Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Meek.
Kristin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Accidental Fashion Designer
HI! I am the owner and designer of IshKabibbles Designs!
My story begins when I started college with the hope of becoming a marine biologist. One class led to another and I soon found myself sitting in a business class being taught by Mr. Kitzmiller. This wonderful professor saw a potential designer in me that I did not even know existed. He suggested I enter a design contest and I won first place! An A.S. Degree in Business Management, A.S. Degree in Fashion Design and years of internships later, well here I am selling my tropical designs!
I love to design and sew clothing that has classic silhouettes appliqued with tropical Hawaiian fabrics. I came up with this process when I first opened my shop and it has become my signature looks. You will see this design on my unique line of tropical wedding dresses.
I also enjoy textile/fabric design. All of my sarongs, scarves and zipper pouches feature all my original artwork on them. My casual line of tops and hoodies also have my designs appliqued to the garments.
Even though I never became a marine biologist, the sea, creatures that call it home and the laid back island lifestyle are the inspirations for all of my designs.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have been in business for 10 years and it absolutely has not been a smooth road. For myself figuring out the best venue to reach my customers has been one of the hardest challenges. My online sales have never been enough to sustain my business, but through trial and error, I have found that special events have been very successful for me.
My products sell the best when I am in front of a live audience. Like at an art show, farmers market or other special events. Business is always changing! I have learned it is a continuous effort to figure out what is going to make your business successful.
I have also felt Iike many other creative entrepreneurs, that making a living off your art can be emotionally and financially draining at times. A few years ago, I read a book called “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. It changed my entire outlook on running a creative business and what it means to be successful. I would highly recommend it to any creative individual.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Textile/Fashion designer. I use the beachy fabrics I design to create products for my clothing and accessories line. I have also recently introduced a line of vintage seashell jewelry and hand-painted driftwood art.
I am very proud to specialize in a unique line of tropical wedding dresses. I make these dresses completely from scratch to each customer specific measurements. My wedding dresses are special because they all feature tropical floral appliques. The tropical flowers on the dresses are hand cut from Hawaiian fabric. After the flowers have been hand cut, they are then sewn to the dress using a stitch that is less than 1/8 wide. This process is tedious but ensures a beautiful look.
What sets me apart from other brands is that I am a small business featuring one of a kind designs. I am able to offer my clients something truly different because of this. My products are not massed produced and many of them feature my original artwork. In a world full of mass production, it is really special to be able to purchase something from my shop that is different and unique.
Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
This one is easy… spending hours at the beach, swimming, snorkeling and soaking up the sun.
Pricing:
- Large Zipper Pouches 29.00
- Sarongs 44.00
- Infinitely Scarves 39.00
- Tropical Wedding Dress 649.00-925.00
- Vintage Seashell Jewelry 8.00-39.00
- Driftwood Art 29.00-44.00
- Tops and Hoodies 29.00-39.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ishkabibbles.net
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ishkabibblesdesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ishkabibbles
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
