Exploring Life & Business with Haley Boyko of Boyko

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Boyko

Hi Haley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always knew I wanted to be in fashion design. I started teaching myself patternmaking and initially started by hot glueing pattern pieces together to make garments, and then my parents signed me up for sewing classes. I really took the few lessons I got and ran with it and just had the time of my life making clothes. I went to Parsons for fashion design and worked in NYC for most of my career actually as a footwear designer, not an apparel designer. I have always wanted to branch out and do my own thing, and finally mustered up the courage to do so. I used my own savings to invest in the business and it has been completely bootstrapped and self funded since the very beginning. My dad who very recently passed was a huge catalyst when it came to me having the confidence to start my own business. I have made a TON of mistakes but I have learned a lot along the way. Its both the most stressful/ frustrating experience but also the most rewarding and fulfilling!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth! I actually still work my full time job to help support myself so I can fully reinvest any money made from the business back into itself. I also was definitely naive when initially starting and made more mistakes than I had bargained for. I think thats par for the course, but when its your own money it makes it a tough pill to swallow! I dont think anyone who is self made has a super smooth road, and I am starting to appreciate the lessons more than I used to and focusing on being solution oriented and trying not to be too frantic when something goes awry.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Boyko?
I make whimsical novelty apparel for those who like to stand out with bold style. I think maintaining a level of childlike whimsy is super important for anyone. We lose a lot of out self expression as we age and I think trying to hold on to that as tight as you can is really important and freeing. Fashion and personal style are such wonderful ways to express yourself and let the world know who you are, and I have always felt most myself wearing unique and colorful pieces. Im most proud of the success I have seen just over 2 years in. It feels like it has been MUCH longer than that, and its been a bumpy road, but I am really proud of what I have built thus far. I , like most people, experience a lot of self doubt at times, and pushing through because I believe in my work is something I am really proud of. Because in all honestly its very hard! I have just expanded to offer plus sizing from 1x-3x and hope to continue to expand each season.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
reach out to me! I am always open to collaborate!

Haley@helloboyko.com

hello_boyko on instagram

www.helloboyko.com

Pricing:

• $125-$335

Contact Info:

• Website: https://helloboyko.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello_boyko/