Show Notes
Julie Maeseele’s Approach and Challenges:
- Suffers from imposter syndrome, often noticing faults first.
- Initially insecure about dealing with customers but finds joy in seeing customers enjoy her work.
- Enjoys creative control but admits it can be overwhelming.
- Collaborates with an interior designer and teaches workshops to diversify income.
Workshop Challenges:
- Teaching is challenging due to varying skill levels of participants.
- Rewarding when students achieve their sewing goals.
- Workshops and online classes available despite initial intimidation.
Personal Influences and Creative Space:
- Julie’s 7th-grade daughter is developing appreciation for her work.
- Shares her studio with her daughter, referring to it as her playground.
Customer Engagement and Community Building:
- Julie emphasizes customers understanding and connecting with the process of making their clothing.
- Discusses the waste associated with online shopping and advocates for local boutiques and in-person shopping.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
- Julie addresses the environmental issues and class disparity tied to fast fashion and excessive online shopping.
- Advocates for conscious consumerism and supporting local economies.
Artistic and Functional Fashion:
- Julie creates art in the form of wearable clothing, blending art with functional fashion using dead stock and surplus fabric.
- Focuses on small run or one-of-a-kind items.
- Discovered a passion for clothing while training in Belgium, emphasizing handmade over mass-produced garments.
Learning and Mentorship:
- Influenced by Belgian modern design and vintage western wear, combining them uniquely.
- Interned with Manuel, a renowned western couturier, learning traditional techniques.
Future Plans and Collaborative Efforts:
- Plans to do more collaborative photo shoots.
- Embraces her strength as a unique artist creating one-of-a-kind pieces, finding value in perceived weaknesses.
Find full show notes, including links mentioned in this episode, at carrierollwagen.com.