INTERVIEW #72 RAINBOWDROPZ
Based in: Middlesbrough
Founded in: 2019
Founded by: Grace Forster
Stores: Etsy store and ASOS store
Price range: £25-£210
Instagram: @rainbowdropz_
Tell us about RAINBOWDROPZ, what's your story?
I started rainbowdrops as I have always loved to crochet, I was taught by my Nina when I was younger and picking it up again 2018-2019. I loved Creating unique, custom, sustainable clothes and wanted to share my pieces with everyone so they could feel as special as I did when I wore them.
What is your sustainability profile?
Everything is made to measure and made to order to limit all the waste I create, this not only allows each customer to customise each piece but also makes the whole experience personal and sustainable.
How and where are the products produced, where do you source the material from, in your case the yarn?
Everything is handmade by myself, I try to source some from 2nd hand and charity stores but for my most my pieces I use I source my material online.
Your best selling product?
One of my best selling pieces is the crochet summer dress.
Where do you find inspiration?
I love looking at vintage designs and combining it with new and experimental styles to create unique pieces and funky styles.
What have been and are the major challenges of starting your own brand?
Since starting my brand I felt it took a lot of time initially get to my target market and finding the best places to promote and showcase my work but this was such a great experience and I was introduced to lots of new designers and method of working.
What has been and are the largest gain?
I feel so proud every time I sell and create a garment and I receive customer reviews and pictures, it makes me so happy to see people loving and wearing my own designs and creations.
What do you think needs to change in the fashion industry to make it more sustainable?
Fast fashion is so damaging for small businesses, especially within the crochet industry. As crochet cannot be done by machine it has to be done by hand every piece is hand crafted and fast fashion industries bringing crochet garments out at such low prices brings down all the hard work that goes into every crochet piece and de values small businesses prices which are fair for their hard work.
What would you advise consumers to do who seek to create a sustainable closet and lifestyle?
Going to a sustainable wardrobe is a slow build but gaining more sustainable pieces over time is an investment. When buying sustainable garments you appreciate the hard work and value the quality more lasting longer in your wardrobe.
Best thing about RAINBOWDROPZ?
Rainbowdropz represents funky, stylish, sustainable pieces that are made to last. I aim to create a personal experience and shopping sustainable fun and unique for every customer.
What's up next, do you have anything fun to share and for us to look forward to?
My next goal is to start creating a baby range as I am currently pregnant and would love to create a gorgeous unisex Children’s range.
