Interview Spotlight : Devon Haire

Meet Devon Haire, the owner and designer of Devon Baer Designs.

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SM: Where did the idea for Devon Baer Designs come from?

DH: I guess you could say it’s been a long time coming. I was one of those super creative kids who struggled with math and science because I simply had ZERO interest in those subjects. With a fashion degree and 6 years of NYC experience I was laid off from my job and trying to decide what the next step was supposed to be. After much thought and several conversations with friends and family I decided to take a risk (probably the hardest thing for me….I’m a planner) and start DBD.

SM: What was the hardest part of starting your own business? Is there anything you would do different?

DH: The hardest part of starting a company is the ability to take a risk. Especially a financial risk.

In the beginning, it is also difficult gaining a customer following and reaching the appropriate audience. I mean, how do you launch a website on the Internet and expect customers to buy when no one knows who you are?

SM: When did your love of fashion start and how did it begin?

DH: As long as I can remember the wheels inside my head were spinning. I’d plan outfits for events a year in advance and have rounds and rounds of “try on” with my sister.

SM: What is your favorite piece in your current collection?

DH: I’m loving the new fall addition of knit dresses. I think they welcome a new customer and are comfortable and easy for day or night.

SM: How do you relax?

DH: I can’t. It’s kind of a serious problem. It’s almost like I feel guilty for relaxing. I think of it as reward. However I do love my deep tissue massages.

SM: What is your design process like?

DH: Our design process is extremely hands on. (At any point you could see me carrying 50 samples stuffed in garment bags down 39^th street)

We typically start with a color palette. For me personally, color can often inspire the entire collection. And of course you’ve got to have fab prints. We continue to get a great response to our basic silhouettes so we try to seasonally update with color and pattern. Additionally we feel it’s important to give our customers a fresh and new style each season.

SM: Do have one of everything you’ve made in your collections? If not, how do you resist?

DH: I actually don’t. When our samples come in I will stash one in my closet and then before I know it it’s sold. And just like anything else, you see it too much and you get tired of it. I’m always looking forward to the next season.

SM: What advice do you have to women thinking of starting their own company?

DH: I would say go for it! But prepare yourself for competition and hard work 7 days a week. It certainly helps that we live in a creative and talented world of designers and bloggers who love to support young businesses like DB. We are so grateful!

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What am I loving in her latest collection?