky to have found myself working in a environment that accepts that I have outside interests, & also values that everything I do is building my brand. If I make sure I have taken care of what I need to at the office, they don't hassle me too much about all the time I take off. But I wouldn't neglect my job for my blog. My job affords me international travel & a steady income so it would be silly of me. But that's also why I'm picky with which events I attend, I can't attend everything - Im not trying to be a socialite.

Do I feel like I could stay at my current job forever, or am I planning on bigger & better things? Right now, I am extremely happy where I am however I never rule anything out. Although, I do believe that it wont be easy finding another employer that believes in me like my current one. But, in terms of my future fashion goals, I definitely see myself launching a line of swimwear or clothing. I think that I have a fair understanding of what the consumer wants so why not?!

In the market with my supplier based in  China / Me / The Hub ladies wear buyer Cheryl

What did I want to do as a child? I wanted to be a lawyer (so glad I din't do that!). But I used to make Barbie clothes from old socks, so that could've been an early hint at my passion.

Besides fashion, what do I do, & what motivates me? Gosh I actually don't have much of a life! lol. I pretty much just go to work & sometimes attend events, & stay home. I am addicted to tv shows so that's what I do on most weekends! I'm a self motivated person. I push myself to achieve goals & don't need someone behind me trying to push me towards achieving greatness.

What inspires me? I'm pretty much inspired by everything I see. But mostly by clothing, photography & how clothing is styled. I treat my magazines like The Bible.

Why do I never share my relationship? Well, that's because I am single. Although I can't say whether or not I will be very public should I choose to get into a relationship at some point.

Where do I shop? I shop everywhere locally. But one of my favorites spots internationally is H&M!! I literally went to 3 H&M's in New York / 1 in Hong Kong / & 2 in Dubai!!! And that was in the space of 4 weeks!

Me in New York

What have been the challenges in getting where I am today? In terms of my blog, one of the biggest challenges is that I live in Durban. Not many fashion events happen here so I wasn't really in touch with other bloggers or with brands.Over the past year, I have put myself out there & developed friendships with other bloggers - that helps.

What advice would I give to someone who wants to do what I do? Well, be sure its where your heart lies. My heart belongs to fashion & I believe that that is why I am doing so well. But if it is what you want, go for it! It's not glamourous, & it's exhausting - but it's so worth it! Be realistic though, even I had the delusion that I was going to be the next amazing designer after I studied fashion. Truth is, most of us aren't. But the fashion & clothing industry is so vast that there are a million options. Or you can create your own opportunities too. Decide on what you want & go for it!

This has been great guys, I hope you feel like you know me a little better now :)

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HUGE kisses*

Brett

Passion for Fashion: Interview with Junkyard Angel

This week I had the amazing opportunity to interview the creative team of South African fashion label, Junkyard Angel. It's kind of a cool story, because recently I have heard lots of people say how facebook is not an effective marketing tool, but that's exactly where I found this local gem, on their facebook fanpage. I saw some pictures of their current range on their website & I was like 'I want more!'. And so, this interview was born.

Brett Robson: When was Junkyard Angel established, and how did you go about starting the label?
Junkyard Angel: The label was started in February 2009 . We have always been in the fashion industry and were looking to spread our wings and try new ideas. Junkyard Angel was born.



BR: Did you study fashion design? And what did you do prior to starting Junkyard Angel?
JA: We have had no formal training but fashion is in the blood. We have been designing clothes since primary school and in fact had humble beginnings selling our clothes at flea markets then onwards and upward into the major stores in South Africa. Junkyard Angel is not our first clothing label but it is very different to what we have done before.



BR: Junkyard Angel is an interesting name. How did you go about choosing it?
JA: Our first range was a 50�s inspired Rock a Billy, Which combined the rough street with a feminine edge.




BR: What do you think makes Junkyard Angel unique as compared to other South African fashion labels?
JA: It is unique because we get an international commercial influence and put our own spin on things. Our garments are simple and can be styled to make many different looks.



BR: Is it easy working in a team? Do you ever have disagreements about designs, fabrication etc.?
JA: No it has not been difficult, we are on the same page and feed off each other�s ideas. It is better to be in a team and have someone to ounce off.



BR: Where do you draw inspiration from?
JA: Mostly Music and TV and because we are lucky enough, we travel and have the opportunity to see what people on the street are wearing.

BR: Do you manufacture your garments locally or internationally?
JA: Definitely local!! Everything is manufactured in Durban and we have no desire to manufacture anywhere else.



BR:  Do you think the quality of local garments matches up to that of overseas manufacturers?
JA: Local quality is excellent but it is of course up to the designer to oversee the production and make sure the quality is up to scratch. People are under the impression that production overseas is of a better quality, this is a myth. Most garments are made in China and the quality is dreadful. BUY LOCAL !!!



BR:  You are based in Pinetown. How do you feel about the idea that Durban is not the place to be if you want a career in fashion?
JA: It depends what your goal is, if it is schmoozing, being seen and fame then maybe Durban is not the place for you, the fashion industry is very laid back here. That said, most of our well known South African designers, fashion and jewelry are Durban based. If running a financially successful business is your goal then you can do that wherever you, Durban is as good a place to be.



BR: You are currently stocked in 12 YDE stores nationwide. Do you have plans to open your own store in the future?
JA: No, YDE is a perfect for us. It allows you to almost have a store within a store. Our garments are available in all provinces instead of us having a shop in only one. Plus YDE has an established clientele. YDE is definitely where we want to be.



BR: Where do you see your brand in 5 years?
JA: In all YDE stores with a diverse clientele. Being seen on our local celebs



BR: Can you name 3 celebrities you think would be the perfect brand ambassadors for Junkyard Angel?
JA: YFM's Hlebo & Ntando Masina, and multi-talented Bonang Matheba (see below).

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Hlebo & Ntando Masina

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Bonang Matheba

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BR: What advice would you give to anyone hoping to start their own fashion label?
JA: Be passionate about fashion, be prepared for a lot of hard work and do it for the right reasons. There is a saying �if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life�. That is how we feel.

I would like to thank Emma Jackson & Bianca Minnie of Junkyard Angel for giving of their time for this interview.

I hope you have enjoyed the interview. For more information on Junkyard Angel & where you can find their garments, visit the Junkyard Angel website or join the facebook fanpage.