Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Chaney.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I suppose my story starts, or at least gets interesting, about 3 or 4 years after my graduation from college. For some backstory: I studied at the University of North Texas in the Fibers program, which is where I learned the art skills that I frequently use in my business today. Shortly after graduation, I found myself trying to make a living by working multiple jobs and not doing much else.
After a few years I realized that I was missing art from my life, so I started an Etsy shop. I was selling buttons featuring original patterns and imagery that I would set in resin and assemble by hand. In an effort to expand my inventory from just buttons, I purchased a manual screen-printing press. Once I built the press and a couple of screens I was ready to announce my new endeavors to social media. With these posts came a couple of opportunities. The first was a personal commission that I never finished due to my lack of tools, experience, and efficiency. I wanted to complete the project but I just wasn’t ready for the workload. Opportunity number two, however, would work out a tad bit better.
The second offer I had was an invite. A friend saw that I was starting to screen print apparel and he was aware that I had knowledge on the subject from my education at UNT. He asked me to join him and another friend, who was familiar with the design and printing process, to create a brand of our own. We would draw and print our original designs while also providing a printing service to the public. We quickly assembled and created the business, naming it Yokai District. For our first public appearance, we entered the RAW Dallas art show and it was only a couple months away from our conception. Within those two months, we created 12 original designs and hand printed upward of 200 shirts.
The show went well and we were off to a good start, but soon after there was a great amount of fatigue, so we decided to take a short break. That break ended up being longer than expected, so after only a few months together we lost momentum and disbanded.
Fast forward a few more months after the breakup and I felt like I was at square one. I hadn’t created anything and I was feeling that void once again. It took some time for me to realize that I didn’t need a team or an audience to get motivated. I could just make things for myself and share them with whoever is interested. With that, at some point, I made the familiar decision to get back to work.
Now, two years later, I’m still working and growing. My business is called Made By Mom (MadexMom) and I print original and commissioned apparel. I’ve constructed merchandise for other local brands and artists to sell. I’ve created one of a kind pieces requested by individual customers. I’ve hosted 3 pop up shops showcasing myself as well as others including visual artists and musicians. And, best of all, I’ve been able to share my art and sometimes be surprised by its presence out in the real world. I’m just flattered that anyone is paying attention.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have been plenty of struggles along the way; some I just shared. I’d say the biggest struggle has been with motivation. Since the apparel I sell is originally conceived for me and of my own desire, I tend to have moments where I want to take a break. Quite a few moments in fact. When you’re a one-person show you can get tired easily. I am a part of every step from the idea to the production. I make my own screens and draw my own designs. It can be overwhelming at times.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Made By Mom (MadexMom) story. Tell us more about the business.
Well, again, my business is called Made By Mom (MadexMom). I produce original and commissioned apparel that normally uses the screen printing and/or heat transfer vinyl process. The thing that sets MadexMom apart from others is the DIY aesthetic combined with the professional craftsmanship. I put a lot of man-hours into creating these products and I take pride in the fact that my hands are in every step. I like to ensure that the customer knows their product is handmade yet the quality doesn’t suffer.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
To be honest, I’m not too sure. I’ve never kept an eye on the fashion industry, just because my motivation has never been money or fame. In my head, I’m not competing with them or a part of their industry. I just make what I want to make.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madexmom.com
- Email: contact@madexmom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madexmom/
Image Credit:
Fela Raymond, Brie Banks, Rocynda Kedley
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
