Episode 208: Learning The Hard Way, with Sarah of Deco Denim

What’s it like to leave fashion? And why would someone do that? Sarah of Deco Denim shares her experiences working as a denim designer and what she is doing now. In this episode we will discuss the following: 
 
  • Sarah’s experiences working for Levi’s, among other companies
  • Her journey to escape corporate fashion
  • What she has learned along the way as a small business owner
  • Her advice for anyone else looking to make a big career/life change
 
If you are looking for more info about the environmental/ethical issues associated with denim production, go back and listen to the early Clotheshorse series about denim, starting with episode 11.

Go follow Sarah on Instagram:  @deco.denim

Preorder your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  [email protected]

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider “buying me a coffee” via Ko-fi:
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Transcript

Welcome to Clotheshorse, the podcast that loves denim but hates jeans.  It’s complicated, okay?

 

I’m your host, Amanda and this is episode 208.  My guest this week is Sarah, owner, designer, all of the things behind Deco Denim.  We’re not really here to talk about denim this week per se, so if you’re looking for some great (and depressing) facts and information about denim, I recommend you go back to the incredibly comprehensive denim series I did early on in Clotheshorse, with denim designer Michelle. Start with episode 11. You will never look at jeans the same way again.

 

This episode is more about what it is like to work within the fashion industry and what it looks like to leave it (sort of).  One of the questions I receive via email and DM most often is “I feel stuck in the fashion industry (or retail).  How do I escape?” And so, from time to time, I am trying to feature different people who made that transition and what it was like for them. One thing I have learned as I talk to others about their experiences leaving the industry is that the path out may be different, but it’s always kinda scary and definitely not easy.  Lessons will certainly be learned the hard way for many of us. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen.  And actually, it’s important to not let that fear keep you trapped.  While today’s episode really focuses on leaving the fashion industry, it can apply to any career path you have been following.  I still think it’s crazy that we are (in theory) expected to figure out what we want to do for the rest of our lives when we are in our late teens and early 20s.  Like what? I’ve been so many different Amandas since then!  And data suggests that the average person will change careers 5-7 times during their working life! That’s not jobs…it’s careers! So if you feel like you are ready for change (for the first time or even again), hopefully my conversation with Sarah will inspire you to get out there and do something different (even though change is scary and often difficult).

 

Before we jump into that conversation, let’s talk about merch for a minute. Specifically Clotheshorse merch.

 

Many of you have been asking for Clotheshorse merch for years. It’s an issue I have turned over and over in my mind. By now, you know how I feel about merch and promo tees. And I didn’t want to be making more stuff for the landfill. There are companies that print podcast merch on demand, paying a cut to the podcasters. And for many shows, it’s a revenue stream that is more successful than Patreon/subscriptions because it’s really difficult to get people to pay for content. No judgment against those content creators, because the struggle to get paid for your work is REAL and has definitely made me sad/hopeless at times. But I know that those merch companies don’t have values that align with mine.

 

After SO MUCH thinking and research, I have decided to offer iron-on transfers that you will be able to use on secondhand tees, bags, whatever fabric thing you have lying around. My thinking was that by adding a transfer to one of these items, it might get even more wear/use and stay out of the landfill even longer. Yay!

 

About all of it:

★ The iron-on transfers are printed in the US using direct-to-film technology by Ninja Transfers. I even checked the Glassdoor reviews for this company to ensure that they weren’t a bunch of a jerks. The transfer is softer and more durable than a vinyl transfer. You can easily iron them on with a home iron (you will receive instructions with your order). They can also cover existing screenprints.

 

★ The stickers are printed in the US by Sticky Brand using eco-solvent ink in its LEED certified facility that runs off of 100% carbon free & 78% renewable energy. Sticky Brand repurposes excess materials into artwork and clothing. The company plans to transition to zero landfill waste by the end of this year. The stickers are made to stand up to weather, the dishwasher, and the sun.

 

Remember, neither of these items are without impact. I did my best to mitigate it, but no purchase is ever perfect. Both items include plastic elements (like most screen print inks and stickers). Furthermore, we can’t forget the shipping and packaging. So think carefully before making your purchase.

 

Preorder ends on 8/1 and items will ship out as I receive them. Go place your order at clotheshorsepodcast.com (or use the link in the show notes)

 

If the fact that I am doing this disappoints you/makes you want to stop listening, I understand. This was not a decision made lightly and there were many stress stomachaches along the way. It feels weird to me but the reality is that I have done 1000s of hours of work for free over the last few years and I’m trying to cover some of the expense of bringing information and education to all of you. Nothing has made me more aware of the amount of labor and time I give to this community every week than transitioning to working for myself and billing by the hour.  There are definitely times when I am answering questions or helping someone with a school project on sustainability when I am reminded of “woof, I really should be working for money right now.” It’s hard for me to imagine a day when Clotheshorse will be my only job (and I suspect that is an unlikely future) but I do like to think about all of the cool outreach and education I could do, along with even more in-depth episode of Clotheshorse, if I weren’t also working 40 hours a week on another job.  Maybe some day, maybe not. But perhaps merch will take off some of that pressure.  It’s still too soon to tell.



Okay, that’s all about merch.   Now let’s get down to the main event…let’s meet Sarah!

Unfortunately we are still dealing with some transcription issues.  The good news: you can see the transcript while streaming on Apple Podcasts. You can also find this episode with captions on YouTube!

Thanks to Sarah for spending some time with us and sharing her story.  I hope that it resonated with you, maybe got you thinking about what you could do next, unless you’re super happy and content with your job right now, which is awesome! Maybe you’ll be able to share Sarah’s story with someone else who is looking for a change but is super scared or doesn’t know where to begin.  If you have left fashion and want to share your story for a future episode, drop me a line via email ([email protected]) .

 

Don’t forget to give Sarah a follow on Instagram. I’ll share her information in the show notes.

 

The last thing I’ll say before we end this episode: never forget that the personal is political.  Meaning, your personal stories and experiences not only shape your own views and values, sharing them can help others understand your views and values, and maybe even open their eyes to something new and important.  You might think that one bad job you had is depressing or embarrassing, but it actually matters.  And sharing it with others might actually help them see what’s wrong with their current workplace or recognize that they deserve better or even motivate them to make a change. In fact, I believe that sometimes we have to hear other people’s stories in order to fully see and understand our own lives.  I was talking recently with friend of the pod Susan Massey, and she mentioned how much she loves reading memoirs.  And I was like, “me too!” We both agreed that learning other people’s stories has helped us cope with trauma, even sort of release the shame that often comes with trauma.  This is so random, but I remember reading back in like 2000 that musician Elliott Smith was a survivor of child abuse…and it made me feel so much stronger and less ashamed of the abuse I experienced as a kid. I found myself thinking “well, if Elliott Smith survived this, and people love him, he’s so talented and special, then I’m okay, too. And it wasn’t my fault that happened to me.” 

 

Not every story that inspires and motivates you, helps you see something important about yourself…not every story has to be as brutal as child abuse.  It can be leaving a dumb job or trying something new and learning it the hard way.  It all helps. I mean, even listening to Sarah talk about issues she had with production and what she learned from it…well, that might help someone listening to this episode who is a small business owner themselves. Or thinking about starting their own business.

 

That’s the thing about our experiences: no matter how mundane they might seem, they have value.  And even if you have felt like people don’t listen to you (trust me: been there and done that for a long time), there are awesome people who DO want to listen to you.  And that’s your community. THIS community.  I have always wanted Clotheshorse to be a platform for people who are usually unheard, like myself. But my hope is that this practice of sharing our stories, of reaching others with our experiences, that this extends far beyond Clotheshorse and out into the world around us.  Communities and movements are built by sharing, by revealing ourselves to others.  Let’s keep doing it, even when it feels weird.  I promise someone is listening.



Want to Support Amanda's Work on Clotheshorse?

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  [email protected]

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Thumbprint is Detroit’s only fair trade marketplace, located in the historic Eastern Market.  Our small business specializes in products handmade by empowered women in South Africa making a living wage creating things they love like hand painted candles and ceramics! We also carry a curated assortment of  sustainable/natural locally made goods. Thumbprint is a great gift destination for both the special people in your life and for yourself! Browse our online store at thumbprintdetroit.com and find us on instagram @thumbprintdetroit.

Picnicwear:  a slow fashion brand, ethically made by hand from vintage and deadstock materials – most notably, vintage towels! Founder, Dani, has worked in the industry as a fashion designer for over 10 years, but started Picnicwear in response to her dissatisfaction with the industry’s shortcomings. Picnicwear recently moved to rural North Carolina where all their clothing and accessories are now designed and cut, but the majority of their sewing is done by skilled garment workers in NYC. Their customers take comfort in knowing that all their sewists are paid well above NYC minimum wage. Picnicwear offers minimal waste and maximum authenticity: Future Vintage over future garbage.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first.  Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful clothing and accessories from the 1940s-1990s for people of all genders. Husband-and-wife duo Wiley & Jessamy handpick each piece for quality and style, with a focus on pieces that transcend trends and will find a home in your closet for many years to come! In addition to clothing, the shop also features a large selection of vintage vinyl and old school video games. Find them on instagram @ highenergyvintage, online at highenergyvintage.com, and at markets in and around Boston.

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month.  New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality–made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com

Blank Cass, or Blanket Coats by Cass, is focused on restoring, renewing, and reviving the history held within vintage and heirloom textiles. By embodying and transferring the love, craft, and energy that is original to each vintage textile into a new garment, I hope we can reteach ourselves to care for and mend what we have and make it last. Blank Cass lives on Instagram @blank_cass and a website will be launched soon at blankcass.com.

Gabriela Antonas is a visual artist, an upcycler, and a fashion designer, but Gabriela Antonas is also a feminist micro business with radical ideals. She’s the one woman band, trying to help you understand, why slow fashion is what the earth needs. If you find your self in New Orleans, LA, you may buy her ready-to-wear upcycled garments in person at the store “Slow Down” (2855 Magazine St). Slow Down Nola only sells vintage and slow fashion from local designers. Gabriela’s garments are guaranteed to be in stock in person, but they also have a website so you may support this women owned and run business from wherever you are! If you are interested in Gabriela making a one of a kind garment for you DM her on Instagram at @slowfashiongabriela to book a consultation.

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas on August 5th. The shop has a strong emphasis on 60s & 70s garments, single stitch tee shirts & dreamy loungewear. Follow them on instagram, @vagabondvintage.dtlv and keep an eye out for their website coming fall of 2022.

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a “velvet jungle” full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products from other small sustainable businesses. Our mission is to create a brand and community dedicated to promoting self-expression, as well as educating and inspiring a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle both for the people and the planet. Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts.  Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one’s closet for generations to come.  Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.

Salt Hats:  purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns and at www.republicaunicornia.com.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points.  If it’s ethical and legal, we try to find a new home for it!  Vintage style with progressive values.  Find us on Instagram at @CuteLittleRuin.