Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelissa Carrillo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I remember deciding that I wanted to be a designer in 7th grade. For me, it was a natural progression considering I had always been involved in art from an early age. Upon graduating high school on Chicago’s south side, I moved to California to begin studies at FIDM. After I graduated, I moved to Seattle because I could not see myself living in Los Angeles and was not ready to move back to Chicago. During my time in Seattle, I worked for various designers everything from Avant-Garde to Couture. I was able to build this well-rounded lens and that is when I decided to move back to Chicago to begin a brand. My first brand was a bespoke dress business, catering to TV personalities, pageant girls and galas. Although, I enjoyed creating these beautiful gowns and cocktail dresses I felt as though, I was stagnant in my design. STRONGER WISER EVERYDAY then naturally came about one day after creating pieces that were both wearable by both men and women. I have always enjoyed wearing menswear and sporty clothing and to me, it felt right. I, then felt this new energy that I knew I had to pursue. The brand will be two years old in June of 2018. At the moment, everything is made by me with some help along the way. I have some big things planned for this year and hope to put Chicago on the fashion map.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a start-up and self-funding is always difficult. I have and continue to work odd jobs to pay for everything. But, I always make it work because it is my passion.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about STRONGER WISER EVERYDAY – what should we know?
STRONGER WISER EVERYDAY is genderless and seasonless. We create our patterns with both men and women sizing taken into consideration. Everything is small batch or made to order, keeping us eco-friendly and conscious of ethics. Our pieces are made to be adjusted to your lifestyle – we have ties, traps, velcro, you name it! We want to incorporate this active lifestyle with high fashion. Our fabrics are carefully picked to allow for breathing, waterproof, cooling, performance and overall versatility.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There have been many people along the way – like inters and teams that come together for our shoots. However, my parents have been the biggest help and have always believed in me.
Pricing:
- Outerwear $300-$600
- Tops $50-$200
- Bottoms $100-$300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.strongerwisereveryday.com
- Email: hello@strongerwisereveryday.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongerwisereveryday/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongerwisereveryday/
Image Credit:
Kohl Murdock, Roy Cases, Jingyu Lin, Estela Magazine
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