Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikel Arrindell.
Mikel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The brand really started on a whim. I have always been known for tinkering around with things trying to make things my way. I had a random idea for a shirt that I so happened to post that blew up, and from that moment, it’s been a wild ride. I never knew how to sew or design before this, so everything has been a learning process. I started making distressed dad hats, and it has just grown to what you see today; full collections, custom orders of bags, sneakers, jackets, etc.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all, but that’s what I love about it. I have learned so much about business practices, textiles, design, and sewing techniques, from all the mistakes I have made. Yes, I have had some hard lessons but I wouldn’t have learned all the things I know now if everything had been smooth. I have come to learn you appreciate the journey more than goals.
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?
The brand Wuhn was crafted to give customers and place where pieces are specialized for them on deeper levels. Every jacket, sneaker, bag, and accessory has a story; your story. In every piece, my goal is to tell a story of yours through fabric, design, and interaction. I want this custom item for clients to feel special to them; a one-of-one. A piece no one else has and no one else will; a piece that you can be proud of. A piece that establishes an emotional connection that brings you to a place far, far away when wearing it.
We are known for our storytelling and interactions with our pieces. We want people to engage with our customs; reach out and feel them, see the reflection of light, and ask questions. The goal is to start a conversation and give others a peep into your world and how you see things. All out of our customs use various fabrics from leathers, suedes, satin, and even exotic skins to garner more interaction.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail, finding the smallest tidbit in your story to embellish to set a custom over the top. You have a tattoo of 4 4-leaf clover; let’s line the interior of this jacket with green suede and have a clover embroidered in the pocket for you. Paying attention to these little details that make a custom even more special for you because of its connection.
How do you think about luck?
Luck helps a lot, I got lucky my mom had a sewing machine she never used, and I got lucky that I had very supportive friends. Yet, luck only works when you show that you have no problem putting in the work and being consistent when luck isn’t on your side. My favorite quote from “The Office” is “A fluke is one of the most common fish in the sea. So if you go fishing for a fluke, chances are, you just might catch one.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__mikelangelo/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikel.arrindell
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@__mikelangelo
