Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Hinkle.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I didn’t grow up in an environment that supported me pursuing the arts. But still I would fill up notebook after notebook with clothing sketches from an early age. I was always fascinated with the fashion industry… from designing to creating editorials. I dreamed of someday being in a studio in NYC making clothing or working on the set of a photo shoot. I tried many times to find ways to explore these interests.
However, my parents didn’t exactly push me towards them. When we moved to Florida my senior year of High School, I was ecstatic to see they offered clothing design courses. But my first day of class the teacher convinced me to drop out so a freshman could sign up (it was an intro class.) I felt crushed. I tried applying to Art School but our family didn’t have much money and student loans seemed so daunting. I had always had an interest in working in fashion, but didn’t feel the industry was for me. It was abundantly clear that the fashion world didn’t love plus size people.
Once I got involved in the body positive community almost ten years ago, I knew that I wanted to break in, but I would have to make my own path. I first started by selling vintage. I had developed a keen eye from years of having to be resourceful (both due to money and lack of plus size options.) We eventually evolved into adding new clothing as well. I named my company after my grandmother, because she is the one that taught me how to pick. She had a weird style and never apologized for it. I didn’t always appreciate the bright orange terry cloth rompers she wore around our neighborhood in Philadelphia or the weird thrift store gifts she gave. But when I got older, I realized what a total style icon she was.
We didn’t grow up with much, so she honed a weird sense on a thrift store budget. A little over a year ago I moved to Los Angeles because I wanted to add custom designs. I’m not a trained designer, so I kind of just wanted to put myself in the middle of everything and see what I could accomplish. We have since been producing tons of original pieces and creating content showcasing plus size people with unapologetic style.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not so smooth! I started this company in my house in Florida years ago, selling at local markets and paying my friends with Hungry Howie’s pizza and PBR to model. After a move to Chicago, we then pivoted to focus on catering to customers size 16+. This way we could add new pieces. I worked long hours so I could save up to invest in my company to elevate it. I didn’t want to go into debt at the start and had no business training. I was able to scrap together money to start adding new clothing options, create a website, and start producing lookbooks. Once we had a clear brand identity and honed our pop-up abilities, we felt ready to take a leap so we decided to make the move to LA. But that didn’t happen right away as planned and we ended up in Vegas for a year and a half.
Due to a succession of unfortunate circumstances, I almost closed Proud Mary. But my community supported me. I wasn’t sure we’d ever make it to LA so I kept my head down, worked my survival job while throwing pop-ups on the weekend, made connections in LA and worked on my content creating skills so I would be ready to hit the ground running. It all finally fell into place when I lucked into a physical shop space in Glassell Park (shared with my friends The Plus Bus) and found an apartment nearby. I was lucky to then already have a community of supportive people when we finally made it to LA.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Proud Mary Fashion (my brand) but I also am a freelance Photographer and Creative Director. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a Northeast LA-based boutique with carefully curated vintage, altered vintage and custom original designs for plus size people. We run our business with the mission to empower people through style expression.
As plus size consumers, we are often overlooked or told we are not worthy of the same wealth of options as straight sized consumers. At Proud Mary, we use whimsy to create fun statement pieces so our customers can feel truly one of a kind. We have become known for our custom robes, hand-painted leather jackets (and purses) and our selection of vintage.
I’m most proud of the moments where we get to connect with people that maybe aren’t used to having access to so many fun pieces in their size. I really believe that the path to self-love can start with a piece of clothing that makes you feel beautiful or a great photo that really captures you. Fashion ended up being so healing for me. I want to give that gift to others.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We plan to continue to build our selection of original designs and to build our team. We are releasing a summer collection that includes matching crop top and skirt sets, 90’s inspired slip dresses, trapeze dresses in retro prints, and more robes. All up to a size 5X.
I am hoping to get Proud Mary pieces in more stores across the country so that more people can have access. We also will hopefully be able to pop up in other cities this year. We hope to push to create content that pushes boundaries. We want to continue to spread the word about what we offer here in LA and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5335 N Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90042
- Website: www.proudmaryfashion.com
- Phone: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/proudmaryfashion
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/proudmaryfashion
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/proud-mary-fashion-los-angeles
- Other: www.jessicahinkle.com
Image Credit:
Stevie Anderson, Beth Olson, Jessica Hinkle and Marisa Klug-Morataya
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
