Star Sign
I’m a Virgo sun, Taurus moon and Scorpio rising! I think the Virgo is very evident in me with my constant strive for perfection, which is a blessing and a curse.
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Why did you start your brand?
I started Mode Mischief Studios with a passion for design and fashion as the backbone. The driving force that pushed me to establish my own brand was the evident unethical and unsustainable practices associated with fast fashion. During this time period, I also experienced a personal awakening as a consumer of fast fashion, which made me realise the power of my voice and my potential to make change in the world. So, Mode Mischief studios was born in 2021 with an aim to inspire, commemorate, and drive the evolution of the fashion industry!
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What were you doing prior to Mode Mischief Studios?
Before Mode Mischief Studios launched (and currently) I have been completing my bachelor’s degree in science full-time. I know these two fields contrast with each other, but I one day aspire to combine my knowledge in STEM and fashion to build a sustainable future for the fashion industry.
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Biggest brand milestone
The biggest milestone for Mode Mischief Studios is definitely seeing our pieces worn in public. I can’t describe the overwhelming feeling of support, love and honour I’ve felt when meeting our beautiful customers. It’s also fantastic to see the faces behind our supporters and share the love our brand aspires to bring to everyone.
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Typical day in your life
To preface, I’m not a morning person! I wake up at 8:30am, make breakfast, a chai tea and get ready for the day ahead. I’ve struggled with fitness motivation the past year, but I’m planning to start Pilates again to begin my day with an accomplishment- which is the best feeling!
I then head over to our studio to begin the workday. Our studio doesn't have a Bluetooth speaker (only a turntable), so I always play a new record every morning to get into the vibe and set the scene for our vintage design inspiration.
A workday for me can vary from a day dedicated to design and production, or site visits/meetings with our production team, suppliers or pattern makers. Owning a small business does get quite lonely at times, so it really joys me when I get to see our wonderful team and catch up on how they’re going!
At lunchtime, I usually pop over to the market nearby to explore new things and broaden my appetite. There are so many yummy options from cuisines all around the world, and it makes me feel so happy to support other small businesses.
I typically finish work at 7-8pm and head home for dinner. Once home, I complete my uni work and let my curiosity run wild listening to podcasts, researching or reading the news. I will watch a Dance Moms or RHOBH episode here or there!
Living with ADHD, it can be hard to manage and keep up with a busy day, so I focus on putting my energy into little things that I enjoy throughout the day to help cope with it slightly!
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Where does your brand inspiration come from?
All Mode Mischief Studios designs draw inspiration from 90s styles with some contemporary innovation. I think the 90s was such an important era as it represented a time of experimentation and individuality, with people expressing themselves through their clothing and rejecting traditional fashion norms. Myself, I’ve always gravitated to vintage styles and second-hand shopping, so I love implementing my personal style and nostalgia into our designs.
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Who is your style icon?
Fictional, it would absolutely be Carrie Bradshaw. I relate to her style as she doesn’t have a fixed aesthetic, she explores and mixes styles to create something that stays true to herself. My fashion & design sense I feel is quite undefined, and very much stuck in the 90s, so Carrie is an icon to me!
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A quote you live by
A quote I live by is “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, It’s the courage to continue that counts” - Winston Churchill. I’ve always felt this quote applies to each journey I’ve been on, and it constantly reminds me to persevere in the face of challenges and have belief in my own abilities.
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Favourite piece you've released
My favourite piece we’ve released so far is the Backless Tee. I created this piece to be a versatile staple that can be worn casually or elevated whilst remaining stylish. I always reach for it and could never get tired of the style! We are launching some new designs in 2023 that may or may not have taken the spot as a favourite though!
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Advice to someone starting their own business
My advice to someone wanting to start their own business is that if you find your passion and do something that makes you happy, you will do great! Success in my eyes is not about monetary status or figures, it’s about your own happiness and courage to keep doing what you want to do no matter what. Don’t get me wrong, starting and owning a business is tough, but if you have the passion to persevere through good and bad, you will be unstoppable!
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