Thursday, April 16, 2015

Interview With Devon Mish, Founder Of Devon Maryn

Recently I had the exciting opportunity to interview Devon Mish, founder of Devon Maryn. Devon Maryn is an activewear brand that was launched this past summer. The thing that sets Devon Maryn apart from other activewear companies are their bright colors and the preppy, feminine, nautical inspired prints. I love the fact that Devon has put a fun, colorful spin on workout apparel, and has even given the prints fun, whimsical such as “Bows to Toes” and “Butter Me Up Lobster”. With cute prints and flattering designs I think Devon Mish has given women a new motivation to go workout!
What is the inspiration behind the Devon Maryn company?
Beach-inspired, preppy, colorful, feminine, all-American activewear with a bicoastal influence (both California, where I’m from, and Maryland, where I live now).

When did you first know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
A long time now - Devon Maryn is actually the third business I’ve started!  I’m a bit of a serial entrepreneur.  I was always fascinated by fashion and felt like I could bring something new and different to the table.

What is the most gratifying and what is the hardest part about having your own clothing line?
Most gratifying: being able to see and wear a completed item that once only existed in my head!
Hardest: It can be very challenging as an entrepreneur to work alone – many times I crave the camaraderie of a traditional office setting, where you can get instant feedback and bounce ideas off each other.  

Why did you decide to design workout apparel versus other everyday wear?
I didn’t necessarily have a dream of designing activewear in particular, but more to get into the fashion industry in general.  There is A LOT of choice out there for women when it comes to apparel, and I wanted to find a niche that wasn’t served.  For me, I had my “aha” moment when I could not find the type of workout clothing that fit my personality.  I love bright colors, colorful prints, clothes that have “energy” and make me happy!  The activewear category was full of super boring black yoga pants, solid colors, just a sea of sameness.  I thought preppy, All-American, more sophisticated activewear just didn’t exist, so I decided to create something that I would be excited to work out in.

Do you have a creative process you go through when designing a collection? If so what is that process?
It’s not a formal process, but rather a collection of things I’m inspired by – a color palette, a specific print idea, and what excites me in the moment.  I have many ideas that I explore but don’t actually get made!
Do you have a mentor? If so how did you meet and how do they help you?
I have a lot of mentors.  I frequently reach out to my support network—I’ve built a really incredible circle of inspiring women who are entrepreneurs and know just how to encourage me and build me up when I need it!

I’d imagine that each day would be different, but is there anything you do to help yourself maintain a routine on a daily basis?
No day is the same!  I could be doing anything from sketching to creating marketing images to posting on social media to picking fabrics and fitting samples to photoshoots. 

Which fashion icons do you look up to?
I love Reese Witherspoon’s style, Kate Middleton, Blake Lively.  Check out our Style Icons board onPinterest! {Click here to view board}

What do you usually wear to work?
I work from home, so whatever I want!  For the first half of the day, I’m in Devon Maryn clothing; the second half, something comfy, like jeans and a striped top. :)

How do you unwind after a day at work?
A glass of chardonnay!

What is your favorite quote that helps to motivate you?
Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself.

If you could go back to the very beginning is there any thing you would do differently?
Nope!
Do you have any advice/words of wisdom for those who are thinking about starting their own company?
·            First and foremost, I would say, JUST DO IT.  Assuming you’re comfortable with risk and can stomach the uncertainty, committing to an idea and starting is the hardest part.  As an entrepreneur, you’ll learn more about yourself, others, and what you’re capable of than in any other environment.  You’ll work harder than you’ve ever worked, but your rewards will be so much greater.

·            Expect to make some big mistakes and embrace the journey.  This is my third entrepreneurial venture and there is still so much to learn and so many situations you wish you’d handled differently.  No one has it all figured out, so you’re not alone.

·            Find some great mentors and build a support system that you can go to with any question, any problem, or when you just need a pep talk.  Those days are frequent!

·            Remember to enjoy yourself!!  Don’t stress out all the time.  Being an entrepreneur should be fun (especially if your business if a passion of yours).

9 comments:

  1. So funny, I just read another post about Devon Maryn products on Kelly & The City. Very insightful interview, definitely a great motivator!
    -Alex
    www.monstermisa.blogspot.com

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    1. I will have to stop by and check out her post a little later on! Glad to see you enjoyed the interview!

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  2. Love all the workout outfits! :)
    www.fashionphases.com

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    1. I love her designs and the cute prints she has incorporated into her activewear!

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  3. Happy friday to you as well :)

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  4. Great post...very inspirational! XO

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    1. I found some of her answers to be very inspirational as well! :)

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  5. I first came across Devon back on instagram when they just had samples. Such a cute collection! Glad to hear the business is going well!

    jess | Bows & Bouquets

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    1. Her company has really grown a lot in just a short amount of time - it is impressive!

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