I launched my own clothing line at the age of 24 with my best friend, Michelle Waugh. In college, I majored in Business with a focus in Marketing and minored in Art Studio while Michelle majored in Apparel Merchandising & Management. When we returned to our hometown, we decided to combine our unique skills and create clothes for women who love the outdoors.
What led you to your line of work?
I never would have thought I would be wearing my art, but here I am! Ever since I was a kid, I loved to draw. When I attended college, I began taking a lot of graphic design classes. While living in Northern California, my appreciation for the natural world grew, and I became a more educated consumer. After working in sales, then marketing and social media management, I desired to create my own business and break out of the typical 9 to 5 routine. One night, I got a voicemail from Michelle. After I listened, nothing was ever quite the same. We had been discussing fast fashion, our work experiences, and the need to do something different. And so, Stoked on Sunshine was launched. From the sourcing to the shipping, Stoked on Sunshine is made with the environment and our rad womens' comfort in mind.
Where do you get creative inspiration?
My creative inspiration currently comes mostly from nature; flowers, sunsets, amazing views. However, I often get inspired by the people around me as I love drawing faces. Also, good books and movies inspire me. Music can help me tap into a more creative mindset, as does physically flipping through a magazine or visual book. Sometimes stepping away from the screen can help spark my creativity.
Who do you look up to in your girl gang or industry?
Jessica Hische, Claire Keane, Jenna Kutcher, Jennifer Lee.
Best advice you’ve received?
Always keep learning something new.
What does Support Your Local Girl Gang mean to you?
It means supporting women-owned businesses/creatives! Shopping small makes a big impact. You can also support your local girl gang by spreading the word, sharing the love, and tapping that heart! Also, it means sourcing responsibly and fairly to help keep this world beautiful.
Favorite books, podcasts, tools, and or apps:
'In Progess' book by Jessica Hische
'Rich Bitch' Book by Nicole Lapin
Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher
How I Built This with Guy Raz : Podcast: NPR
UNUM APP - Instagram Planning/Analytics
Your Story Is Your Power: Free Your Feminine Voice book by Elle Luna, Susie Herrick
Instagram: @stokedonsunshine and @jessicataylarson
Website: https://www.stokedonsunshine.com/