Natalie Ogletree of Love Is Apparel
As the fashion blogger for Dream On Youth, I love the fact that we have amazing brands as a part of our family. I recently had the chance to interview Natalie of Love Is Apparel! The 23-year-old Texas native started Love Is Apparel four years ago and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Please take a look at why she started LIA, how she got motivated, and more!
Tell me a little about yourself!
Basically, I am obsessed with live music, Instagram, eating pizza, drinking out of mason jars, Twitter, traveling anywhere and everywhere, watching trash TV, and designing clothes for amazing people like you :)
How did LIA start?
It was basically the combination of being bored in school, being totally obsessed with fashion and style, and the launch of social media. I didn’t want to work at Chili’s like every other college kid; I wanted to do something out-of-the-box with my free time. Thus, Love, Is Apparel was born!
What motivated you to start your own business?
Well, I love people-watching (in a totally non-creepy way, hahaha) and checking out other people’s style, so that’s what I did whenever I went out to a concert or traveled to a different city. I looked at what young, trendy people were wearing and began to think about what I would change or add to their outfits, and that’s what got me wanting to design my own original clothing.
Why retail?
I wanted to be able to give people the same joy that I get when I see a piece of clothing that I automatically obsess over (which happens more than it should) :)
What has been your favorite piece? Why?
‘The City Never Sleeps’ tank top because a few of my favorite songs inspired the quote: The City by Ed Sheeran, It’s Time by Imagine Dragons, and Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z & Alicia Keys.
What are the day-to-day duties at the LIA headquarters?
Interacting on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr is one of the first things that I do when I wake up every day. Throughout the day, I update the website, organize inventory, create promotional materials if there’s a special going on, and then usually doodle or sketch future designs and such on Photoshop/Illustrator.
How has social media impacted LIA?
I owe basically everything to social media – that’s one reason I'm so obsessed with it! Nowadays, social media can launch a career, make a regular Joe an overnight sensation, and connect people who may not have ever met without it, and that’s what I love about it. I connect with people ten thousand miles away on a day-to-day basis by the click of a button, and that’s insane to me! LIA would probably never have gotten to places like Brazil, Australia, England, etc., without the help of social media.
Who is someone that inspires you? Why?
Young independent designers like Jac Vanek, Erin Yogasundram of ShopJeen, Ashley Jones & Laura Fama of DimePiece LA, Samii Ryan, Raissa of Lovers + Friends, and Michelle Madonna of That Madonna Girl because they are still so young and yet so successful with their own brands. I hope that one day I can be as successful as any of those lovely ladies!
Any advice for anyone who wants to start their own business?
GO FOR IT – We need more small businesses in this world! Starting your own business requires hard and time-consuming work, dedication, tons of research, and knowledge of your market, but don’t let that scare you off because if you're determined and a go-getter, then nothing can stand in your way.
What dreams do you want to achieve? (Besides LIA?)
On the professional side, I also want to have my own social media marketing company for film/tv and music, and on the personal side, I want to get married and have a family :)
Don’t forget to check out Love Is Apparel and keep an eye out for their new collection!
For all things Love Is Apparel, head over to their social media sites!
Twitter: @loveisapparel | Instagram: @loveisapparel | Facebook: /LIAfb |Tumblr: loveisapparel.tumblr.com
Just Believe,
Courtney