Today we’d like to introduce you to Trayc Claybrook.
Hi Trayc, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was working as a film professor and visual effects artist when I met someone who had a vintage clothing store in Deep Ellum. For fun, I started working at her shop 2 days a week. I learned a lot from her! I eventually went to Iceland to teach. When I came back to the states, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. Cut to, The Frocksy Vintage Vogue. I opened my own vintage clothing store in 2019.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No way was it smooth. The Frocksy opened March 1, 2019. Surely you know where this is going… Of course, as a new business it struggled its first few months. When the holidays rolled around, business picked up and I was feeling very hopeful. Then came the pandemic. Somehow, I managed to figure out ways to keep my business alive and even thrive during this time. As the pandemic began to wain, The Frocksy really started to do well. Then came a complete reconstruction of the Downtown Garland Square. The street in front of my business was closed for over 9 months. But the pandemic taught me how to be creative, positive, and appealing to customer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a schooled/trained fine artist with a slew of academic degrees. I have taught art and creativity at the college level for 23 years and I am still teaching @ Dallas College. I have created work in just about every medium you can think of, and my work has shown all over the world. I would say, I specialize in creativity. Ultimately it doesn’t matter what medium you are using if there is no creativity to motivate it. I can be equally creative in conversation, making a film, or putting paint on a canvas, or creating a business. I would say I’m known for my creativity, my style, and my sense of humor. All of those things come to life at The Frocksy.
What sets me apart…I have very little fear of risk and I’m usually willing/excited to try something new whether it be for the store or in my life.
Thriving through the pandemic and 2 years of construction (and my son Furious) is what I’m most proud of.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I watch a lot art and design-related documentaries, TED talks, etc. I read books about artists, existentialism, quantum physics, fashion mags, etc. I’m currently taking an online class that is studying the science of happiness.
It comes from so many sources.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @theofficialfrocksy
- Facebook: facebook.com/thefrocksy
