Meet Trailblazer Danielle Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Brown.

Danielle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started with my Dad coming to this country from Israel with practically nothing, married my mom and together they started a Finishing company which then led to them opening up Universal Garment Wash & Dye here in North Hollywood Ca. With all that being said my love for Fashion and the art of making a garment started from Birth.

Growing up being a factory kid I actually wanted to stray away from the family business. In my early 20’s I started exploring other occupations but soon realized nothing was fulfilling me and my heart led back to fashion. I went back to working for my family in wash & dye developments and still felt a void, I had an earning desire to start something I could call my own. I then decided to open an online boutique in 2012 called Shopping BARE. To my surprise it took off pretty quickly, I had a good run with it for a couple years. The Fast Fashion business was booming and everyone was opening up an online boutique. The industry got so competitive and I could not compete anymore I had to make a decision to shut it down which left me devastated and heart broken, it was my baby and my first taste of entrepreneurship. To make a long story short I finally build up the courage to start designing my own pieces which led to the birth of VINTAGE SOULS LA.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I always knew that starting my own line was going to be challenging but I had no idea it was going to be this challenging. I have spent many days and nights frustrated and in tears ready to give up. Thanks to my support system from family and friends I kept going. Although I know I face far more obstacles along the way I have been able to master the #1 challenge that every entrepreneur will face on their journey and that is mastering the mental. Most of our challenges are in our heads, The fear of not making it, the fear of not being as good as the next person, the fear of being vulnerable and allowing you to put your art out there in the world for everyone to see and critique. When you learn to block all that out I feel the journey becomes more easier and more enjoyable.

My biggest advice for any young woman starting their own line would be two things. Do not compare yourself to anyone else no matter what!! Everyone has their own story and journey, create your own story and be proud of it. It’s easy to look at someone else’s success and compare which then will lead you to feeling like you’ll never make it to that level it is poison for the mind. My 2nd piece advice would be to take your time. This business is sooooo costly and the mistakes you make will hurt your pockets tremendously. Take your Time! I cannot say it enough, learn your craft and just be patient. It is not a race. I wish someone would have told me that when I started.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about VINTAGE SOULS LA – what should we know?
I have combined my love for Vintage Clothing with my knowledge in wash & dye techniques. Most of my bodies are replicated from original Vintage fits, but my specialty is in the dye. I love getting back there in the factory and playing around with different colors and novelty wash processes to make the garment that much more unique. Each piece is hand dyed and finished with a process that leaves the garment super soft. Hand feel to me on a garment is everything! I want my clothing to be something someone wants to wear everyday all day.

It was also very important to me to create simple comfortable pieces for the person on the go. As a woman who works as much as I do, I don’t necessarily have the time to think of an outfit in the mornings, It’s a throw it on and go type of process for me. All the pieces in my collection are key pieces in everyone’s wardrobe. I think what sets me apart from anyone else is definitely the unique dye processes on these simple key items. One of the things I am proud of besides the design aspect of this line is the message. I came up with the name VINTAGE SOULS because I like to think of myself as a Vintage Soul. I play on the word SOUL a lot in my graphics because I think we are living in a world where people are so attached to the ego especially with social media around and If there is anything I would like to do through this line is remind people to tap back into the SOUL.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have to be honest networking has been one of my biggest struggles. I myself is still trying to find the best way to network. I would say most of my networking happens organically. As for my Mentor or Mentors that would be my parents. They have taught me so much about business but most importantly they are constantly reminding me that staying relentless and passionate will take you so far in any business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vintagesouls.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @vintagesoulsla

Image Credit:
@dylanperlot

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