Meet Jae-Zee Roth-Strong

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jae-Zee Roth-Strong.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in England, and that is where I got a degree my in Fashion Design. I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 7 Years. During my time at University I decided to apply to work in America. I spent my summers working at summer camp on Catalina Island! I loved it so much that even after getting my degree, I continued to work, summers, at camp until finally I moved out here to work full time as a Director for them! I worked at Camp for 12 years in total until it was time to move on to my next chapter and that was when I started The Whimsical Twin.

I had wanted to be a Fashion Designer since the age of 11 and I knew at some point I would get back in to fashion it would just look different to my 11 years old dream. I have been collecting and wearing vintage since I was a teen so it seemed perfect to share that love with others and start my store.

I’m so glad that I decided to go off path and work as a director at camp it gave me the experience and confidence I needed to start my own business. I also met my husband working there so that was an added bonus 🙂

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
“Every piece of vintage clothing has been on a journey, where will you take it next?” is my stores motto.

I own a Vintage Clothing and accessories store. My collection is made of curated pieces from 1950’s through to early 2000’s. I also recently added a handmade collection which includes clay earrings and up-cycled accessories. It started when I was reviving a 1960’s dress and used the excess fabric to make a scrunchie then I realized that this is something I could do more frequently. I have since made tote bags and more scrunchies from vintage fabric I have salvaged. I hope to expand on this much more down the line, it’s become a great way to merge creativity with sustainability.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I relate really strongly to this. When I first started my journey as a business owner the hardest transition was going from working in a team to being a team of…one! After years of working at summer camp and being in charge of team building and creating an inclusive community, I knew the importance of a community. It became clear to me after doing just one flea market that this community was welcoming it was just my job to keep those connections outside of the markets. So I started an Instagram for those in my community, @fleamarketfolks. It is something that I am still figuring out but the people I have connected with on there are awesome!

I am a big believer in Community over Competition and do my best to promote small businesses and have found a community through that also.

My advice is don’t be afraid to go out and find your community and if that doesn’t go as planned – start your own, what have you do to lose! 🙂

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
We sell online and at markets around LA. I do a variety of markets but I am a regular at Silverlake Flea and Rose Bowl Flea market. You can find out when and where I will be as well as buy from us on our website, Instagram or Facebook.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thewhimsicaltwin.com
• Phone: 6262729842
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhimsicaltwin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWhimsicalTwin/

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