Conversations with Stephanie Oyervides

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Oyervides.

Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The desire to start designing happened when I was about six years old. My mother made all of our clothes since we didn’t have much in the way of money. And from there I ended up going to F.I.D.M in San Francisco where I got my degree in fashion design. And the story really begins after I got married where I wanted to start my own thing. That was always the goal but I thought I could work in corporate first, but since I didn’t get that chance, I didn’t want to waste any more time and I converted my garage into a fashion studio where I made custom clothes. When I outgrew the space I heard of some studios downtown and I started working there. I went from one suite to 4 suits and this one is where all production is done. Last year, in this exact building, I got a storefront. So it’s very convenient to have it all in one building.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a very bumpy and emotional road. When you love what you do and you’re trying to do your best, it’s always going to involve emotion. Despite the normal struggles like financing and a lot of hard work, I would say the hardest part was opening the storefront. When I am open, it’s rare that people come in and check it out. But because of that obstacle, I’ve had the opportunity to be very creative in holding events in the space and workshops. And although it is still hard, these are the things that help you grow as a person and a business.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a fashion designer and I specialize in women’s wear, evening wear, and bridal. I am part of the whole process, from design, draping, pattern drafting, cutting and sewing. I think I am the most proud of that and the fact that even the ready to wear pieces I have in the shop are all made by me and my hands. My mother and sister are a big help as well. Since my mom made our clothes as children she had experience in sewing, so she helps me with that when she can and my sister helps me with the cutting, again when she can. I also do get a lot of help from my husband who handles my website and the really business-ie part of things. But I’m proud that I’ve found a way to make this dream a reality. I am also very proud of the fact that despite being such a small brand, I am able to totally sustainable by using biodegradable fabrics and that don’t leave a massive carbon footprint. But I also use vintage fabrics I get at estate sales or that are donated! And the last thing that I just started is taking used, vintage, or used garments and remaking / re-designing them.

How do you think about happiness?
Creating makes me happy. Especially garments. It’s just a huge gift that I have this “superpower” that turns this one-dimensional objects into a 3D wearable pieces of art! And the ability to do, that makes me happy. Also, my dog Roe who comes into work with me every day and you will most likely meet her if you ever stopped by

Pricing:

• Ready to wear can go from 45-200 and up
• Custom bridal starts at 1200

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shoptastestudio.com
• Instagram: Thetaste.studio

Image Credits:
Emily shores Rodney Brown Tyra & Dominic Vega