Today we’d like to introduce you to Rayna Graff.
Rayna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The idea of Black Orchid Fashions came to exist while I was working at a small boutique located in Woodland Hills, CA and made me realize, “Huh, I could do this.” The thought of running my own business felt like a pipe dream and I spent a few months kind of looking into what I could do with running my own boutique. At first, I thought of including mainly fashion pieces, but I didn’t feel inspired or passionate about that. It wasn’t until about another year later that I realized what I wanted to showcase within my business; I decided to apply my love of tattoos, fashion, and all things alternative to create the shop you see today.
I have always been a sucker for graphic tees and fun tattoo designs. I was that kid that had a HUGE collection of different band tees I had collected over the years from Warped Tour or Hot Topic, and that’s something that I think will always be a huge influence on my personal style. So, I went into the business with that kind of weird, edgy imagery in my head.
I will say, I was definitely inspired by other small businesses that I have found through social media or Etsy for me to start Black Orchid Fashions. The fact that I could see these genuine people that loved what they did, were passionate about what they were creating, AND offered their customers a well-made product; it was a huge influence for me to take the leap and start creating myself.
It’s like my mom always tells me, “Find something you love to do, and do that.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh, man! You know, I love the internet and social media (as us millennials do), but sometimes it can be a real pain in the butt.
Yes, it is hard to start your own business, as any business owner (big or small) will agree on. There’s no guaranteed way to start/run a successful business. Everyone has an opinion or a suggestion, but sometimes you just need to go through the trials and tribulations yourself.
As of lately, my current frustration lies within trying to advertise or market my product on social media. There was a solid week where my product couldn’t be advertised because it was deemed “too political” and my shop page was at a risk of being deactivated. I still don’t fully know what it was about my shop/product that was being considered political, but the issue hasn’t come up since and I’m taking that as a win in my book.
A running issue I see with lots of small businesses is “the algorithm”. If you’re a small business or an influencer, you know what I’m talking about. You would think that with social media and the internet at our disposal this would be a WONDERFUL time for small businesses, and (in a sense) it is. But when you are only able to reach about 10% of your following with each post and can’t branch out to a new audience without paying for it or hoping that someone else will happen share it, is absolutely insane. The fact that it got to the point where the “This Is A Test” post was being shared on almost every small business’ page (including my own) is scary when you realize that this is our livelihood and this is how we pay our bills, feed ourselves/pets/children, and keep a roof over our heads. The algorithm is OUR advertising, but it just doesn’t seem to work in favor of small businesses.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I need to be honest; I CANNOT draw to save my life. If I tried to do all my own original artwork for Black Orchid Fashions, we’d be seeing a lot more stick figures and crude drawings of cats. So, I looked to those that I admire the most; Tattoo Artists. When bringing tattoo artists into the mix, it opens a whole world of possibilities and allowed me to bring exposure to other talented folks who are also bad-ass entrepreneurs! Just like when getting a tattoo, I look for those that I trust and feel they have a clear understanding of the vibe I am going for with each individual piece while they can still add their own flair and what makes them unique. I have previously worked with Danny Renteria located at Ventura Tattoo in Ventura, CA and am currently collaborating with someone located in Thousand Oaks, CA for new product that will have a scheduled release date SOON! Ultimately, I want to work with lots of different artists from all over the globe and showcase all different types of tattoo styles. So, if you or someone you know is a killer tattoo artist that loves a side hustle, then I ABSOLUTELY want to work with you!
I strive to make Black Orchid Fashions to feel as true to myself and who I am as possible. We shouldn’t ask of others to hide who they are or what they love, so why should I ask the same of my business? Black Orchid Fashions is a safe space for everyone, and I work hard to make our product loved and use-able for all; no matter your gender, shape, or size. We promote love and positivity to all who need it.
What were you like growing up?
My name is Rayna and I’m the Founder/Owner of Black Orchid Fashions.
I grew up in a little beach town about an hour north of Los Angeles. I was that weird, scene kid that you probably avoided in high school (it wasn’t just a phase). I’m an animal lover; currently the mom to a cat named Kiara and a horse named Kelly Belle. I’ve always loved all things Strange and Unusual; I mean, when I was four years old, I was obsessed with all the classic Universal monster movies. I grew up keeping myself very busy with dance classes, horseback riding, taking part in local musical theatre, and working as an actor in LA.
I wasn’t able to join my friends by attending university or even community college, but instead, moved right into the workforce. I spent about six years working in retail through various companies and even made my way up to be the Manager in the last six months of that period of my life. I eventually decided that I’d rather find something I’m passionate about and be my own boss.
I would say, the most unexpected thing to know about me growing up is that I HATED tattoos. When I was younger, I truly believed that getting a tattoo was the dumbest thing someone could do to their body. It’s funny how things change over time, huh? It wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I started to open up to the idea of tattoos. I made friends that had lots of well-done tattoos that held lots of meaning and some that had fun pieces that flowed so well with their personality that it only seemed to enhance their aura. Once I opened up to it, I found a way to express myself and feel 100%, authentically me. I never expected tattoos to become such a big love of mine, but it has shaped my style and artistic preferences so much that it just all feels so natural, like why haven’t I known about this world all along. Sorry Mom.
Fashion has been a huge form of self-expression that I’ve used for as long as I could remember. I am definitely a jeans and a t-shirt kind of gal, but I do love to play with all the fun, different variations you can do with it. I’m inspired by 1970s and 1990s fashion; think Stevie Nicks meets Tai from Clueless pre-makeover. I love how fashion and clothes can be so much more than just something we wear, but something that we can use to feel beautiful and powerful. Maybe today I’m feeling like I just need a comfy T-Shirt and a pair of leggings, maybe I’m feeling like a “sex-goddess” (as Bridget Jones might put it) and choose to pull out that dress that’s been hiding in my closet for the past two years. Who knows? That’s all part of the fun. Fashion has helped me explore how I feel the most confident and the most like my true self, it’s all I can ask that Black Orchid Fashions can do for others as well.
Pricing:
- Shirts are $26
- We offer Free Shipping within the USA
- Use code URLOVED to receive 10% off your first order
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackorchidfashions.com
- Instagram: @black.orchid.fash
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/black.orchid.fash
Image Credit:
Ross Clark
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