Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Craig.
Hi Alana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My story starts with grandma & my mother. They saw my interest in fashion and clothing. My grandmother Janet would take me everywhere with her from delivering her Avon, coming to her friend’s houses to visit, and having them donate fabric to me as they would talk about my new passion.
My grandmother was involved & beloved in the community around her & took me to sewing groups where I learned an array of techniques quilting, crocheting, hand stitching & sewing. On the other side of the coin, my mother would buy me “teen vogue”, “vogue”, “glamour” & “discovery girls” if you remember those magazines. Later on, in modeling school, and bought my first mini sewing machine.
My family has always enriched my life with cultural history not taught in school, frequent library trips, music, & much more in a female-dominant household. taught me whatever life path I walked they would be there to help & support me. In saying this because I thought I wanted to work a corporate job when I was younger and I thought I had it all figured out, but I didn’t realize at the time how much joy I get by making clothes. I went from making doll clothes to creating my fashion brand to be seen and known. making women feel complete & confident in their natural feminine.
I have documented my whole journey and I’m gradually working to show the raw growth of the brand. Sides people don’t show, the in-between stages. Lost but finding yourself. Dropping an actual collection, a time capsule filled with bodies of art. Steadily expanding on a brand that represents its own identity is hard. I’m currently working on that every day as of right now. Enjoying the small things in life & making my clothes for my newest collection and rebranding while doing this independently so far, I want to show my skills and craftsmanship.
My upcoming collection “Reborn” will display the current obstacles that I overcame & accepted while also reconnecting with my roots & ancestors. My art reflects that & the story that is still being told.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The obstacle I am dealing with is myself at 21 right now, it’s like the age of trying to make sure is this right for you before you put your all into something.
Even though we grow, we change. Living in such a fast-paced world makes you want to have it figured all out when everybody is just faking it till they make it.
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?
GC Label is a slow fashion brand that aims to cater to different body types and individuals from various walks of life. The brand’s mission is to inspire and empower everyone, including African American and Native Women, to pursue their dreams and be recognized. Despite the challenges and obstacles that may arise, the brand encourages perseverance and resilience in turning one’s passion into a successful career.
GC Label is committed to maintaining its natural flow and ensuring that the process of creating clothes remains enjoyable. By offering made-to-order pieces, the brand also actively combats fabric waste, making each item intentional and unique. The ultimate goal is to create a community where people can bond, create, and learn while sharing personal stories and promoting the values of slow fashion.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
My advice is to have fun immerse yourself in knowledge and learn different things, especially subcategories in the career field you’re passionate about.
Don’t let talk of Jealousy stop your creative flow. If they’re not talking, you’re not doing something right but if they are keep doing what you’re doing. But my biggest advice that I’m still learning is to be patient with yourself and allow yourself to grow and adapt to the new marketing trends. Sometimes growth is slow and steady.
Contact Info:
- Website: GClabel.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gclabel/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GCLABEL1/status/1506096268510220294
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gclabel?si=RX-vgxyq7NPGHkL6
Image Credits
Alana Craig and Zyria B
