Kind, sweet and always eager to lend a helping hand – Stephanie is the creator/knitter and designer behind Barbarack. Known for her upbeat attitude and positive energy, you can’t help but smile around her.
Stephanie – BARBARACK
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL? TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
I create seasonal collections of knit and natural fibre apparel that is locally sourced or reclaimed to fit my design needs. My current collection includes heavier knits suitable for colder days and my Spring collection will be launched some time in late Feb early March. I love to incorporate color, texture and versatility into my designs!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
I’ve been running a small business since 2009 but I have only just launched my online store this year in the last few months.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I’ve spent the last few years tweaking my previous small business while drawing up a business plan for my current online. Included in that business plan I’ve been busy learning from other renowned designers through workshops and networking. I’ve been practicing knitting, sewing and other design elements for several years and finally after some solid vision, I felt confident to throw myself out into the world with my current product.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
Travel is a huge piece on my inspiration. Visiting other cultures and meeting new creatives is incredibly inspiring for me. Since building a vision for an online store, I’ve sought out the work of other designers whose look and mission have inspired me for a variety of different reasons. Eileen Fischer has been inspirational to me in her pursuit of creating ethical, sustainable high end fashion with natural fibres. She is accountable to the fashion industry with her design and production practices.
I’m also currently very inspired by a knit designer out of Amsterdam, Stephen West, who uses color as a bold statement where less is no longer more but rather more is more.
WHAT DO YOU DREAM FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
I desire to work both locally and globally with other women and ethical textile industries to build an online shop that isn’t only about showcasing my designs but other creative designers that fit the mission and values of Barbarack. I dream to teach and enliven others in their creative gifts and desires. Even to have some small impact on the consumer world in how our buying choices can directly impact the lives of so many, and to bring further awareness to the side of the fashion industry that exploits others for the gain of temporary fashion. ( I suppose that is some of it in a nutshell! :P)
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
I lurrrve Instagram because what I do is very visual and the instaworld (in my experience) has been a very positive and supportive community!
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
Well, I try to keep a couple of things in mind – One, that my value and worth as a woman (or human for that matter) is not tied into the success or perceived failures of my journey as a business owner. And second – Tomorrow is ALWAYS a new day.
While I’m telling myself that, I take a break from what I am doing, drink some coffee, get out and enjoy my ultimate priorities in life – my relationships! 😀
WHAT’S ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU? GIVE US AN INTERESTING FACT!
I secretly glamourize the idea of being a secret service agent or a spy (given my very active action movie indulgences) even though my rational brain says that is preposterous!
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Intergalactic Space travelling ablities.
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES? (Please include links)
Instagram: @barbarackapparel
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?
www.barbarack.com for blogs, market notices and other interesting stuff.