Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Vera.
Hi Audrey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My interest in fashion started when I was 12 years old. At the time, I thought the clothes my mom bought were not cool enough to wear so I did what every 12 years old would do – I got a pair of scissors and altered the clothing!
Fast forwarding to today, I felt there was a void in my life and was looking for ways to fill it. I tried different outlets, such as shopping, vacationing, partying, and school, and yet the void remained. This forced me to think deeply about the sources of my happiness and fulfillment. Even though the answer was staring me in the face, fear and self-doubt held me back. I knew making other women feel happy through fashion was the key to filling the void, and finally took a leap of faith and started an online boutique.
The online boutique initially resold clothing purchased from wholesalers. As I gained experience and confidence, I channeled my efforts into designing and making bespoke clothing. The online boutique has evolved into the brand Asuso Couture – sexy, classy and unique clothing that helps you feel good about yourself. All new items added to the boutique are designed and produced by me. The 12 years old girl that used to alter her clothing is now a fashion designer.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Establishing a clothing brand is very challenging. On the design side, linking my vision for the piece with the finished product has taken some trial and error. At first, I sketched a new design, sourced a clothing maker and asked for a sample. When the sample arrived, the fabric and tailoring was different and looking nothing like my original concept. To work around this, I started using local tailors to make my sample and sourced fabric personally, I am fortunate to work with three amazing tailors in the Houston area who help me bring my vision to life. Once the sample is complete, the next step is finding a clothing manufacturer that can create the samples. This is challenging because few clothing manufacturers accept small orders and my designs are complexed. To put this in perspective, the Akwiri dress took exactly two years from sketch to market – but who is counting :).
Finding the right influencer for your target audience can also be a challenge. The best influencers charge high fees and as a small, self-funded brand, we are on a tight budget. We are blessed to have worked with some amazing influencers but there are also some questionable ones. For example, we paid an influencer $500 for a post six months ago and have yet to see it. Should we burn the bridge with the influencer or just sit and wait for the post? It’s never clear.
Regardless, we embrace these challenges as opportunities to learn and improve our business model.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is providing women classy, sexy, and unique outfits that will make them feel special.
I design fabulous, high quality and unique women’s wear for their special events including birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, engagements, vacations, and girls’ night out.
I’m most proud that I have the opportunity to wake up every day and pursue my passion.
My designs are unique and the quality is unmatched. I use the same fabrics as the big fashion houses such as Gucci, Chanelle, Prada, etc.; however, my prices are much more affordable.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, and love that Houston is a melting pot. When I miss home, I can go to local African restaurants and dine just like I would back in Kenya. I can source materials and different patterns in Houston.
I do not like the Houston traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.asusocouture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asusocouture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asusocouture
