Creativity in Blume.

One of the best things about putting yourself out there is that like minds can finally find you. Call it the law of attraction, the universe’s way of rewarding you for your courage, karma, what have you. In the ten months since Blackbird Tees launched, so many interesting people doing so many interesting things have managed to make their way here. Back in May, a woman by the name of Stacey Blume left a comment on my blog after reading about my shirts. I decided to indulge my curiosity by clicking on the link to her website, and was so thrilled to discover a fellow adventurer in the world of customized clothing.

Stacey’s company, Blume Girl, features personalized lingerie and apparel for all you daring boys and girls out there wanting to infuse your unmentionables with a little sass. And as I learned, it was Stacey who actually infused the clothing line itself with a personality all her own. Turns out, the early exposure to her family’s uniform manufacturing plant, combined with her passion for style, provided the unique perspective that would eventually lead to the creation of Blume Girl. And so, after exchanging a couple of emails with Stacey, I thought it would be great to feature her in our latest Trust Your Blackbird installment. She is such a perfect example of drawing from what you know, adding dashes of inspiration and creativity, and going with your gut. Our Q&A follows below.

JD: I always start by asking why individuals felt compelled to leave their previous jobs and take the risk of starting a small business. Was something missing from your existing professional life at the time?

SB: Umm… yes- I didn’t have one! I was studying acting and working as a waitress, a legal assistant, a personal assistant, a nanny, all different kinds of jobs to pay the rent. My fashion ideas hit me as I was in this ‘figuring it out’ phase.

JD: Often times, people brand themselves in an organic way simply by bringing their diverse mix of interests and skills to the table. I understand that your family owned a uniform manufacturing plant, but when did the idea of applying that aesthetic to undergarments come to you?

SB: My dad was out in Pasadena on a business trip for his uniform company, and I dragged him into Urban Outfitters to see my friend Natalie Anne’s designs. While we were in there, my dad noticed industrial styled clothing like Dickies. He was really surprised, as this was very similar to the merchandise that he carried.

That is when the wheels started turning. The next time I was home, I went to the uniform company warehouse and pulled a bunch of patches to make up some fashion ready samples. And that’s how it all began.

JD: What were your biggest fears starting out? What would you tell yourself on the days when you found it hard to put one foot in front of the other?

SB: It is scary to start something new - but is really exciting at the same time. So I guess I calmed my fears by embracing the change. The challenges that come with all of that help keep things fun and interesting.

JD: How did you get your name out, and did you deal with any rejection or criticism early on?

SB: At first I went door to door / pounding the pavement with ‘my name patch undies’. And yes, I definitely got rejected sometimes. It would be really fabulous if EVERYONE loved Blume… but it is really only for people with a personality. Just kidding! Fortunately, celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Kelly Ripa and Gwen Stefani became fans of the Blume personalized items so glossy magazines and entertainment television shows were happy to report the sexy scoops. The press coverage was exciting and fabulously powerful in helping to launch my company.

But of course I still face criticism. It is all a journey that I am constantly learning from… who my customers are, what price points work, how things should be merchandised and packaged, etc. Constructive criticism can be great- I recently got critiqued on the CNBC show- The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch and I have taken some of their suggestions for improvement. Good products evolve and good brands take time to build so I am grateful for the growing pains that have encouraged me to make Blume better.

JD: What belief has contributed most to your success?

SB: Believe in yourself because anything is possible.

JD: If you could go back to the beginning of this process and give yourself one piece of advice, knowing what you do now, what would it be?

SB: It all ends up okay, and if it is not okay- it isn’t the end.

If you’d like to learn more about Stacey or view Blume Girl products, click here!

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