Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaz Ga’tzby.
Jaz, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I never expected to be in the “fashion industry” or considered myself an artist. I’ve carried a knife almost every day (if I didn’t lose them) of my life since high school for protection, little did I know that I’d start making clothes bc of them.
When I was 16, I came across a tattoo parlor in Lemon Grove & quickly befriended the owner shortly after I began customizing the shops clothes with my switchblade because he didn’t carry any woman’s styles & growing up watching Adam Saaks I sorta already knew what to do with every girl that walked in.
My mom and tia helped me a lot in the process of learning how to work with clothes mostly because they were both annoyed with me destroying perfectly good clothes. Eventually, I started upcycling my friends/acquaintances clothes for fun and to experiment.
I constantly moved throughout my life basically living in most parts of San Diego but it wasn’t until I was homeless that I decided to make my hobby, something I did for trade, into a business that’s when the idea of Stonedager (pronounced /stōnd,ājər/ because I know a few of you will be wondering how to say it) came about.
I’ve grown a lot in this first year as Stonedager and met a lot of extremely talented artist along the way, we even Curated our first fashion/group art show. You can find us popped-up around San Diego.
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?
The road was definitely rough for me, Got material stolen from me, lost friendships over pettiness/hate, destroyed a lot of perfectly good clothes because I was testing out new techniques.
There isn’t anything you can really do but keep it pushing. I ignore outside negativity now honestly because if it doesn’t elevate me, it’s not necessary in my life at this point. I lost a lot but gained a whole new perspective on my journey.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Stonedager – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I make wearable art for the broke and the fabulous. About 90% of my inventory is one off/custom/made to order because no one wants to wear the same thing everyone else has and a lot of ppl have a difficult time finding something that’s fitting to their body type.
I’m mostly known for my acid wash tie dye & shredded braid work. I like to upcycle men’s clothes into women’s wear too. You can find vintage pieces as well in my collection. And you will almost always see other local artist work at our booth too because I love to showcase the raw talent in my hometown.
Most importantly I take clothing donations, whatever I can’t work with I send it across the border to families in need.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are planning our 3rd group show this year possibly including another catwalk in it. Of course lots of new prints and releases.
We are also working on creating an eco-friendly biodegradable line, switching from cotton to hemp fabric in the future too (if anyone can guide me there would be vee appreciated).
I am excited to see how my manifestations come to life.
Pricing:
- $15 graphic tees
- $20-$30 custom tees
- $35-$45 custom bodysuits
- $50-$100 custom art on your own denim pieces
Contact Info:
- Website: www.depop.com/stonedager
- Email: jazgatzby@gmail.com
- Instagram: Stonedager
- Other: Instagram @jazgatzby
Image Credit:
@livetoshootanotherday @kalioso
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
