Featured Label: Stephanieverafter + An Interview with Designer Steph
Source: Stephanie Marie / Stephanieverafter Crowns)
Models: Arabella Golby and Charlotte Fisher
Photographer: Shelley Anne Morecroft
Stephanieverafter describes itself as a "girl’s treasure trove, offering handmade hair accessories for free spirited and fearless babes." We were completely in awe when we spotted the label's latest lookbook and collection, and couldn't wait to showcase it to you on the Whim website upon its launch. Featuring two of the blogosphere's most stylish and popular bloggers, this lookbook combines everything we love - soft pastels, long tresses, an outdoor setting and of course, plenty of flower crowns!
Whim was particularly lucky to interview the multi-talented Owner / Founder / Designer and Creative Director behind this label, Stephanie Marie, and we hope you find her answers as insightful and inspiring as we did!
Q: When did you begin Stephanieverafter and what first inspired you to do so?A: Stephanieverafter was born around 18 months ago. I have always been incredibly creative and obsessed with fashion, from customising clothes when I was a teenager, to obtaining a degree in Fashion Journalism. Prior to going to University I had already began working in luxury retail and after graduating I secured two jobs working for very high profile fashion designers. It was always my dream though to own my own label.
Q: How would you describe your brand in just 3 words?A: Fun, beautiful and free spirited
Q: The new collection is stunning, and we have fallen head-over-heels in love with your feminine and flattering hair accessories. What inspires your creativity and designs the most?A: Thank you so much, Whim! First and foremost I design with myself in mind. I will never create something that I do not love, or would not wear myself. I take inspiration from so many places! Current trends, nature, art and female icons. I usually get my best ideas in the shower or in the middle of the night! I am constantly making notes of new ideas.
Q: Please describe an average day in the life of Stephanie?A: Despite working from home, I always try to have routine in my day. Each morning I will go through the days 'to do' list and prioritise what is most important that day.
I will usually then process orders from the previous day, and begin making up orders for the day in hand. After that it's usually a mass session of wrapping and printing off labels for all of the days orders.
Once orders have been ticked off the list, it is down to emails, which can take hours out of my day. Here is where I will chase up suppliers, discuss custom orders with customers, talk stock with our various stockists, organise upcoming photo shoots and source new materials. Amongst other things!
After replying to emails, I will usually check our websites and restock what is out of stock.
Then it's onto social media! At very busy times, I will schedule posts to our Facebook Page, which is great when I don't have the time. I try to post across our social media at peak times in evenings and weekends - which my boyfriend hates as I'm usually instragramming or tweeting when he gets home from work!
Any free time I have is usually spent planning new collections.
Q: What words of advice would you offer those dreaming of one day also starting their own accessories label?A: Definitely just go for it! Work hard, and keep yourself motivated. It can be really tough working for yourself, when there is no one there to celebrate your highs or lean on during your lows. Make sure you celebrate each high (even if it's small), and live and learn from any of your lows. Don't give up when the going gets tough - just work harder.
Q: Last but not least, what do you hope to achieve with Stephanieverafter in the not-too-distant future; Are there any exciting, upcoming plans that you would like to share with us?A: We have so many exciting projects coming up! We are currently working on our A/W 14 collection, which will be released in September. We are also working toward Stephanieverafter being stocked in more countries across the globe. We would love for Stephanieverafter to be stocked in Australia - so look out for that!
We encourage you to check out the full range of beautiful hair accessories that Stephanieverafter stocks by heading to the label's website. You can also keep up-to-date with Stephanieverafter by liking the label's Facebook page or following @stephanieveraftercrowns on Instagram. Enjoy!