Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria Walker.
Hi Bria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey of sewing began freshman year of high school and again in my senior year as just electives. While in class I’ve never felt more creatively liberated seeing scraps of nothing become anything I set my mind to. I brushed it off once I started college, thinking nothing of it, but during the pandemic of 2020, I got that urge to be creative again. I tried painting, attempting different styles on my hair, and even getting new licenses but it just wasn’t enough. This past summer, of 2022, I had a simple thought of “why not”, went to YouTube and saw all of these beautiful and different creations of fans. I thought, I could definitely do that but better! I started creating fans as a hobby and as the ideas came pouring in I figured why not try to sell them. Handcrafted, sewn, diverse, beautiful and practical.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am now hasn’t been the easiest in the sense of everyone not being my target audience. Trial and error of perfecting the handheld fans in the sense of are they big enough? Are they long enough? Is it too floppy? Triple checking my work as if they are on shelves is always my thought process. Would I buy this if I saw it in the store?
We’ve been impressed with Fine Materials, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
‘Madam Fan Lady’ is what I’d like to be known as around the city. It seems over the top but I’ve always been drawn to elegance, fashion, and class. That’s the template I use for every single fan; upscale. I don’t want to make a fan just to make a fan, I want it to represent you! Your personality, how you’re feeling, or just to accessorize and compliment your outfit. I am very proud of how creative my mind works and how this has become an outlet for me to express that. Of course, I am open to what the consumer would like as these are custom-made to your liking and you can never have too many. 1, 10, or 50 (bulk orders) fans can be made for a single person or a team.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking wise I’ve noticed that having the fans on my person and having an interpersonal conversation is the best tactic. A set up (table) hasn’t usually worked in the past and that could be due to many factors. One-on-one conversations I think are best because again, these fans are custom to the buyer. Which one compliments you and shows off your personality the best. This is going to be your best tactic as far as people knowing who you are and what you do. Put yourself out there! It may feel awkward at first but the more you practice being out of your comfort zone the sooner it will come natural to you. Also, you can never go wrong having a mentor, there is always more to learn in this life.
Pricing:
- $25 – fans that are designed/patterned on one side and solid on the other side.
- $35 – fans that are designed on both sides
- $60 – for any 2 fans
- $90 – for any 3 fans
- $500 – for bulk orders starting at 10 fans
Contact Info:
- Email: finematerials@aol.com
- Instagram: _finematerials_
Image Credits
Jada Vaughn
Teeyara Moreno
