I Made It! Market has enjoyed an artist exchange with makers from the Cleveland Handmade group. You’ll find I Made It! Market artists traveling to Cleveland to participate in markets like December’s Last Minute Market. As I Made It! Market pops into the 7th annual SouthSide Works Exposed festival, we are excited to present clothing designer and Project Runway contestant, Valerie Mayen. Hailing from Cleveland, OH, Valerie is the owner and lead designer of Yellowcakeshop, LLC. She’s a busy gal, but took a time-out to discuss why she crafts, her inspiration, and what makes her designs special.
Why do you craft?
Because I love it! It’s what I truly believe I was created to do and I love making women and men feel good about themselves with what they put on their bodies. Plus, I can help others with the sales of my work. Since I began, I’ve given 5% of my profits to the City Mission and other charities engaged in alleviating homelessness and hunger.
How did you get started in the world of design?
As an art school student, I didn’t have much in the department of finances, so my wardrobe was what I could muster up from hand me downs or thrift store finds. I often repaired or modified things in my wardrobe to suit my mood or current trends so that I was constantly updating my clothing without breaking the non-existent bank account that I had.
What serves as your inspiration?
music, the outdoors, color, necessity, function, weather, the 60s, Rudi Gernreich
Explain your process in design and making?
I look through my closet for items and silhouettes that I wear often and I think of ways to make them better, more clever, more functional. I also peruse my vintage magazine collection for ways to revamp the classics. Then I look for textiles that draw my eye. I order swatches and samples and then I design based on the textiles I have available and the season.
What current projects are you excited about?
I’m working on some super fun and flattering new jumpsuits (I put it off too long) and a few new skirts (yes, I’m bringing them back for summer!) and a few other things. I may begin working on a business plan to open up my first brick and mortar store in about a year but am currently running my 6th pop up shop in Cleveland Ohio’s famed 25th street in Ohio City. I’m also working on the last leg of pre-opening set up for a sewing workspace non-profit that I’m starting in Cleveland called Buzz & Growl. We are hoping to open late summer/early fall. [It’s] going well, still have funds to raise for equipment but we are getting there! www.buzzandgrowl.com
What makes Yellowcake stand out?
We aren’t just domestically made, we are locally made, right in Cleveland, Ohio. We give 5% of profits to help others, and we make well-made, flattering clothing, accessories and jewelry that is affordable.
You sell your wares on the Yellowcake website, Etsy, and at local markets. Which avenue works best for you in terms of item sales?
My Yellowcake site is currently under construction so I’d have to say my Etsy site and my pop up shops are the best for me in terms of item sales.
Why did you decide to participate as a vendor with I Made It! Market at SouthSide Works Exposed?
My friend, Anne Harrill of Oceanne raves about it and it’s just so close to Cleveland I figured why not!? I love meeting new people and expanding my audience outside of Ohio, so it’s a good fit.
How has the exposure on Project Runway changed your business?
It’s definitely changed my inbox =). It’s boosted awareness, given me a larger Facebook friends database and more credibility. It’s not a get rich quick kind of gig nor is it an instant launching pad to fame, but it is helpful in more ways than one.
Find out more about our artists by visiting their Etsy shops:
Visit Valerie and over 60 other regional artists at I Made It! Market along 27th street at SouthSide Works Exposed on July 15th from 5-10pm, July 16th from 12-10pm, and July 17th from 12-5pm.
