Here in the US, we have a problem. I don't know if this problem applies to countries abroad, but here all of our working class, blue collar jobs are being shipped overseas. What used to be American jobs, paying a living wage, are now jobs that children and adults of china(or other..) work for pennies a day. This subject is very important to me. We spend a lot of time here in the Metropolitan House buying products still made in the USA, or fair trade foreign companies.
I encourage anyone I meet on the street, to buy from your own country, keeping jobs and living wages flowing in your own country. This has spurred a vintage, buy "locally" series in my mind.
The very first thought that came into my head for this series, Nicole Katherine Designs. Nicole makes wonderful vintage inspired pieces with a rockabilly flair, and employs sew houses here in the States. She says someday she may consider Foreign markets, like Mexico, but would like, "to participate in a community building program by giving jobs to a community in need and then making a donation to help add something positive to that community."
I emailed Nicole to see if she would share some insight on the world of fashion, clothing manufacture, and juggling a busy schedule. Below is what we got in return!
Nicole, what got you into the world of fashion design?
Believe it or not, I grew up in Montana. The major demographic of Missoula, Montana-- outdoorsy types, many with forestry jobs, or retired hippies and the children of the retired hippies-- you have very limited selection when it comes to shopping. So, given that the style in this region is lacking, plus I'm short and curvy (or used to be) I decided to start making my own clothing.
I learned how to sew from one of my aunts and my grandma. When I first started sewing, I would buy patterns that had a similar silhouette to a dress or outfit I'd seen in a punk or indie magazine and I'd make alterations to personalize the pattern to look similar to what I wanted to imitate in the magazines.
I enrolled in the Art Institute in Seattle for the fashion design program. Unfortunately, I dropped out after about 2 quarters, went on to major in three things after that and eventually got my BA in Writing and Literature. But, designing and sewing stuck with me.
I kept designing, practiced pattern making until I nailed it with near perfection and I started a small clothing line called Betty Buccaneer in 2003 or 2004. I moved to SoCal and my small clothing line Betty Buccaneer became more popular... Since I wanted to become more serious about taking my line into a professional direction I returned to FIDM to major in Apparel Manufacturing Management, and I changed the name of my line from Betty Buccaneer to Nicole Katherine.
What are you reasons for staying Made in the USA?
First and foremost, to ensure that human rights in the workplace are being upheld. If they're in question, I can call someone to check up on it to make sure that I'm not having my clothing produced in a work environment that is exploiting it's workers.
Most Americans don't understand just how horrible work conditions are in other countries, and the lengths some of these factories go to get cheap labor.
There's a reason that tshirt only cost $.50 cents to produce... either the workers that made it are working 12 hour days and are being paid below a livable wage (even for their country), children were basically sold to a company to work off debts... or the workers are not getting paid at all and are victims of human trafficking. Human trafficking is NOT limited to the sex industry.
Secondly, I love my country and I want to support its workers and do my part to contribute to rebuilding our economy.
did a lot of research to find the sewing contractor that I currently work with. I won't lie, I wish that the prices were cheaper, but at least I have a clear conscience knowing that all labor laws are being upheld and there are no exploited workers producing my apparel.
How do you juggle all the stress and work that must come along with owning a clothing line?
I honestly don't know. I have to take it one day at a time. ere are days that my business drives me to tears and I think of throwing in the towel and doing something else, anything else...
But, in all honesty I couldn't do it without the help of my family and the grace of God. I've also been fortunate enough to make friends with some very incredible people who have been a major source of support.
I know that I'm doing a lot, but for some reason it doesn't feel as overwhelming as it should. It does take me longer to do things than, say a company with several employees, but I'll get there eventually. I think most people got their start the same way that I did. It definitely takes sacrifice.
I think I'm one of the lucky few that can say that I feel complete in my career, family life, and spiritually. And, considering I'm a mom, that says a lot. I don't know many mom's that are blessed enough to juggle career and family to the extent that I've been able to do it. But, then again, I took only one week off after having a baby and my son has been part of the chaos since his first week of life!
Where can we buy your stuff?
Well hopefully within the next year my clothing will be available in more shoppes... but, for now the main place to buy is www.bettybuccaneer.com.
The sailor outfit, Armada Belle, is available at My Baby Jo in Culver City, CA. They also have a website www.mybabyjo.com.
There are also dresses for sale at Pinup Parade in England. They also have a website, www.pinup-parade.com.
And you can find my clothing at Minuteman Aviation in Missoula, MT for sale in their shoppe.
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You can also keep up on all the Nicole Katherine news on Myspace and Facebook!
