Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren McNerney.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
First, my credentials: I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Apparel from UT Austin with minors in Anthropology and Art History, focusing on early civilization. That’s a mouthful, isn’t it? It was a winding (and lengthy) road to get to that point. My friends called me Van Wilder because I changed majors in a seemingly endless college career (sorry Dad). I loved every second of it, though. I started off in Human Bio – Pre-Med and ended up exactly where I should be.
After graduation, I moved to New York to strike out on my own. Bright lights, big city and the fashion industry! It didn’t take long to find a job, and it didn’t take long for me to quit that job! It was like working for Miranda Priestley on the Devil Wears Prada, but 1,000 times worse. I was about to join a support group for verbally abused girls working in the fashion industry (I kid), when I found a job… THE job that would shape my career trajectory for the next several years. I entered the company as an assistant to the VP of Design and ended up working under the Chief Merchant Officer, managing his world, including departmental operations and internal budgets for the New York office.
After that, a long distance relationship brought me back to Texas, where I continued my career managing operations in different industries. At the end of 2019, my personal life changed and I decided to leave the corporate world. I did some traveling. 2020 was pretty much a blur with everything going on in the world. In early 2021, I decided to dip my toes back into the fashion industry, opening Green Street Designs in the summer. I saw a gap in the womenswear market for quality high fashion clothing at an affordable price. My clothing is for women who enjoy Lauren Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and J. Crew quality, but are looking for pieces that are a bit more trendy. I am beyond meticulous in choosing fabric and the majority of my pieces are fully lined, which you just don’t find nowadays unless you pay a hefty price.
The best thing about being in business for yourself is getting to manage the operational aspects and the creative parts as well. For me, it has always been a battle between the two – I love numbers and process, but also design and photography. One day I’m at the computer working in Excel, and the next day I’m in a cow pasture filming a Green Street Designs product video. It’s the best of both worlds. I love it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, my business is only a few months old, so the biggest challenge I face right now is marketing. The market is flooded with cheap fast fashion and I need to break through that and get my head above the crowd. Green Street is on a whole ‘nother level. Not that I don’t enjoy ordering a $14 turtleneck from Amazon, because, oh I do. But I need to reach the women who really value quality. Green Street’s apparel is so luxurious – the drape, the hand-feel, the weight of the fabric. These are tangible things that are harder to represent digitally. But I’m determined to reach my potential customers, and I WILL, by golly!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Green Street Designs launched its first collection in the summer of 2021. Our main product is handmade women’s apparel, although we have the occasional accessory. Green Street’s garments are finely made with carefully selected fabrics that create a luxurious end product. Before the line is launched, pre-production samples of each pattern are created. During this phase, the patterns are tweaked to ensure optimal fit and maximum flattery. Our garments are then sewn on top-of-the-line Bernina sewing machines and most final touches are sewn by hand.
What sets Green Street Designs apart from others is very simple – our product. Each product is designed by me, using over 20 years of sewing experience, the knowledge I amassed from working in the industry and from formal education. Green Street apparel is made to last. Not only do the designs stay in step with the season’s trends, they are classic as well.
What you need to know about Green Street Designs is all in the garment. Order one. Feel the exceptional quality. There is nothing better than a fine handmade piece. And I promise you will get compliments – our customers do all the time.
What matters most to you? Why?
The thing that matters most to me is a satisfied customer. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. When someone buys handmade, they are buying a piece of the maker’s heart. If you create with your hands – you’ll understand. Everything you make, you put a little piece of your soul into. You are proud of it, and want it to absolutely delight your customer.
Pricing:
- Green Street Designs is having a 25% off sale for October and November
Contact Info:
- Email: info@greenstreetdesigns.co
- Website: www.greenstreetdesigns.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green_street_designs/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/greenstreetdesignsco/
