INTERVIEW #105 ZAJI-KALI

Name: Zaji-Kali Galán

Occupation: Designer

Based in: Colorado, USA

Website: www.ZajiKaliMakes.com

Instagram: @ZajiKaliMakes

Hello, welcome to A Sustainable Closet Change Maker interview series where we interview people who are inspiring us to create a more sustainable closet! Can you please tell us about yourself?

Hi! I’m Zaji-Kali! I’m a maker, wife and mama based in Northern Colorado! I’m a clothing designer, business owner, sewist, knitter, crochet artist and romance novel enthusiast!

What’s your relationship with clothes, have you always been interested and how did it started?

I have always loved clothes and fashion! I would often buy secondhand clothing because it was often less expensive than fast fashion but I liked the quality and style of vintage clothing a lot! Plus, I was well aware of what fast-fashion is really like behind closed doors and don’t like supporting those type of companies directly. However, I’m quite tall, so I would often have to get creative to make ready-to-wear clothing fit me well. I decided to give making clothes a try after I became pregnant with my daughter. I started making cloth diapers for her, first. Then, I started making clothing for myself after she was born and I haven’t stopped since!

When did you start to sew and knit? How did you learn?

I taught myself to sew in 2017 and I taught myself to knit in 2018. I used a combination of YouTube videos and books to learn these skills. I’m a visual learner so these methods were perfect for me!

Any favourite item you love to make?

I love to make dresses the most! Dresses are one garment I usually couldn’t find many that fit me well in ready to wear brands. I do enjoy making swimwear quite a bit as well! I like knitting cardigans most! I always have at least one on my needles!

How would you describe your style and expression? 

I think my style is really feminine and bold! I love bright colors with vintage lines!

What is a sustainable closet for you?

A sustainable closet for me is filled with well made pieces that stand the test of time because they are crafted with love! I prefer natural fibers as much as reasonable!

What do you think is needed for people to start sewing, both the ones who are interested and truly want but also for people in general to mend more and take back the sewing skills?

I’m not a fan of hand sewing anything! I would recommend getting an inexpensive sewing machine or going to a re-sale shop and checking out their selection of machines. A basic kit of scissors, seam ripper, thread and seam gauge would be great. Resources like YouTube and Instagram can provide so much knowledge about how to use a sewing machine, tips and tricks, fabric information and general sewing information. That is all I started with! But most importantly, time and patience! Sewing is a SKILL! It takes experience to get it right and you can only gain experience from working on your craft!

Finally, where can I buy your creations?

My sustainable clothing brand is The SunShine Collective Label! We’re current working on a re-brand!