We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna Autin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brianna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always felt I was supposed to be my own boss and after finishing my Masters in Integrated Media Arts I felt it was the right time to start growing something. I’ve always had a love for sewing and fiber arts ever since my great grandmother taught me to crochet around nine years old. I started making knit dresses after making my first one for my graduation, and then I just couldn’t stop making them. The idea kind of just started growing more and more from there.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Pixie Punkwear is all about giving customers products that help them to express themselves fully and freely. Something that sets us apart is the commission form offered on the site that allows a customer to work with me closely on a unique, custom item based on their available budget! I know that some of the knit items listed on the site are at a higher price range, so I’ve tried to add a variety of items to the shop at a variety of price ranges. My journey to Pixie Punkwear has not been straightforward or easy by any means. I have tried and failed several times at creating a brand and establishing a cohesive space to sell my art. I just kept trying and pushing. The biggest lesson I learned was that I needed to stop trying so hard to make something I thought other people would like and focus more on what just felt right to make or what I liked. Once I stoped focusing so hard on catering I was able to actually settle in a style that was right for me. When I wasn’t forcing it, it felt the most right.
I want the world to know that I am a just hard working artist who loves to explore, create, and share my creations. I have always been a fashion girly at heart and Pixie Punkwear gives me an opportunity to share my slow fashion knitwear, bags, and other handmade items and accessories with the world.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would absolutely get my friend and I tickets to visit the Indian Hot Springs and have some pizza at Pickaxe Pizza in Idaho Springs. We would have to try to catch a good show at The Church because I love a good d&b show. For a good authentic Chinese street food moment we would have to hit Zoe Mama. I’m kind of more of a home body though so it might have to be take out.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to shoutout my good friends Sierra, Weiss, Abi, and my partner Thatcher who have all given me such tremendous support through the starting of Pixie Punkwear. I currently am completely self funded and am the sole maker for the business, but I really hope to eventually expand. I know that all my good friends will be there to give me love and support the whole way.
Website: https://Pixiepunkwear.com
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/pixiepunkwear
Image Credits
Brianna Autin