How One Millennial Crafter Made Forbes' Hot List
If you haven’t hit “the big 3-0” yet, chances are there is a small (or perhaps not so small) part of you that hopes to make it onto the much-anticipated Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Photo: Forbes
From chefs to entrepreneurs to tech wizzes, motivated 20-somethings across the country dream of making a big enough impact to warrant a spot on this yearly list of great achievers.
Here at Yahoo DIY, one honoree in particular grabbed our attention: Aubrie Pagano.
Pagano is the founder and CEO of Bow and Drape, an online store that specializes in customizable apparel and accessories. Her site is really the ultimate DIY fashion facilitator.
Photo: Forbes
Before she started Bow and Drape, Pagano was unsatisfied with her job in finance and would spend her free time (and creative energy) at her trusty sewing machine or sketching in notebooks. She longed for a job that would take her away from the world of numbers and equations and let her focus on her true passion – fashion. To break the cycle of “Get up. Clock in. Clock out. Go home,” she needed an aha moment, and as the wise and weighty saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention.
Photo: Bow and Drape
When speaking to our friends over at Brit + Co, Pagano pinpointed the moment the idea for Bow and Drape was born. “I was going to a wedding where I would be meeting my boyfriend’s entire family, but I couldn’t find anything off the racks that I felt truly exuded my personal style. So, like a true DIY-er, I ended up making a dress.”
Pagano goes on to say, “I felt amazing in my dress, knowing it was 100% my style and one of a kind. I started Bow & Drape because I want women to feel special in that same way, and to know that their clothing completely embodies the most gorgeous them.”
We agree entirely! What could be better than wearing exactly what you envision yourself wearing, and on top of that, finding a company that will make that vision a reality.
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Of course we couldn’t write about Aubrie Pagano and her “business baby,” Bow and Drape, without giving it a try ourselves! It’s incredibly easy to navigate, and lots of fun when you realize you can create a whole host of tops, hats and bags with just a few clicks.
You simply start by choosing your canvas – we went for “The Classic Sweatshirt.”
Photo: Bow and Drape
Next up, chose your color (we like this faded red) and then add lettering and embellishments. You can write anything you like, and design is not limited to the front of your piece, as you’re only one click away from decorating the back.
Our sweatshirt creation. Photo: Bow and Drape
The sweatshirt will set you back $48 (plus shipping). But considering you get exactly what you want, we think that’s a great deal!
Once we got started, we couldn’t stop! This great little pouch is yours for $28, and we can think of oh-so-many crafty things to keep in it. (We need a matching one for glue sticks!)
Photo: Bow and Drape
Our pouch creation. Photo: Bow and Drape
The back of our pouch creation. Photo: Bow and Drape
Pagano has managed to create a website and online store that not only offers you the clothing you’ve thus far only been able to create in your mind, she’s also created an environment for shopping that feels a lot like a game. A game you could have a lot of fun playing! It’s no wonder Forbes is paying attention – we certainly are!
For more DIY fashion ideas and inspiration, check out these stories on Yahoo DIY!
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