Local Designer Series: brightlytwisted Maintains Originality in a Manufactured World

brightlytwisted is a mix of contemporary women’s clothing, accessories and home décor, and everything is dyed by hand. It started in a basement of a former educator and since then has gained momentum. Tammy Bourque-Stemas joined brightlytwisted in 2006 and began to grow into a national brand, finding homes in retailers including Neiman Marcus, Free People and Intermix, among others. Tammy has let us in on brightlytwisted’s story, so get out pen and a pad of paper to take some notes.

DG3: Tell us about brightlytwisted.

Tammy Bourque-Stemas: My husband and business partner Greg started hand- dying t shirts and selling them, first at flea markets, and next at art fairs as summer employment once the school year ended. Greg and I were both Montessori educators, and that is where we met. Ten years ago, I began selling Greg's wears and later learned to dye, in addition to expanding past shirts into trending women's apparel. Six years ago, while at a Vegas market, I happened to be wearing one of our scarves, which got the attention of a sales rep who introduced us to the wholesale business. Three months later, we had a Nordstrom’s account and we've been designing and dying ever since. We work with two talented local artists and one in training, which makes a total of five dyers. Between the office and support staff there are a total of eight of us and we currently work with four independent regional sales reps. 

DG3: What's the process of hand-dyeing a scarf?

TBS: We import white scarves in varying sizes and fabrications from China. Scarf designs are manipulated into designs and bound with rubber bands and bottled dyed. Once they have sat in baths of complimentary dyes, they get rinsed, washed, dried and pressed. Our signature charm is attached and it's then ready to be selected for orders. 

DG3: Do you also sew all of the products you sell or does that happen at a manufacturer off-site and then you dye the garments?

TBS: Several independent seamstresses currently sew our apparel locally. We have worked with local and Los Angeles factories as well, and will venture into importing "whites" from China.  

DG3: Do you sell nationally and internationally? And do you get any business from music festivals, as the brightlytwisted aesthetic looks like it would be great for festival-wear.

TBS: We sell to over 300 boutiques around the country. We will begin exporting brightlytwisted in Canada and Mexico in the next six months. We recently sold our scarves and tote bags directly to South by Southwest in Austin. 

DG3: How did you get into stores like Free People and Intermix? Any tips or tricks would be very helpful for our local designers!

TBS: Industry sales reps traditionally have the contacts with buyers, particularly with prominent department stores. Choosing a sales rep for your line should be a slow and careful process, as this person becomes the face of your company. Working with independent sales reps in the fashion industry does not eliminate the need for internal sales. Choose a sales rep with brands that complement your own line and request a list of stores to which they currently sell. Be diligent and speak with the other brands and store buyers that they represent. You will need to work closely with them, so it's important that they are liked-minded. 

DG3: What's the best and worst advice you have ever received while working with brightlytwisted?

TBS: The best – know your numbers and focus on your margins; I can't stress this enough. And, not all sales are good sales.

The worst – hire a national sales rep. It's imperative to remain heavily involved in sales. Keep your hands in sales always. 

DG3: If you could have any celebrity wardrobe, whose would it be and why?

TBS: I'm not easily influenced by celebrity style rather I follow the work of women I admire. I tend to dress "down" and while I prefer to follow what others are doing or how they're contributing to betterment of our world, I like Jennifer Aniston’s simple, clean look and I'm a big fan of Emma stone. We create one-of-a-kind pieces to encourage women (people) to develop their own style. We don't pretend to dictate what others should wear. Each scarf has its own look and can speak to a variety of ages and styles. Our demographics are really broad. 

DG3: How do you take your coffee? 

TBS: Black and hot! But sure enjoy a strong, and very hot latte.

DG3: Free People or Lucky Brand?

TBS: I'm a big fan of authentic boutiques with unusual items that you can't find readily. 

DG3: Hobo bags or backpacks?

TBS: My favorite bag – hands down – is a hill tribe bag made from women’s ceremonial gowns from Thailand and Peru.