Indie Designer Interviews: Callie Micks Eco-Friendly Kitchen Aprons

| Posted Apr 26th 2008 10:27AM by Mallory Whitfield
Filed under: Haute Home, Fashionable Food, Interviews, Under the Radar, Sustainable Style

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Todays interview is with Callie Micks, who creates eco-friendly, fashionable kitchen aprons for women and kids. Callie proves that aprons aren't what they used to be, and one of her customers went so far as to say her apron was "so dangerously cute I would wear it in and out of the kitchen."

Tell us a little about your company. I began Callie Micks because I love to cook and had a hard time finding a kitchen apron that was feminine, but not retro, frilly or loud. I figured there must be other women that felt the same way. So, I decided to make them myself.

I take inspiration from fashion trends and colors, and translate them into flattering aprons. Saving our planet is very important to me too, so I use recycled fabric and make everything domestically in Downtown Los Angeles.

How did you get started as a designer? Ever since I was too young to know better, I wanted to run my own business. I wanted to be in charge of my own destiny and to have more flexibility in my life, and the corporate job I had did not allow me to do
those things.

For years, I came up with different ideas- I had a whole list going! There was one idea that kept popping into my mind again and again, and that was the idea to design modern kitchen aprons. So, when the timing was right for me, I went for it.

Any advice you would give to aspiring indie entrepreneurs? I would recommend doing as much work on your business idea before you leave your job or make any other big decisions. If it's something you can do on the side, I recommend doing so as long as possible. From all the research I've done and people I've talked to, it takes anywhere from 2-5 years to turn a profit if you are successful at all. So, know how you are going to pay two years worth of living expenses at least.

Oh, and once you complete your business plan, take your projected sales and cut them in half. Many entrepreneurs overestimate sales figures, or how quickly their sales will build. And hey, if you beat it that will be great news!

What inspires your work? I find color inspiration in nature. Right now, the wildflowers are amazing in Southern California. There's a particular fuchsia colored flower that is just stunning. I'm feeling very inspired by fuchsia right now- it's so feminine and bold. I've added it to my latest delivery.

Who are your favorite designers? Definitely Miuccia Prada. She takes huge risks with her collections and really changes things up every season.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I believe in splurging on high quality shoes, because they last for years and are nice to your feet. My favorite (although hard to find in the US) label is Vialis, from Barcelona, Spain. I'm considering flying to Spain, just to go to the flagship store.

On the eco-friendly tip, I love Stewart+Brown for great knits!

Where can people find your work? Our entire apron collection, as well as other fun stuff, can be found on our website – www.CallieMicks.com.

Anything else? If I weren't an eco-entrepreneur, I would be an art teacher, or maybe a dog walker.

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