Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Melendez.
Hi Eva, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with sewing began over 13 years ago, but the story of Rave Ratz truly started in 2022 at Nocturnal Wonderland in Southern California. If you’re a raver, you already know the kind of moment that is.
At the time, I was living in Torrance, California, continuing to build my skills in costume design after archiving my previous brand, Mae Dallas, where I focused primarily on streetwear and custom pieces. When my close friend Karmen won a ticket to Nocturnal Wonderland, something clicked. I immediately bought my own ticket even though I knew almost nothing about the rave scene or EDM music. Still, it felt like it was calling me. Deeply. Instinctively.
I jumped in with an open mind and full curiosity. I went into full design mode hand making a holographic mini skirt and styling the rest of my look with pinks, whites, chains, and of course, my seven inch Demonia Cult stompers. I had no idea what awaited me on the other side of that festival gate, but I knew I was ready.
That first rave changed everything.
For the first time in my life, at 29 years old, I felt like I fully existed. I felt seen. I felt heard. My weirdness shined in all of its awkward, unapologetic glory. I found community.
Thirteen EDM festivals and over twenty shows later, Rave Ratz was born. While I could talk endlessly about craftsmanship and design, what matters most to me is serving the community that gave me a sense of belonging. Rave Ratz isn’t just a brand it’s a celebration of self-expression, creativity, and finding your people exactly as you are.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but not in a bad way. Starting Rave Ratz has meant being vulnerable, visible, and trusting my creative instincts and that’s just part of building something authentic. The real work has been letting go of trying to appeal to everyone and focusing on finding my people. Once that clicked, everything became more exciting. Seeing the brand resonate with the right audience has been incredibly validating.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a raver first, a certified rave rat, and that culture is the heartbeat of everything I create. I specialize in custom cut-and-sew designs, with every piece handmade from start to finish. My work lives in the space between fashion and self-expression: rave wear that’s either built completely from scratch or thoughtfully up-cycled to give materials a second life.
What I’m most proud of is producing slow fashion as a one person brand. Every piece is made with intention, care, and love, not mass produced, not rushed. Even on a small scale, I believe that choosing quality, sustainability, and individuality makes a real difference.
What sets me apart is that Rave Ratz isn’t just about clothing, it’s about permission. Permission to be weird. To go full goblin mode in the mosh pit. To dress loud, experimental, and unapologetically yourself. My goal is to encourage fearless creativity and give people the freedom to show up exactly as they are, without toning it down for anyone.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding your people requires you to put yourself out there often before you feel ready. Be the first to say hi. Find events in your area or niche and GO, even if it means going solo. You’d be surprised how often the right people show up once you do. Timing has a funny way of working itself out when you’re in motion.
I like to imagine life as a simulator or video game: the experiences and connections available to you depend entirely on how you move through the world. Your path already exists, everything is wired for you to experience it, but you have to step outside your comfort zone to access it.
In the most extreme example, I moved from Dallas, Texas to Los Angeles with no fashion degree, no industry connections, and purely self taught experience, just to intentionally practice costume design. That meant sacrificing time with my family, quitting my job, downsizing my apartment, and letting go of most of my belongings. Within six months, I found my mentor through cold calling and was working alongside Shawn “Beezy” Barton as a tailor for J.Lo at Dodgers Stadium.
What I’ve learned is that time will pass no matter what you do so you might as well try something new, take the risk, and trust that movement creates opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raveratz.space/
- Instagram: @raverat_z
