by Mo on April 7, 2009
Jacob Vaughn is an artist/designer living in San Francisco who runs a small, independently owned screen-printing and leather-working business. His business, Project TransAction, strives to work with the most socially responsible companies available, with the intention of creating affordable, thought provoking goods that people can feel confident investing in. The politics of small, local, and independent business are intrinsic to TransAction’s mission. His shop uses earth-friendly, bio-degradable cleaners and 90% of the leather used is recycled or from scrap.
Darlings: When and how did you first start your business?
Jacob: Project TransAction (PT ) was born in August 2006 as an art/life project dealing with independent business and bartering. To me it’s more than a business, it’s ongoing artwork and study of how indie businesses work in the current time and economy. My artistic nature doesn’t lend itself to working for other people, and I felt like I was giving up too much of myself at other jobs. To make my life more fulfilling, I started Project TransAction.
Darlings: How did you learn your craft, specifically leather-working?
Jacob: The leather-working aspect of PT came about when I was flipping baseball gloves on e-bay to supplement my income. I started deconstructing them to make dog collars, and became very interested in the challenge of properly manufacturing leather goods. I find this type of work very relaxing (and the hammering is a major stress reliever!) and decided to combine it with screen-printing to create exciting, unique items that only get better with time.
Darlings: What influences your work?
Jacob: Film, public transportation, pop culture, other artists, vintage advertisements, science, documentaries, things I read, love.
Darlings: What is the hardest part about being in business for yourself?
Jacob: Not having a consistent paycheck. If I don’t work, I don’t eat. Also, the lack of human contact can get to me at times. It’s a very solitary and demanding job, but I wouldn’t change it for anything!
Darlings: What is your favorite music to be playing while you are in production?
Jacob: Aesop Rock, Mos Def, RJD2, Tracy + the Plastics…anything with a good beat. I tend to shake it a lot when I’m by myself in the shop.
Darlings: Do you have any events that you are getting ready for in the near future?
Jacob: Indeed! Project TransAction will be vending at the next Mission Indie Mart (@ the Independent in SF 4/26/09), Brooklyn Indie Market (@ Carroll Gardens, NYC 4/26/09), IndieSacramento (@ Fremont Park 5/2/09) San Mateo Makers Faire (San Mateo Fairgrounds in conjunction with Bazaar Bizarre 5/30 + 5/31), as well as a handful of other upcoming events. Support local artists and businesses!
by Mo on March 24, 2009
In 2001, Robin Lee Simmons, designer and owner of rlee Collection, created her first handbag line called boo Studio, titled after the nickname of her driving force – her son, Park. Her handbags have been featured in several major fashion magazines and coveted by some of your favorite celebrities. Through many years working as a Makeup Artist and Photographer in Los Angeles & Charleston, SC she has developed a great respect for fashion and an understanding of what women love…to be adored and to be adorned.
Darlings: Where did your love of handbags begin? When did you start your own line?
Robin: I have collected and treasured vintage handbags for many years, but it wasn’t until my son was born that I began creating my own. I purchased designer diaper bag which proved to be inconvenient and after growing up with a mother who made everything, I knew I could create my own. Once I made the diaper bag I decided that the perfect addition would be handbags that would fit right inside the bag eliminating one more thing to juggle. Friends all loved my bags and one referred me to a local boutique owner; with that 45 handbag order my first official collection was born!
Darlings: What is the hardest part about being in business for yourself?
Robin: At present it is easy to say the economic situation, but I would say that basically being Wonder Woman is the hardest part! I am a creative quality control freak and that combined with being a single mother makes my world nonstop! I love what I do…it is who I am and wouldn’t trade my son or designing for anything!
Darlings: Do you find your community is supportive of emerging designers?
Robin: Absolutely! Charleston, SC is amazing in the support of local talent. I owned my own local boutique featuring local jewelry and clothing designers, as well as my bags, and the community support was tremendous. Charleston has many “buy local” events that are fabulous for encouraging residents to shop at independent boutiques and with local designers.
Darlings: How do you market yourself and your label?
Robin: Over the years I have had fabulous PR reps which have led to major magazine and celebrity placements. Presently I am crazy over the internet and social networks. I advertise in online magazines and promote new collections, shows, etc through all key networking sites.
Darlings: Do you have any events you are getting ready for in the near future?
Robin: I am launching my Spring 2009 collection at Charleston Fashion Week in Charleston, SC on March 28th. This is my first year being involved with Charleston Fashion Week in which I will be showcasing my Spring Collection at style lounges and runway shows. During CFW they select 9 local emerging fashion designers offering them the chance to express their collections in shows throughout the week. CFW is compared to all of the major fashion week events and I am thrilled to be a part!
Darlings: Tell us about something you LOVE that you want others to know about.
Robin: I LOVE history and all things vintage. My handbags each contain elements derived from many of the vintage bags I have collected over the years. Many times I recycle old clothing or fabrics and create one of a kind or limited edition bags. With my spring collection I am incorporating recycled materials such as fabric made from plastic bottles and fabrics from nature such as 100% hemp. There is a thrill in watching the transformation of old treasures and creating new re-vamped stylish.elegant.sassy.handbags!
