i. I work as a fashion designer / storyteller / product developer.

ii. I do this creative work because:
Curiosity. Connection . Community.
I am curious about people, about their stories, about their identities. I want to know how we think, how we are all different, but yet we are all the same. Our choice of clothing defines who we are. It tells a story to the world. It tells how we want to be identified, or not identified. Our identity is an extension of our thoughts, our experiences, and this is conveyed partly through clothing. 

iii. Personal qualities that help me in my work are:
Curiosity. Passion. Creativeness. Self starter. Seeker of knowledge.

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iv. The greatest challenges around doing this work are:
There are so many stories to tell. There are so many designs I want to put out into the world. It is sometimes overwhelming! It’s knowing when you hone in on what really makes you tick. What gets you up in the morning, and keeps you going til late at night!

v. Creative childhood hobbies:
I was a crafter. I loved writing stories. Reading. Giving my Barbies a make-over…

vi. Other creators who inspire you:
Everyone is a creator. There is inspiration everywhere. The city, the country, the ocean. The sky.

Early inspiration is drawn from Macy Gray, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu. Music was and still is a huge influence.

Questlove – I love his theory and passion for what he does.

But where my main inspiration comes from is my travels and people watching. A woman I saw in Morocco 10 years ago has come to mind because of the way she wrapped her shawl, or the Italian men in Milan who rode Vespas in three-piece suits, and the costumes of the people who play Mas in Trinidad’s Carnival.

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vii. Training that has helped me in this career:
When I was in high school I did work experience once a week with a wedding dress designer. I did a bit of everything, and swept the floors and made cups of tea for the machinists.

Fashion and Design School elevated my self-taught skills. And because of where we were located, we had to be resourceful with what we had. That taught me to problem solve and that in order to make intentional and great product, you didn’t need to have technology and the latest printed fabric.

viii. A common trap that can hurt people in this career:
Burnout. Trying to do too much. Pick what you love and what you are good at. Stick with those for your work. Everything else can be a hobby.

Learning to say no is a lesson I am still learning, but slowly I am getting better!

ix. Some proud career moments:
The one thing that makes me most proud is how I have stayed in the same industry, whilst immigrating to different countries around the world. That I can adapt to different environments and cultures and still do what I love.

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x. If you want to work in my field, I suggest that you:
Talk to people in the industry. You’d be surprised how many people will be willing to talk to you. Buy them a coffee. That helps!

xi. A professional goal I have for the future:
To be doing what I love and to be surrounded by people who also love what they do.

xii. If you want to see my work, go to:
Kate & Frances Website

www.creatorsvancouver.com

Header + Fashion Photos:

model @ikhwolegbe
image @alex_shoots_fashion
make up & hair @tatiantinossi