Today we’d like to introduce you to Harper Clark.
Hi Harper, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started hand-dying clothing during Covid! Originally, I was tie-dying and then progressed to experimenting with different ways to move the dye on the fabric. I became obsessed with the movement and pattern I was able to achieve. I was sharing with my husband how many people were starting tie-dying business during Covid. I was going on and on (in a bit of a complaining tone), and he stopped me and said, “Well, some people are DOERS.” In that moment, I decided to show him what I can create when I decide to be a DOER. I quietly got to work. I dedicated time to researching my craft, sourcing the clothing to dye, and all that goes into starting a small business. All of this was new to me. My job for the last 27 years has been a caretaker for my daughter Kiki, who was born with Down Syndrome and who survived Bacterial Meningitis at birth, leaving her DEAF and compounding her already challenged development. I have dedicated my life to serving her, but also always knew I had something special to contribute to the world. Well…I do! I get to create one-of-a-kind hand-dyed clothing and home goods for all of you. I typically sell at many of the farmers’ markets around San Diego, mainly the La Jolla Open Aire market. I intend to expand the brand; I want to get Kiki Harper Designs pieces in shops and boutiques around the nation! I am so grateful to have been able to create a strong returning customer base here in San Diego, many whom have become my friends. What I didn’t realize before starting Kiki Harper Designs was how much I needed to be out in the world sharing my magic and contributing my art. But also how much I needed to share Kiki’s story and how she is contributing! I needed that part…because for the majority of her life (a hard one at that), I have chosen to keep our journey private. The traditional route of support groups etc. just wasn’t for me, I didn’t need pity, I needed strength, and I intuitively knew that as the journey progressed, as we pressed on, “our story” would find itself out in the world, perfectly timed. Kiki Harper Designs allows me to create, bond with our community, and share a story of two badass women KIKI & HARPER! Many thanks to all who have inquired about our story and supported our small business.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say the biggest challenge I face is TIME management. Like all working mothers, I find it challenging working from home while caring for a child. Kiki is developmentally similar to a 2–3-year-old, feeding-wise and diaper-wise…all of it. So, for me to get a block of time to create uninterrupted is RARE. Thankfully I have an incredible husband who believes so deeply in me and in us that he is able to step in and create that time that I need. That is the only way my pieces are able to be created. As far as the craft part of dying itself is related, I believe the most challenging part would be the inconsistency of the color and how IT decides to show up on the piece. I can have a clear vision of what I intend for a piece, and it RARELY goes in the direction, which keeps it fun and exciting but also provides a deep lesson in letting go. I am learning this lesson hard and slow (lol) I now know the rhythm is this; I make a piece, and that piece finds its person ALWAYS!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I hand-dye mostly womenswear, although I intend to do menswear and home goods in the future. I specialize in loungewear such as robes, kaftans, dresses, and some sweatsuit styles. Before considering dying a piece I ask this question “Can this be worn more than one way?” I need it to be able to make ME feel beautiful in my home, over a swimsuit, and even over or with jeans. If the answer is yes, then I move on to the different color ways that I believe will make a women feel amazing. How I choose the colors and my custom color combinations is what I am most proud of and also what sets me apart from traditional tie-dye artist. I like to create pallets and movement in the piece that pulls inspiration from nature. My customer wants to FEEl her piece; she wants it to speak to her. I recognize that simple truth, and it guides me while I am working I believe that intuition is what sets me apart from other hand-dyed artist.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Laguna Beach during the 70′-80’s…so lots of beach life! The iconic laid-back, almost hippie Southern California style of that time definitely can be seen in my KHD work. Personality-wise, I am the same person! I love people, I love learning, and I believe that life is good! I was never concerned with looking like everyone else and/or belonging to a certain group or click growing up. This trait has influenced my work to this day in that I am specifically creating hand-dyed work that does not look like typical tie-dye. I am intentionally creating pieces that stand apart from the trends, giving people an option to add custom pieces to their wardrobe.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kiki.harper.designs
