Sep 08, 2014 8 Questions with: Angelyn De La Garza/Kumquat
I have a disclaimer: Angelyn is my sister and my wife Wendy and I have helped her develop fabric patterns for designs. Our daughter wears Kumquat gear roughly every other day. But while there is bias in my asking Angelyn our 8 Questions, there is also honesty and awareness. I really dig as well as understand what she is doing with Kumquat.
When Ang started her indie baby and little kids clothing company back in 2001, there weren’t a lot of cool clothes for youngsters. Even rarer was finding gear made in the U.S. Somehow, she has been able to not only survive and evolve as a one-person brand (and now shopkeeper) but also become a mainstay in the community of Eagle Rock, where she lives, runs her business, and sends her kids to school.
How would you describe your job?
I design kids clothes for cool kids. I also run a kid’s shop that originally just featured my designs, but now I also sell other lines that are locally designed and made.
What does your average workday look like?
Because my shop doesn’t open until 11, the first thing I do is help out at one of my girl’s schools, do house stuff, or run around downtown either sourcing new fabrics or working on getting my line made. I hope to add going to yoga to that list soon!
Once I’m open, if it’s a good day, I’m busy with customers. My people skills have gotten a little better, and I’ve gotten really good at gift wrapping! Between customers, I clean up, organize, pull and pack web orders, check inventory, source and order new products for the shop, design, work on QuickBooks… I do everything.
What part of the production cycle are you currently working on?
Since I don’t do wholesale sales anymore, I don’t have to design a half year ahead. I manufacture in L.A., so I am able to produce stuff relatively quickly. I feel like I am already behind, but currently I am working on getting the fall and holiday lines made. Luckily, it’s hot in L.A. for a while still!
The kids clothing industry seems bigger than ever. What are some ways you’ve seen it change since you started?
There are more lines out now than ever. I remember going to the trade shows and feeling so small in my 5′ x 10′ booth. I bet those shows are massive now. As a buyer, I don’t feel like I need to go to any of those shows. I can find everything I need online.
Outside of fashion, where do you find inspiration?
In a way, I think music sparked my interest in fashion. I was always into clothes growing up, but I think when I went to college and immersed myself into a music scene, clothes became a part of my identity more than before. I think in some ways, perhaps even subconsciously, this will always find a place in my design aesthetic. Now, I still really love music, and I go to shows when I can, but as you can probably imagine it’s a bit tougher to hang out at the Echo until 2 a.m. and then wake up the next morning at 7 a.m. and get the kids ready to go to school!
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A ballerina. I think it’s almost every little girl’s dream. I actually took dance classes from kindergarten through college! During college, I was introduced to the world of kids’ clothing via a part-time job and have been deep in it ever since.
Are you reading anything cool at the moment?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to read. I was never a morning person, and now with kids and their school, I have to be. So I conk out shortly after they go to bed. Lately, I have been reading a Beverly Cleary book with Lucia, who is 7, but I’m not sure it’s age appropriate for her! I might put that box set away after we finish this one.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
If I’m lucky, I get to go to an in-store at Amoeba with my girls, Carlos, you, Wendy, and Eloise! Last month we got to see The Muffs!
Check out kumquatbaby.com for more information about Angelyn’s gear and shop, and check in on Imprint Culture Lab via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more articles, events, and announcements…