Hashtags are a really interesting way to categorize products because they are expressive and emotive, while staying relatively short. Organizing products via hashtags makes for some really cool browsing experiences. A tag like #girlsnightout can have dresses, heels, and accessories.
What’s your background history and did you ever picture yourself getting into fashion?
I definitely did not expect to ever be building a fashion shopping app. But on reflection, previous websites and apps I’ve built have always been for niche audiences – one was for graphic designers, two were for music lovers, and one was for dancers, so to me fashion is just another expressive form of art. The more I read and learn about fashion, the more I enjoy it.
As for my background, I’ve been coding since middle school. Thinking about products and then being able to design and build them has always been my passion. I’ve also always loved the business side of things, so I decided to study business and marketing in college.
What’s your favorite fashion brand and why?
Right now I’m wearing a lot of AllSaints. I really vibe with their urban aesthetic and dig their craftsmanship. They’re also more affordable than many of the other brands I follow, which is great for my bootstrapped lifestyle right now.
What’s your definition of luxury?
To me, luxury means attention to detail. Sometimes we forget, especially in today’s world of “fast fashion,” about the little details that really pull together for a superior product or experience. I’m a minimalist, and unfortunately, a bit of a perfectionist, so I love the intersection of both worlds. I prefer to invest in higher quality pieces and appreciate them more than something I’d throw away at the end of a season.
Based on your experience thus far, what’s been your biggest challenge or setback?
Starting a company as a solo founder is definitely a big challenge. There’s just so much to do every day that makes it hard to stay sane. Having a strong founding team is commonly talked about in the startup community, because there are also a lot of ups and downs and it’s helpful to have close friends to rock through it with. As Fabric grows, I’m really excited to put together a great team to work and collaborate with.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs who are just starting off?
If you have an idea you’re passionate about, save up as much money as you can and take the jump – fast. I can’t tell you how many people I talk with that have so many dreams and aspirations, but never take the leap. It’s less scary than you think, and the worst case is never really that bad. Worst comes to worst, you’ll have to get another job, but you’ll be rich with experiences and learnings. Not to mention the thrill of going after something you’re passionate about – it’s unlike anything else.
What do you foresee happening in the next three months?
Fabric just launched two weeks ago, so I’m super excited to get the word out about it and see how people use the app to hashtag their favorite products. We’re starting off focused on women’s fashion, and are planning to expand quickly to men’s, home, and beyond. Three months from now, I hope to have a really strong community of users on Fabric tagging super interesting products that we can display by what’s trending.
Thanks for your time, Ryan. Download the Fabric here Wish you the best of luck with your progress.
What’s your favorite fashion app? Let us know in the comments.Â