Owner of her namesake womenswear label, Caitlin Crisp has been sewing since she was 12 years old. Surrounded by positive role models in both business and fashion, Crisp was encouraged to follow her dreams of becoming a fashion designer.
“It's something I had dreamed of and worked toward since I was around 12, a passion that I got from my late grandmother,” she explained.
Crisp’s journey into the fashion industry was slow and organic. She described herself as the classic example of taking 10 years to become an overnight success. After studying fashion in high school and university, Crisp moved to Auckland and worked in fashion retail. She entered Project Runway, which pushed her to make one-off pieces and complete alterations for customers at the store she worked at.
“That grew a little busier so I started putting small runs of my designs into production, while working in retail part-time and nannying in the evenings. Those runs got a little bigger and we started stocking at fashion retailers.”
Fast forward a couple years, Crisp now designs clothing full-time with her team of five.
Crisp continues to look up to Deval Boutique’s Debbie Lawson, who she worked for during her first internship in the fashion industry.
“She is an incredible lady. She brings so much joy to those around her and is extremely talented at what she does.”
The biggest lesson that Lawson taught Crisp was keeping her customers and staff as the highest priority.
“If your staff are happy, they'll also keep your customers happy. That's the kind of culture I hold to the highest regard.”
Her team, family, fiance and friends continue to motivate Crisp today, who are always proud of what she does.
“Success is nothing if you don't have others to share it with, so I will always put them first and continue to be motivated by them.”
Her biggest piece of advice that she would tell her young self is to take it easy. While Crisp has no regrets about the steps she took to venture into the fashion industry, she wishes that she stressed less in her early days.
For anyone looking to pursue a career in fashion, Crisp recommends maintaining a relaxed attitude.
“We're selling clothes, not saving lives. We're so lucky to work in this industry. Keep things in perspective and enjoy the ride.”
