Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Lloyd.
Hi Marissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In 2015 I went to my first EDM concert. I fell in love with the energy, the positivity, and the acceptance. I loved that you could wear whatever you want, dance however you want, and no one would judge you. While I was in college at UTSA, I started promoting for local shows in San Antonio. One day I was going through some old clothes to donate to Goodwill and wondered if I could re-purpose any of them. I cut up a pair of shorts with some scissors and hand-sewed it back together to make a (not-so-functional) bodysuit. Regardless I was proud of it, and I made it one of my life goals to start a rave clothing company. I even bought a sewing machine that would collect dust for 4 years. I’ve always been a creative, and when March 2020 rolled around, I took quarantine as an opportunity to explore as many creative outlets as I could. Painting, candle making, wire wrapping jewelry, sewing, you name it. Through TikTok and YouTube, I was finally able to teach myself how to construct clothing, something I thought I’d never be able to figure out. For months I would work all day in my free time sewing. Experimenting with different combinations of fabrics and designs. I finally started my business and launched my website September 2020. I told myself I would never give up and worked on my skills, social media, and sewing every day little by little. I finally started making sales and curating a community of people who wanted to express themselves through clothing the same way I did. Since then, I’ve been continuing to learn, grow, and most of all create. Everything has been a work in progress, and I still am taking a small step every day to get to where I want to be.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been a few bumps in the road but nothing that can’t be figured out. I take every experience as a learning opportunity so when struggles do happen, I can have peace knowing it’s part of the journey and will help me be better in the future. One struggle I found was that I do very well online but most of the times I have vended local events I don’t make many sales and sometimes end up losing money. I think this is because my clothing is so niche and not for everyone. Another struggle is balancing life and business. It can be hard to show up consistently, especially when life happens.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I hand-make rave clothes, including bodysuits, triangle tops, high-waisted bottoms, flare pants, and accessories like gloves and arm sleeves. I specialize in using spandex fabric to create sexy and abstract outfits for music festivals and EDM shows. I’m known for pairing trippy and unique fabrics with edgy designs to create wearable art. This is what also sets me apart from other brands. Though in the EDM community, I believe each brand has a special style they bring to the table. There isn’t really competition in my eyes because we all have unique gifts to offer. I’m most proud of the way that my clothing makes people feel. Nothing makes my heart more full than when a customer tells me how amazing and confident they felt while wearing a piece I made. This is the reason I love what I do.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I love reading books about entrepreneurship, personal development, and spirituality. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is my favorite book. Get Out of Your Own Way by Russ, and The Motivation Manifesto are also at the top of my list.
The only podcast I listen to is “The Mindset Mentor” by Rob Dial. I get so much insight, perspective, and inspiration from this podcast.
Basically, I love any material that encourages me to be the best version of myself and motivates me to get the most out of this life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shoppsicodelico.com
- Instagram: @shop.psicodelico
