Meet Melinda Tarbell | Commercial & Editorial Fashion Stylist | Owner & Creative Director of FOUND Vintage, CO.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melinda Tarbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melinda, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The interesting aspect of having a creative career for me is that I discovered I am always learning. The constant opportunity for evolution and growth is what keeps me inspired and motivated. In my fashion styling career I have worked for many different brands and all of those projects have different needs. Each job is a chance to understand a new consumer and how to portray wardrobe in a way that is authentic to them. To give a few examples: I have been a freelance stylist for HOKA – an athletic brand for almost 5 years. In that time I have had the privilege to compose apparel looks for world renowned runners and athletes. Connecting with these highly motivated individuals running incredible vistas all over the US inspired my own journey running. To better understand the creative work it proved to be great for my body and creative spirit. Another example of the constant need for adaptation was when I styled a large scale project for Franklin Templeton. The ask was to create a “global business city of the future” in downtown San Francisco. With a team of assistants I worked with over 150 talent out of a wardrobe truck to create authentic looks of business people from all over the world. The research involved and importance of accuracy was like a history lesson in itself. Being open to research and new ideas gives me new insights into my work. Such a fun way to explore creativity!

Finally, I recently began a new venture by creating a vintage branded pop up shop called FOUND Vintage, CO. (www.foundvintage.co) This passion project is near and dear to my heart as it has truly taught me more about myself and trusting my creative intuition than any other path I have taken. To create a brand from concept to execution is a labor of love and it has taught me to go with my gut and trust my aesthetic and taste in a way that can sometimes feel vulnerable as an artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been a slow steady trajectory, one I know I have worked hard for but also made possible by the relationships both professional and personal I have made along the way.

I have always loved the “creative family” aspect that comes with being on a commercial/ editorial set and working with a crew of creatives. Being an artist can be a very solitary experience. Being able to have a creative career where you can collaborate with other photographers, directors, makeup artists, producers and models is a magical thing. I love the fact that at the beginning of the day you have a concept, just an idea and you walk out with a new piece of art that is touched by everyone. It is the truest sense of teamwork when all the systems are firing.

This career path has not always been easy, I think every artist can attest to the ups and downs and creative ruts that can come with being a person who views the world through artistry. As artists many of us are highly sensitive and emotional beings. It is still a work in progress but I would have to say learning to separate the art from the business is always challenging.

I love finding beauty in the unexpected. That passion was a driving force behind creating my brand FOUND Vintage, CO. In an effort to combat textile waste and pollution associated with fast fashion I took my love of thrifting and finding old clothing treasures to create a space where fashion lovers can find what I like to call “retail therapy with purpose.” Not only does FOUND Vintage provide a space to source incredible and unique fashion pieces to add to your wardrobe, it is for the climate conscious shopper who recognizes that their consumption habits have an impact on our beautiful planet.

Part of my own creative journey with FOUND is that the name itself has so many meanings to me. FOUND in the literal sense that each piece in my assortment is hand selected by me. FOUND also describes my own journey finding and communicating my creative vision and direction. My favorite part of the process is creating editorial stories with the incredible vintage and second hand clothing I source. My dear friend and talented photographer Jeff Holt has been a huge gift in bringing these visions to life with his lens. Each collection has been photographed with intent to just have joy in the process of creating. I have been humbled by the incredible friends who have stepped in front of the lens for FOUND out of the kindness of their heart and belief in my vision. Divya Biswal, Umi Akiyoshi, Maile Kam, Eli Cruz and Rachel Foster are incredible women who have truly given FOUND a beautiful introduction to the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being new to Colorado I am still exploring the city myself! I think the best part of living in this gorgeous state is the access to the outdoors. The views of the mountains and big sky inspire me daily!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been so lucky in life to be surrounded by uplifting and supportive individuals. My partner in life, Chris Tarbell is truly the most supportive human. He always encourages me to push myself and reach for the projects and ideas that feel slightly out of reach. He makes space for me to pursue my dreams by knowing when I need a day of pure creativity. Or taking our son out for a few hours so I can focus on the needs at hand from a particular project.

My other silent cheerleader is my late father, David Seacrest. I just lost him last year and he was the sounding board for all my dreams. Never judging, always offering ideas and building upon my passionate plans, he believed in me fiercely. The amazing thing about that type of connection I have learned in the past year is that it transcends logic and can still exist even with loss. Everyday I hear my dad’s advice and words in my mind as I navigate this new business venture of FOUND Vintage. I hear how proud he is, I hear his “devil’s advocate” comments, it often stops me in my tracks.

Finally an unexpected connection in this new chapter of my career is my cousin, Lindsay Bodkin. Adding FOUND Vintage to my plate has been a joyful undertaking but made even more special sharing the passion with a family member I get to call friend. She has been instrumental in helping me get FOUND off the ground. Volunteering her time to help me at vintage markets, offering her gentle love and support and becoming quite the thrifting genius herself. Our relationship has blossomed and her support is so meaningful to me.

Website: www.melindatarbell.com and www.foundvintage.co

Instagram: @melindatarbell and @found_vintage.co

Linkedin: @melindatarbell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558442020477

Image Credits
FOUND Campaign Photo Credit Jeff Holt www.jeffholt.co featured models: Divya Biswal, Maile Kam, Rachel Foster and Umi Akiyoshi
FOUND Behind the Scenes Photo Credit Alex Medvick www.alexmedvick.com