Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcie Bain.
Marci, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I attended FCC (Fashion Careers of California) College and graduated with an AA in Fashion Design in 1999. I decided to put my fashion career on hold and raise my family. Over the years I continued to make garments and handmade jewelry for family and friends. I knew that one day, I would pursue my dream and build my label. In 2006 I launched my athletic apparel brand Native Steel which was my first label I wanted to create back in 1996. Native Steel comes from the passion to create a healthy lifestyle for our native communities and to inspire our youth to choose a healthier path in life. I try and live by the saying, “we should EAT to LIVE, not LIVE to EAT.”
In 2013 I applied with Fashion Week San Diego and I was not accepted. In 2014, I met with FWSD founder Allison Andrews and her Assistant Samantha DeWarf and within five minutes into my sit-down interview with them, they said, “I was in!” I believe that was the ultimate turning point for me and launching my label B.JASH.I into the world of fashion.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Since launching in 2014, it defiantly has been a learning experience for me. It has been a rough road. This industry is not made for everyone even though there are so many levels with in fashion. I am taking this year off from runways to focus on building a stronger foundation for my labels, and perfect my skills to create true Avante Garde’ and Haute Couture pieces.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
B.JASH.I is a fashion brand label with women’s RTW and specializing in one of a kind, Haute Couture and Avant Garde pieces. We are known for our unique style that is inspired by the designer’s Native American and Danish heritages. I am most proud of my company for being the first Native American designer to cast all Native American models to walk in a major fashion week. I am planning on expanding our list of Native American models to walk for us in 2019 in New York and in Los Angeles at major fashion week events. I am truly blessed to have such amazing, strong and empowering women on my team. Without them, our brand would definitely get lost in the masses. What sets B.JASH.I apart from the other brands is pulling inspiration from our culture, items and techniques that our ancestors have used for generations and mixing it with current processes and modern materials, having this ability brings something that most others wouldn’t think of using together.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely an outdoor girl. I was raising in Happy Camp, Ca. a small town nestled along the Klamath River in Northern California. I grew up hunting, fishing, canning and gardening (way before it was the trendy thing to do). My dad had a logging company and that pretty much influenced my life being surrounded by nature every day, miles and miles of old growth timber, guess I was blessed growing up in “God’s Country”. I think most people would say I’m very friendly, and kind. I practice the law of attraction daily and try and keep everything that I can control positive.
My interest in fashion was always a part of me since I was a little girl. I remember watching the awards ceremonies with my parents and loving the beautiful actresses grace the red carpet and award platforms always captivated by their flawless beauty.
Contact Info:
- Website: squareup.com/store/BJASHI
- Email: bjashi.71@gmail.com
Image Credit:
656 Photography
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