Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Gibson.
Hi Christopher, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
For me, the world of fashion came easy. I’ve always been the person to wear what I think looks good as opposed to what others think looks good. I had my first experience with sewing when I was in the sixth grade. I remember learning to thread the machine and the basics of sewing, which I never forgot. My first project was a pillowcase. When I got to high school, I contemplated going to fashion design school but never acted on it because I felt like the “right” thing to do was to go to college and get a traditional education. I did just that. I completed my undergraduate degree in 2017. At the time I remember thinking “what’s next?” I had a lot of free time so I decided to buy my first sewing machine in 2018 and take a crack at becoming a designer. I grew impatient with trying to grow my skills as a beginner sewer so I shelved my machine for two years without even touching it until the pandemic began in 2020. I watched as unemployment rates grew, and thought to myself “I have to find a way to make money that no one can take away from me”, so I decided to pick my sewing machine up and actually take the time to learn this go round. I started my brand not knowing exactly what it was that I wanted to sell, but I knew that I wasn’t going to stop this time. I studied from watching videos on YouTube day in and day out to build my skills to get to where I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road because there have been times where I’ve wanted to quite due to lack of support from those around me. I remember working on different pieces for hours, then posting them to social media to receive little to no interaction. It was discouraging to see that my efforts were being overlooked but that only made me want to achieve success even more. I knew that although my followers weren’t interacting with my posts, that they were still seeing them. I just kept reminding myself that I had to continue to perfect my craft because it only takes one person to see my work to change my life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The Exquisite Brand specializes in making one-of-a-kind pieces. I like to make loud, eye-catching designs. I always knew that I didn’t want my work to look like anything someone can buy in stores. If the designs were able to buy in stores, then people would do just that for convenience and ease of access. I am most proud of being able to say that within my first year of consistently working on my craft, I got the opportunity to work with a celebrity. It was one of my life goals to work with celebrities, rather it be in fashion or another line of work. I am proud to say that as a beginner I was able to put my designs on stage with a rapper that I actually listen to and watch on TV, Lakeyah of Quality Control Records.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I always tapped into my creative side. I spent time drawing, painting, graphic designing, etc. I remember winning art competitions in school at an early age. I’ve always been a creative but focused mostly on school, so as I grew up, I honestly forgot that I had a passion for creativity. Personality wise I’ve always been funny and outspoken. I would always say what was on my mind and that hasn’t changed one bit.
Contact Info:
- Website: Theexquisitebrand.squarespace.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shoptheexquisitebrand
- Facebook: www.instagram.com/sewedupwithchris
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/sewedupwitchris
