Etsy...

     I've been on Etsy for a while now, and have sold quite a bit even though I'd like that number to triple in the next year or so, but I feel that I lack in the promotion department, meaning not enough people know about my fabulous shop on Etsy and all the exclusive things that I list just for etsy or the amazing sales that I have there. It's a lot of work when running a business on your own with no help, of course I have the occasionally intern every now and then, but I still have to help them, help me!!

    I try to promote it as much as possible, but with all the sewing, editing photos, photo shoots, and uploading work that I have to do, I barely have time to promote the shop in the ways I need to. I know what you're thinking, I should hire someone, oh how I would love to do that, but right, my business is not at hiring level, so I have to make due with what I have, myself and my interns.

   Holiday season is right around the corner and people are shopping, so of course I encourage everyone to check out my shop and look at what I have to offer, you might find the perfect gift!!! Even if you don't buy from me, try to buy "Made in USA" Items, keep it local people, and support Independent designers as much as you can, so we can build a better future for a America!!

Fabric Shopping!!!

I touched a little bit about my obsession with fabric on my Facebook page, but now I want to go into to more detail about how I go about picking fabric. First of all I have to touch everything!! The hand of the fabric, meaning the touch is very important as I usually go for soft fabrics that feel great on the skin unless I'm specifically looking for a stiffer fabric that probably won't feel so great.

Since my collections are mostly knit, the softer the better! I mostly use modal Knits, Bamboo Knits for dresses and other ready to wear items, and Nylon and or Lycra Spandex for swimwear. I like Bold Colors, and prints that are not ordinary, sometime I take risks with prints because you never know what a customer's reaction will be to the print, or how they will conceive it.

I started to use knits because I liked the fluid movement of the fabric, and how I could translate something that was upscale into a comfortable everyday piece. I've stuck by that concept, even though in the fashion world it is not widely recognized.

When I first started out, I made a lot of evening gowns and couture pieces, but I found that even though I made these pieces and people loved them, I wanted to make something that everyday people could look at and say, " I want to wear that now", and a opposed to saying , "Looks amazing, but where on earth am I going to wear that".

When picking fabrics for a collection, I try to pick colors that speak to me that way my creativity won't be suppressed when making the garments. I usually choose fabric before I sketch and then after sketching (if I sketch at all), then go to draping, from draping to sewing the sample, and then to sample fitting.

It's always a fun process to create new things, which most of the time I don't get to do, since I'm constantly filling orders. The creative process is always my favorite, and I always stay true to myself and my work ethic, even if the end result is not perceived well.

So that's my process of choosing fabric and the end result of it, stay tune next time.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!!

Hey Fellow bloggers and blog followers,

     We have just entered a contest which could change our business forever!! For the longest, we've wanted to make our Independent production more efficient enough and keep it local in America building jobs in the process, but without the proper funds and being that production in America is way more expensive than just using oversea assistance, is almost close to impossible without getting a huge loan with high interest rates, or something to fund the production. I produce everything on my own, with the help of interns here and there, and use what money I make to invest in the business, but in order for our company to really BE a company for me to really BE a Designer and not the Designer, seamstress, patter maker, and Sample maker, and basically an all in one design team, I really need some real funds to move forward.

       I work really hard for my business, as I really believe in it, even if people don't think that what I do is creative enough, or meaningful enough, I love it and I'll continue to do it whether it becomes a well known brand or not. I've been pushing myself as a designer since I was young, learning my craft and teaching others what I know who are interested in doing the same thing, and I was not afforded the luxury of living in a city of vast opportunities or coming from wealth and money, so I had to struggle to build what I have now. I think my business has come a long way and improves with every new collection, but in order to reach it's full potential, I need the help of others that believe in me and my passion as well. So take a little bit of time out of your day to support a fellow artist, a friend in need, and a passionate person and vote for my business.

To Vote:
Go to missionsmallbusiness.com
Log in using Facebook or register. Both options are found at the bottom of the page.
Search for our business by name OR filter by our State and City.
Business name: Dominique Ansari
City/State: Ontario CA
Click on the blue Vote button next to our business name to show your support for our business!

Enjoy!! Happy Easter!!

Spring is here and so is the NEW COLLECTION....

So, after sewing endless nights and working non-stop, I finally got time to debut my latest collection, shoot with a wonderful team, and now present it to you for your viewing pleasure, please enjoy.

Dance Costumes Anyone?....

So it's been a while since my last post, but things have been really busy for me with buyers trade shows, debuting a new collection, etc. etc.

But I did get some lovely photos from a buyer that bought dresses from me for her Dance Company. I was delighted to hear of the great news of her company getting lots of press and placing 4th place in the overall competition. I pretty much always love it when buyers send me unique photos of them in my dresses, it warms my heart to know that tey loved it that much.

So enjoy a few of these photos of her Dance Company twirling around in a shorter version of my Scarlet Dress.

You can purchase this dress here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64363513/the-scarlet-dress

Mention on KTLA News channel 5 for the Loz Feliz Fashion Festival Hoted by Two Point LA!!!