I was enchanted by the city when I got there- it was raining of course. I dont think London should greet you any other way. I had gone there to visit a friend, but also for work as I worked for a company that was based there. A company that very unceremoniously released me from employment. That job was my life- I based my entire self worth on it. Foolish I know, but typical of a single millennial with no other attachments. I had been planning to start my own brand forever, but thought I’d stay on a few more years to properly save the capital to then go out on my own. I was a company man after all- I couldn’t just leave. That boot out the door was the kick in the ass I needed and so I put pen to paper and while I had the time I put the plans in motion to start my business before getting a new job.

I drafted logos and tested brand names and took classes at FIT. I made a business plan (that I’ve barely stuck to honestly) and sketched designs. Putting years of graphic design, advertising and marketing into use, it all collided with making patterns, days of sewing, and finding manufacturers. Pouring over fabrics afternoon after afternoon in the garment district a collection formed. It took a year to finally get the samples done and feel comfortable enough in my own sewing skills to sell a garment. My first collection was based on Greece, beloved to me from my first visit years ago, but in my time of unemployment it also became an escape from my grim reality in New York. My first collection reflected the breezy life I lived for just a moment on the islands in the Aegean Sea.