Thriving as a designer, Process of Creating, and Networking with Indigo Barbie | IN THE MAKING Ep 4

In this new episode of in the making we speak with the talented Indigo Barbie who is not only a model but a designer, creator, organizer for festivals and long time friend since 2017. As she is an entrepreneur in every aspect, we speak about her upcoming and what got her into fashion, her process in creating designs and how to go about networking in the world of fashion.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jalen. Owner of JBS. I've been blessed with the opportunity to help so many amazing people gain exposure and have traveled to so many places along the way. I want to continue that by allowing athletes, coaches, and others that I've crossed paths with to share their personal journey. That is why I present to you. And we're here with the special guest of today, Indigo, fashion designer, model, uh, entrepreneur. And um she's here to just, you know, tell her story, tell her, you know, progress through her journey, and hopefully she can give a few tips for a lot of people out there who are, you know, in the fashion business or who want to get into it, or you know, just want to learn the obstacles through through life. Uh yeah, so thank you. Thank you for being here.

SPEAKER_01 1:29

Thank you for inviting me.

SPEAKER_00 1:31

So uh yeah, just start off by just talking about you know where you started from and you know where you came from.

SPEAKER_01 1:38

Yeah, so originally I was born in Montana, not a lot of fashion there, but I found ways like I would sneak into my mom's room and look at her Vogue magazines when she was away and stuff like this, and always felt I needed to express myself in the way I dressed, and eventually I moved to Las Vegas and there I started working in the fashion scene and have just evolved from there.

SPEAKER_00 2:03

So oh nice. Yeah, so uh talk about the process, or like you know, like what was like the first project you did, or what's your like process as you create something? Like how how do you go about and how'd you learn how to uh stitch and sew and just talk about that full process.

SPEAKER_01 2:21

I mean, I learned how to sew from my mom. She taught me how to make uh Dorothy um costume for Halloween because I really wanted to be Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. And so that's when I learned to sew, and then I didn't really do much sewing or anything like that until maybe like 2020, and I started sewing again. I got my own machine. I really wanted to like kind of transition from being a model in the industry to being more of a designer, more of a creative director. And so, you know, when I create a collection, I decide, you know, what the vibe is. I'll make a mood board, I'll figure out the the color scheme and everything I want to use, and then I'll just sketch out on my computer just basic sketches of what maybe I could make, and then over time I'll start creating. Usually I create a collection in like two weeks. I'm a procrastinator, so is that normally a long time, or what's like a what's like an average uh I would say like if I'm making like a 10-piece collection, I should probably use like a month. Okay, but I procrastinate everything, so I'm like two weeks in and I'm like working non-stop all day, just trying to get things done. But that's just you know the how the creative process works. When I have too much time to think about it, I I overanalyze and like I don't create, so I like to just immerse into the creation and be there.

SPEAKER_00 3:46

So you were saying it usually does take a month?

SPEAKER_01 3:48

It should probably, yeah. Yeah, if I really want to do things, pretty good.

SPEAKER_00 3:53

Uh so what inspires you or what inspires you? I know you said you talk a little bit about doing a storyboard. Like, how do you go about making that storyboard? Are you like looking at nature? Are you looking at magazines like you were saying before? How do you kind of yeah?

SPEAKER_01 4:08

So, I mean, it really depends on the collection. Like one collection was my collection creating my branding. So I was like, who am I? What is my brand defined as? And so I I just really put like this is what indigo jerseys is. So that was like the first kind of mood board I made. And then the next collection I made was a very eclectic collection of just randomness, but the theme was sustainability, and so that was cool because I got to pull things from the thrift store and like cut them up and make new things and use old fabric scraps to make a pair of pants and things like that, where it's like you know, you you have to think outside the box with stuff like that. So that was really fun.

SPEAKER_00 4:55

Um, talk about some of the obstacles in doing those things. I know, like uh, I don't know how precise you have to be on like the detailing or how you go through the whole process, but like talk about the obstacles you got to overcome to like stitch pants. I've seen you make full pants, these shorts that I'm wearing right now, indigo. So like talk about like the ups and downs, and like is there like a certain strategic way, or is it like for each design it's a different sewing, or well, each design is a learning curve.

SPEAKER_01 5:26

Um, I'm definitely not the best at you know creating uh what's it like sewing patterns and stuff to create the clothes. I've never been trained by that. So really it's just like Googling how to do it, learning from my mistakes, tracing pants, tracing shirts, like trying to figure it out, and everything I make, I get better. So it's just a lot of trial and error. And I would say, like, for creation, that is my biggest challenge, just because you know, I don't have a lot of knowledge on that, but just seeing my evolution from like when I started to where I'm at, I'm like, wow, I've learned so much just by doing, you know, versus like so are those kind of the main components that show you that teach you?

SPEAKER_00 6:09

Are you like, so you learn this like self self-taught pretty much? So did you go from like, okay, I Googled this, YouTube this, or did you look at another designer and was like, hey, I'm gonna take this from this designer? How did you go about that whole that whole?

SPEAKER_01 6:27

So I actually like when I first decided I want to make my brand, I wrote everything down, like what I want it to be like, what I want the language to be like, what what different brands I want to pull inspiration from. And I started by just making basketball jerseys, right? That's it. Customized to the to the clients, and I was trying to pull in more of like a couture high fashion feel to it. So I kind of expanded into more things than that, and just really taking elements from what inspires me from other brands, maybe their business, like the way they run business. Um, like with Dabardan, I really love how everything's custom. Um things like Balenciaga, like where it's like edgy, you never really know what to expect. So like keep keep the people on their toes. Um, I really like to pull from Balmoin, it's like a French brand. And uh he uses a lot of metals, a lot of shaping, a lot of just like very interesting, modern, but yet classical feel and look to his clothes. And although that isn't necessarily my aesthetic, I pull a lot of like the texture profiles that he uses and figuring out like different patterns that I can put together. So all right.

SPEAKER_00 7:49

I know we talk about fashion as being clothing and um just seeing it as you know the textures and clothes and kind of like the colorfulness, but overall, what is fashion to you?

SPEAKER_01 8:01

Yeah, I mean to me, fashion is art, fashion is self-expression. Fashion is how I feel that day, how I want to express myself that day, how I am trying to embody the world that I live in, you know, create the reality I want to be, get inspired by my reality and showcase it through clothing and textures and colors and all of that. Like fashion is more than just like putting on clothes or styling things together to me. It's it's really like the only way that I know to express myself. Like, I'm not the best with words, I'm quite introverted. Like I only really know how to truly express myself through art, and my art is fashion. So that's what fashion is to me.

SPEAKER_00 8:44

And then like how do you how do you keep up with a lot of the trends? Like, are you like reading newspapers? Are you reading certain magazines? But like, how are you how are you staying hit with the tr with the trends, but also being original in your own way?

SPEAKER_01 8:58

Yeah, well, for me, trends are in a way commercial. Like I'm more into like the art again of fashion. So to me, like I care less about the trend and more about the expression, what I'm what I'm trying to say. Like, if I'm in a bad mood, maybe I'll dress grungy that day, just because that's how I want to feel. And whether that's in fashion and trending or not, it's it's less important to me, other than like being able to express myself fully. And I mean, you do keep up with trends, like on Instagram, I would say is my main platform that I can kind of see what's going on, see what celebrities are wearing, see what other designers are making. But at the end of the day, I'm gonna wear what I want to wear. And if you're in fashion, your the point is to create trends, right? So if I'm falling into the trends, I'm six months behind. You know, I I have to be six months ahead. I have to define it. Pretty much changing like every every six months, you say would be like the kind of phase where it's just like because think about the seasons, you know, like you're changing constantly the type of clothing, what you're wearing, all of that. So you gotta be ahead. You gotta create what's gonna be cool next.

SPEAKER_00 10:14

Yeah, for sure. So yeah, yeah, and then uh just talk about how do you handle like some of the criticism or how do you handle some of the feedback that you get, whether good or bad.

SPEAKER_01 10:24

Well, I haven't gotten a lot of criticism, luckily, as of yet. Um I'm sure you know there's people out there that don't like my work, and that's fine, and you know, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and you know, I I just create for myself and I create for the world and I create for the purpose, you know. Like I'm trying to spread art, I'm trying to spread fashion, I'm trying to spread happiness through my brand, I'm trying to create inclusivity, I'm trying to understand cultures, so it's if I am getting criticism, okay, then I must be doing something because no one's gonna be hating if I'm not, you know. So I don't know, it's it's hard. Like, I don't I haven't had a lot of um experience with like a lot of critique yet, but I am someone that loves constructive criticism. Like I see it as like a hack almost to get better. So whenever I get it from people, I'm I'm honestly grateful because you know, I'll I'll take it as I wish.

SPEAKER_00 11:24

But about the good feedback. I know you talked about you say you didn't have a lot of like bad things from like people like interpreting how they feel about your work, but like talk a little bit about uh you know the good, like that is that kind of like okay, I gotta keep on this trend line of doing straight jerseys or uh oh, they like this. Let me switch it up and see if they like this as well. Like, how do you go about the even the positivity?

SPEAKER_01 11:49

I mean, I love it. The it's really great because it as an artist, you know, you're selling your ideas. So when you get that good feedback, it's like, okay, I have to continue, you know. Like I inspired these people, and that was the point. So I love getting good feedback. You know, it's it really does help me evolve over time. And like you said, like maybe people like this more than the jerseys, and then I'll kind of shift to that because at the end of the day, it's a business, right? What does the client want? And if I'm I've begun to make a lot more pants, and people are loving the pants that I'm making, so I'm kind of shifting into more like jerseys and like really dope pants, just because that's the feedback I'm getting.

SPEAKER_00 12:31

Yeah, um, yeah, talk about uh a typical day you kind of go through, like talk about how how your day goes about as a model designer, you know.

SPEAKER_01 12:42

Yeah, well, there's no such thing as a typical day for sure. Like every day's different, you know. Not only am I a designer a model, I'm also an entrepreneur, you know. Like, so a lot of days I'll spend just on the computer working, trying to get things done, trying to reach out to the right people, you know, figure out what's next. Other days I'll be sketching and drawing and creating collections, maybe sewing. And you know, other days I'm out on shoots, whether it's me modeling or someone modeling my brand. It's it's a very, you know, crazy lifestyle, but I love it. So a lot of times I'll be traveling and doing lots of things like that.

SPEAKER_00 13:17

Nice. All of that, like, you know, you say every day's different, like sketching one day on a computer one day, have a shoot another day, maybe have to like ship some some clothing or you know, or even order pieces that you need. Like, uh, what are some things to stay sus sustainable in that? Like, what are some things to say stay sustainable in, you know, having an orthodox day every single day, kind of not not knowing or even knowing that every day is different. Like, how do you how do you kind of like what are some ethics that you can you know share to the people to help you sustain or or grow in that?

SPEAKER_01 13:57

Well, I like to keep things sustainable, not only with fashion, but my lifestyle, you know. I like to try not to waste water, try to keep the lights off, things like that. But I also in fashion I'll I'll save all the scraps that I have. Like I don't throw them away. I I put them all in a bin and I have ideas for like different ways I can implement them, connect them together, like add them, like little elements or pieces to different looks, just to like try to eliminate that waste because that scrap waste is so much in fashion. And then of course there's like fast fashion where they're wasting so much water, billions of gallons of water a year just to throw clothing in the landfill, or you know, you'll buy something, it'll it'll fall apart in a day. You know, I so just being a slow fashion brand where everything is handmade, where I'm meticulous about the fabrics I'm using, I think that's a big step into the direction of sustainability. And a lot of times I'll go thrifting and I'll buy like curtains or a really like long dress and use the fabrics from those things or a pair of pants and add different elements to them. So there's a lot of ways to be sustainable. And every day I'm trying to figure out how to enhance that and how to be better in that aspect because I think it's important. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 15:16

So are you like, so as far as the the work ethic as well, though, like um, is that part of your process of just being efficient? Are you just like, okay, let me keep this, keep this, combine this? You're always connecting the dots pretty much. I see. Yeah. So is that kind of like just the path that you're, you know, okay, I need to do this today, so I'm gonna take these papers and maybe implement them here. Oh, I saw something at the at the store that looks similar to this design that I want, or how do you yeah?

SPEAKER_01 15:50

So I mean it's really kind of like you said, like connecting pieces. Like I'm here, I need to be here. What do I have to do? How do I execute? Okay, now I'm here. How do I get to my next step? And it's just really like day by day. It's like, okay, what do I need to do to be where I need to be tomorrow?

SPEAKER_00 16:08

That's nice. And then um, yeah, so you know, how long have you been uh how long have you been in the fashion biz?

SPEAKER_01 16:17

I've been in the industry since like 2013, so it's been a while.

SPEAKER_00 16:22

And talk about uh, yeah, just talk about some of your memorable moments that you've had uh through your journey so far.

SPEAKER_01 16:29

For sure, like when I had first started, created my first collection. Um, you know, I was reaching out to models, trying to find people to work with, and I did my first couple photo shoots like with that collection, and that was a really amazing moment because it it just proved to me like you can do this. Like maybe like I was the one taking photos, so I couldn't even find a yeah, this was in Vegas, yeah. So I couldn't even like there was no one to help me in a way, and I we made it happen. And you know, it's it's just like that. And then now seeing from like that first moment where I'm reaching out, just trying to get anyone to to come model in my clothes to where I have such a community now. Like I know I can reach out to anyone and and work with them, and it's just it's just crazy to like look back and see the evolution and remember those moments because with those models, like that was such a special moment, not only for me, but hopefully for them as well, you know, to be the first of what hopes what I hope to be is an empire.

SPEAKER_00 17:32

So and then uh just talk about some things you're looking forward to. Uh I know you spoke to me, you said you uh, you know, the purpose you're here is just um being able to get that visa to go to Nigeria and doing a fashion show out there. Is that yeah, also talk about that and you know some other things that you're looking forward to?

SPEAKER_01 17:50

Yeah, so I'm going to Nigeria to partake in a festival. Um I'm gonna be there as a stylist, we're collaborating and they're gonna teach me about their culture, I'm gonna teach them about mine. It's gonna be really cool, and then we're gonna create a fashion show and showcase all of the collection. And after, so that's gonna be like a month, right? After this, um, I'm also going to be hosting my own festival through my brand, and we're gonna have like fashion designers, dancers, artists, musicians. Like it's gonna be a one-night event, but it's gonna be full of just activities. We're gonna have a dance battle, like we're gonna have vendors, all of this. So I'm really excited to just try to like launch into a new territory, a new space. And with my brand where I love to connect with culture and understand cultures and embrace the cultures of different areas, whether it's subcultures or like a whole country like Nigeria, you know. I I'm very excited to be able to do that.

SPEAKER_00 18:55

Yeah, you know, and how do you go about finding these places or deciding where you want to have these fashion shows? I know you said Vegas. Um, I know you were in France for a while, like you're you're getting pretty international at this point. So, like, talk a little bit about like how are you deciding which locations.

SPEAKER_01 19:13

Really, it's the art. Um, with France, I've been studying the language forever. So, and of course, France is the capital of art, like it's where art derives from. So, it there's only fitting that I go there. There's so much fashion in in Paris. And with Nigeria, it was I ran across it actually on Instagram. I was like, wow, this art is really cool. Like, where is this from? So I started doing more research into it, and I'm like, wow, like they pull with like symbolism from different things, and the way they showcase their art is so like I can't even express it. And I'm so excited to go learn and understand like the thought process behind it because I am just like mind-blown by it. It's it's so moving to me, and I think that's what should you know take someone, especially an artist, anywhere they want to go, is like what inspires you. Yeah, because I'm I'm inspired by their art, and I wanna I wanna be there, you know, I want to make art like that. You're about to be there. Yes, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 20:13

So um, yeah, just winding down, uh, you know, uh come to the end, you know, uh just talk, just give uh give an a fashion designer, a modeler, entrepreneur, just anyone out there some ad uh some advice along their journey.

SPEAKER_01 20:30

Really, it all it can say is you're gonna make mistakes. Like every day I probably make mistakes, but you just have to keep going. Like so many people talk about, oh, I want to do this, I want to do this, and then don't do anything about it. Like, do something, you know, even if it's one thing every day, you know, don't cut yourself short. I'm doing something every single day. Like I said, I want to be here, what do I have to do? And I get there. Okay, what's next? You know, don't look at it as like, oh, it's like big daunting, like, oh, I'm never gonna make it, I can't do this, blah, blah, blah. No, like every day do something, reach out to someone. Like, even if you don't think they're gonna respond, try anyways, because you'll be surprised. Like, I've reached out to some really random people, and I've had great feedback from it. So it's you just gotta put yourself out there, and it might be uncomfortable, it might suck sometimes, but it's also it's like that risk reward, you know. What are you willing to risk and how high of a reward are you willing to get from that risk?

SPEAKER_00 21:28

So that's amazing. Yeah, and uh, as we're winding down, you know, just thank you for being here and just giving great advice. Thank you. Um, yeah, and just uh uh give some of the people in the audience out there, you know, your information and just you know where they can follow you, where they can keep up with you and your journey. Um, yeah, IG.

SPEAKER_01 21:48

IG a little bit on TikTok. Um, my handle is indigo underscore barbie for my modeling and indigo underscore jerseys for my designs. And it's the same on TikTok and Instagram, but I'm I'm mostly on Instagram right now, trying to phase into TikTok as you know that becomes more of a uh platform. So nice, nice.

SPEAKER_00 22:11

Yeah, and uh thank you for being here. Thank you for coming on, you know, sharing your story, and uh can't wait to see what you uh have in store for the future of your journey in the making. Thanks for having me. Thank you all for tuning in, and we'll catch up to you on the next time up in the making.