Today we’d like to introduce you to Calah Olson.
Hi Calah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my entrepreneur journey at 18 when I created my online clothing brand Outsiders Clothing. I always wanted to find a way to merge my love for art and fashion together, and I was brave enough to try it out at 18 and in my second year of college! I grew up with artist parents, and they had always encouraged me to create and be proud of my art. I was extremely lucky to grow up in an environment where creativity and individualism were celebrated. Starting out, I had no experience in running a business, let alone how to market it. I started out really by reading books from the thrift store, binge-watching any YouTube video or podcast about how to start a business, and honestly, just a lot of trial and error. I was a broke college student who just moved out for the first time, so I didn’t really have any money to invest, so I started flipping furniture and other random things on Facebook marketplace to pay for my samples, website domain, and Facebook ads. I would skip out on getting groceries or going out just so I could purchase samples of my clothing ideas! Definitely was a lot of hard work, stress, and sleepless nights, but looking back, it really was all worth it. Now, my brand has a large social media following and was able to participate in Fashion Week San Diego 2021. Outsiders Clothing has built such a beautiful community, and following that, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The hardest things for me was learning how to be disciplined. Your mindset truly is everything. From being in class from 7 am to 2 pm, I had to create a strict schedule for myself to make sure I was putting all of my extra effort into creating this brand. At one point, I was waking up at 4 am just to cram in some work before I had to leave for class. Self-discipline can be very challenging in the beginning, but as you create and stick to a healthy routine, you’ll notice how many positive changes happen around you. The second most difficult issue was self-doubt. I’m someone who deals with a lot of anxiety. So, starting a business constantly had me worried about literally everything. “What if people hate it,” “What if I fail,” “What if this is just a waste of my time and money?” These were the questions that replayed over and over in my head. The way I started to break out of that pattern of thinking was to just tell myself, “Who cares.” Who cares if I fail, who cares if not a lot of people like my brand, who cares if it’s not what I expected. At least I know that I tried and put my all into something. It’s always reassuring when you realize that the whole world isn’t focused on you and that you can screw up from time to time, try something different, or push boundaries. Who cares!!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in funky graphic clothing that is inspired by life, punk subculture, and art. I’m most known for super loud printed clothing as well as my runway collection that I designed completely out of recycled/thrifted materials. I first started going viral for my graphic joggers which are super bright colored and have lots of fun designs on them! They’ve become a fan favorite, and I absolutely love seeing my supporters post pictures of them styling them. I believe that my focus on art and expression separates me from a lot of other brands. I’m not making your everyday clothes. I’m making clothes that people use to express themselves and stand out. My number one goal when starting this brand was to always have the underlying message of “Be yourself.”
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I am always open to collaborating and working with other artists! The best way to contact me for any collaboration opportunities would be via Instagram direct message @outsidersclothingcompany!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.outsidersclothing.shop
- Instagram: @calaholson. @outsidersclothingcompany
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1nM1GO4FLOGJ2HRQ0e6ESA?si=Gka3YNr5Qp-iPMTXV984wQ
