CURRY BETH
MAKER: CURRY DUNCKEL
I have major design envy when it comes to Curry Beth and the vintage inspired, minimalistic collection in partnership with Frankie Jean aka Ashley Green. Curry beautifully creates handmade pieces that surpass trends and will quickly become the favorites in your capsule. My personal rotation includes linen Box Crop and Ami Tops for keeping cool in this summer heat while still looking stylish and put together. Grab one of Curry's pieces and support this maker at Frankie Jean's online shop after checking out the interview below :)
WHY DO YOU CALL AUSTIN HOME
I moved here from San Antonio in 2003 to study at UT Austin (I have a B.A. in History with a minor in Architecture). I’ve been here ever since. I knew even when I was a kid that this place felt good to me. I’ve built a life here from my teenage to adult years and I feel rooted in those memories. Austin changes and grows and I’m still happy to call this place home.
FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST/ALBUM FOR A SPARK OF CREATIVITY
Any and all of Yo La Tengo’s albums. I like to dig into vintage world music like The Congos or Mulatu Astatke on days when I’m feeling less inspired.
BIGGEST DEBATE OF ALL: COFFEE or TEA, BE SPECIFIC ;)
BLACK COFFEE PLEASE! good and strong. And sometimes Peppermint tea.
WHO DO YOU FOLLOW FOR INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION
@oroboro_store @apieceapart and @mixedbusinessla for clothing. Honestly most of what I follow is pretty plants and colorful interiors like @thejungalow and @ball_and_claw_vintage
FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD TRUCK
Patrizi’s at the Vortex/Butterfly Bar. Delicious Italian food and my favorite spot for a hang with pals.
FAVORITE LOCAL CURATED BOUTIQUE
The Fox Den. I’m slowly becoming a plant lady. This little shop has a delightful array of houseplants. Candace and Regina will happily coach you on how to care for them. Plus Lovecraft Vintage’s part of the shop has a beautiful selection of vintage and independent designers (like me!).
HOW IMPORTANT IS SHOPPING LOCAL TO YOU
I worked at Parts and Labour for many years. I saw how people choosing to buy local and handmade helped artists grow, quit their day jobs and expand their lines. Soooo….very! Every time you choose to shop local you are empowering an individual or group of individuals to keep their dream going.
HOW HAS THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU
I’ve somehow managed to keep CurryBeth alive for almost 9 years. And that is possible only thanks to this awesome Austin community.
WHO HAS HAD THE MOST CREATIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE
Friends and family for sure. I’m the daughter of an artist and an architect. Our house growing up was always full of art projects and experiments. Because of my background I’ve gravitated towards creative friends as an adult. They are wonderful for trying out new things and sharing ideas.
HOW HAS SOCIAL HELPED YOUR BUSINESS, IF ANY
Instagram is a pretty powerful tool. It’s a good way to share what I do and look at what others are up to without the clutter and mess of Facebook. It’s also a great way for me to gauge interest in new styles and colors. I’ve probably doubled in followers in the last year and that just kinda blows my mind. I really appreciate that people are paying attention to what I’m trying to do.
MUST-SEE RECOMMENDATION FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO AUSTIN
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, it’s just so peaceful and lovely and you can learn about native plants!
Deep Eddy Pool, my favorite chill-out spot.
A show at the Mohawk, it’s a stellar venue and they always have fantastic artists coming through. I’m always looking at their calendar.
WHERE CAN SUPPORTERS FIND YOUR CREATIONS
Parts and Labour on S. Congress, Hacienda in the 2nd street district, on the east side at The.Fox.Den/Lovecraft Vintage and online at www.frankiejean.com
GO TO MID-DAY SNACK or ROUTINE FOR CREATIVE FUEL
Coconut water and more potato chips than I would like to admit.
I also take time to practice yoga. Sewing, and being self-employed in general, takes its toll on the body. It feels so good to breathe and move. Just a few months ago I completed my first 200 hour yoga teacher training (woot! woot!) It’s given me a confidence in practicing at home that is very empowering and calming, and helps balance out all those hours hunched over a loud sewing machine.
WHERE DO YOU CREATE BEST? EX: HOME, STUDIO, NATURE, ETC.
If only I could work outside. I rented the apartment next to mine as a work space/studio. Its nice to have some separation. Most of my ideas come from time spent on my porch talking with friends.
WHY DID YOU CHOSE TO BE A MAKER
After i graduated from college I was working in bookstores, bored and unsatisfied. I decided to give making clothes a shot thanks to encouragement from friends (I was always making new stuff for myself). I was very fortunate that Lizelle at Parts and Labour gave me a shot. She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders over the years.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING MOMENT SO FAR OF YOUR CRAFT AS A SMALL BUSINESS?
It’s hard for me to pinpoint an exact moment. Every day that I get to sew and play with fabrics and colors is pretty exciting.
HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOUR BRAND STANDS OUT
I try to trust my instincts and that usually steers me in the right direction. I like to pay attention to what other designers are doing, but not so close that I’m either mimicking or shying away from something I want to try. I’m usually working backwards from what I or friends want in their wardrobe. I think that helps to create something that is distinctive and also super wearable.
WHAT OTHER ARTISTS HAVE YOU LOVED COLLABORATING WITH
Teaming up with Ashley of Frankie.Jean was a game-changer for me. We just synced-up so well. And I’m very proud and happy with the collection we developed and keep working on. It really is a treat to have someone to work with that has their own vision, respects mine, and play with how we meld together. I’m looking forward to seeing where our partnership takes us, I know we have some fun things brewing.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR DESIGNS
Nearly everything is sewn on a 2003 Brother Pacesetter that I received as a high school graduation present. Haha!
