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MEET BRANDI SHIGLEY
What is your background?
I was adopted from the Philippines when I was 16 months old and grew up in an American family in Colorado. I graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a degree in communications.
How did you get into the fashion industry?
When I was 23 years old, I started a handbag business called b.shigley designs. I made handmade handbags out of colorful fabrics. At first the bag business was for fun and as a hobby, but word of mouth quickly caught on, the media caught wind and I was thrown into the world of fashion. My handbags have sold in boutiques in Paris, London, New York, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco and San Diego. Now, 10 years later, my passion is helping other entrepreneurs and designers start their businesses. I believe everybody should do what they love and love what they do!
Do you have any advice for young people who are interested in the fashion industry?
Find somebody in the industry that you are interested in and talk to them. Learn how they got started, what their struggles and successes have been. See if you can shadow them and get a “day in the life” feel for that career. Also, get involved in your fashion community. Find local boutiques, local designers, and be a part of the fashion fun!
How does it feel to be a young entrepreneur?
Growing up in a family-owned and operated business, I only know entreneurship. Starting a business at the age of 23 was fantastic because I had nothing to lose and wasn’t afraid to take risks. Now that I’m 34, I still continue to learn and grow in business and personally.
Tell us more about your business. What are you currently working on?
Now, I run Fashion Denver, a company that focuses on working with local Colorado designers, boutiques, and small businesses. Through fashion markets, our new showroom, fashion shows, and business development, we continue to grow a community of dreamers and doers. I also really love teaching my workshop “Do What You Love, Love What You Do”. This is a workshop that inspires others to take their creative endeavors and turn it into a business.
Two years ago, I started a band called b.sous. I write the music, play the keyboard, sing, and perform. It’s so much fun to take my love of performing and really do something with it. I grew up singing in the choir in elementary school and performing in girls ensemble and it’s really fun to be able to utilize that passion in my adult life. (www.myspace.com/bsousmusic)
What have been some of your challenges?
I always love a great challenge as this is where I learn the most! I would say difficult challenges for me are narrowing things down to what I really love to do and delegating the things that I don’t love so much, to people who love to do those things.
There are so many facets to being an entrepreneur but the key is to hone on what you are passionate about.This year the Fashion Denver team is expanding and by bringing in a solid team, we are able to focus on ALL aspects of the business, doing a thorough job on everything as opposed to me trying to do it all.
Greatest rewards?
Doing what I love and loving what I do every day! I am constantly inspired by the designers that I meet and the people in the community. I can honestly say that I LOVE my job!
Has being a Filipina affected you in your career?
Being adopted and growing up in an American family, I am not so rooted in my Filipina culture. I would like to learn more about where I came from though.
At first I thought about this question and felt, it didn’t really affect me, but after thinking about it, it really has!! It has connected me to some really wonderful Asian communities! When I lived in California, I had an interview about my bag business with the UCLA Asian Arts Magazine. I was able to be a judge at the Miss Asian American Colorado program and have been connected to Asian Avenue magazine and also the adopted Asian community! It has really opened up many wonderful connections that lead me to learning more about my roots.
Final thoughts?
I love this quote that somebody passed on to me. “Those who step outside their comfort zone to pursue their dreams will always find true happiness.”
To learn more about Brandi, visit the following sites:
♥ business: www.fashiondenver.com
♥ blog and other fun: www.bshigley.com
♥ music: www.myspace.com/bsousmusic
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