Unlike Jessie, my path towards starting Mission Fashion (and Silk and Cyanide) has been more intentional and obvious.
I’ve been sewing since the age of 5 and under the tutelage of my Grandma – a passionate and proficient sewer herself. As I got older and my passion took off, I was gifted my first sewing machine at 14 and spent most of my high school years making new pieces or altering ones I bought. As my technical skill grew, so did my eye for design and desire to create pieces and a wardrobe unique to me and my style.
I had a tough time when it came time decide what college to attend and what area to pursue – designs or business. I trusted my gut and went with the latter and ended up at Tulane University in New Orleans. Fortunately, I kept telling people I eventually wanted to design my own line, and the right person heard and pointed me in the direction of the costume shop for the Theater Department. I ended up with an education in both business and design.
After a few years both costuming and working in the local retail world I landed my first “adult” job at Macys.com in New York City as an assistant buyer, and later moved over to Lord and Taylor. In almost three years between the two stores I worked in four families of business that crossed over between mens, womens and kids.
I was burnt out, disillusioned, and dissatisfied with the corporate world, so in June of 2010 I set out for myself to start my line and fend for myself. It has been quite a ride of ups and down (mostly ups!) and I’ve been lucky to meet and work with some incredible and talented people (one wonderful example was the honor of working with the costumer designer for “Three Sisters” and personally work on Maggie Gllyenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard’s costumes which resulted in my first, albeit small, Playbook recognition).
The time and space allowed me to finally focus on getting my dream in motion – starting my own line Silk and Cyanide. But as I will explain in the next post, what started as small vintage-inspired womenswear line has grown into a partnership and second business with Mission Fashion!