Check Out Ryan Shand’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Shand.

Hi Ryan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always loved working in startups and helping grow tech companies through acquisitions, but I never considered building something of my own. It took a rather eye-opening experience to realize how much I wanted to take ownership back over my career and my life. I have always had a fire within me for creativity but was never able to express it in the way I wanted through my career. Creating my own clothing line was born out of the desire to design elevated pieces that allow women to feel bold and brave in their own skin and in their own lives.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I started SHAND about six months before COVID hit. I had just decided to invest my personal savings into my own line and had built my entire brand, samples, photos, website, and everything ready to go. When COVID happened, all production and manufacturing facilities were closed so my line was put on hold for over eight months. That time period was extremely hard because I had lost all momentum and wasn’t able to see if my investment would pay me back. It was also extremely taxing on my emotional state going from full forced excitement to feeling extremely discouraged. Additionally, I have always had and still have a full-time job where I am fully dedicated to my team. Putting in extra hours and committing weekends to building my brand has and will continue to be one of the biggest challenges in maintaining a healthy balance.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When I started the concept of SHAND, it was fundamental that I stayed intentional in building something that allowed my own personality and passions to shine through. I’ve always believed clothing has the power to transform the story we are trying to tell, it can act as a superpower and empower you in the ways you need it most. I truly believe that what I put on in the morning is an expression of who I am and what I am trying to voice. SHAND was built around this message while trying to meet all the requirements of where we are in our world today: sustainability, limited production, reducing waste, enhancing uniqueness, and getting creative with what we have. Every garment I make has been designed around these intentions and allowed me to build a line that uses sustainable materials. I try to use deadstock/recycled fabrics and materials but I also work with sustainable fabrics and produce locally in small batches. Through this process, I offer limited edition pieces that allow you to stand out in your own way knowing you might purchase a piece that can never be mass produced. I also have a line of Curated Vintage garments that I call the SHAND “Vault”. These pieces are either altered upcycled vintage garments to create one of a kind pieces that are truly irreplaceable, or coveted and curated vintage I style and resell to pull different elements into my brand. My hope through this line is that I can go beyond the pieces and support the climate and women who wear them.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice is to consistently trust yourself and your gut. I have reached out to many mentors for guidance in my life, and I believe deeply in always asking for help, support, and mentorship. With that said, you have to be your own best advocate and trust yourself at the end of the day. You are the one in the depths of your business and slowly pushing it forward, so tap in and really check to see what works best for you. I’d also recommend starting really small. Don’t worry about being huge or where you are going right away, be authentic through every step of the process and don’t cut corners through this journey to get somewhere faster. It is a long and steady road so pace yourself and don’t get overwhelmed on days that don’t feel like they are moving as fast as you had hoped.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.shandla.com
• Instagram: @shand_la

Image Credits
Ryan Lumely