We had the good fortune of connecting with Evette Preston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evette, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
My decision to stay true to myself and the brand! When you are self employed and have financial burdens I find that we start to look for other ways to create revenue. In doing so, we tend look at other brands and compare ourselves to what may be successful for them or think we should go that route and decide to change up our brand because we think, “that’s what people are looking for”. I will admit when I first started out I to wavered a bit with my direction and designs. I thought I had to chase every trend or use social media and post how others were posting because it would get the brand more awareness or exposure. In doing so I found myself lost and I think my audience had a really hard time trying to figure out what Preston and James stood for. Once I decided to go back to my true roots and premise for the brand, all started to fall into place.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Making product for the brand and my collections fuels my creative spirit and keeps me pushing through all the ups and downs. My art is largely influenced by nature, color and fun. Each piece I design or paint is solely based on the item, as 80% of my brand is one of a kind. Its important for me to create individual pieces as there is a need and want to be different and stand out in the crowd. Our world is filled with so much uniform it’s exciting for me to know that the person that supports me and buys those pieces will be the only one that has them. Right now, I’m into a little bit of everything. I’ve been upcycling denim and knitwear with my paintings of bananas, fried eggs, popcorn, ramen noodles, moons, astrology, nature, figurative sketches and lots of shapes. I’m definitely into stripes, stars and hearts lately. My knitwear items are fun as well because I’m very snarky and love to showcase that verbiage. I’m really excited about my new collections. The Preston and James look is has always been California inspired effortless style. I started with this vibe along with vintage when I first launched 3 years ago and then steered away while trying to find my brand identity. I have since then come back to reality and what is important to me and the brand. I created a small collection of classic yet elevated pieces to add to my fun and one of kind styles which is launching now. Going forward I will continue to launch new seasonal capsules throughout the year. This idea was more a need and want from my customers as they would fall in love with a piece but since I was only making one of a kind, the sizing did always work. It broke my heart to see people pass on something simply because they could not fit it. Unfortunately sizing will always be a factor with my one of kind creations but for that lucky person who fits them and falls in love union will be so much more amazing! Keeping our true brand identity classic, unique, colorful and full of character will always be my push! 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Right now with our current pandemic things are slightly harder to plan. But I do have some fave spots that I think your readers would enjoy. The 4th Horseman on 4th/Pine has the most amazing pizza, craft beer and wine for lunch or dinner! I’m kinda an art and nature nerd so the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena is perfect for a day of beauty but reservations are required. The El Dorado Park in Long Beach has the most peaceful trails to spend the day burning some calories. No weekend is complete without vintage or boutique shopping and supporting local businesses. I’m such a sucker for a good candle and vintage clothing! Silverlake Flea market has some of the best vintage and eclectic pieces around and is open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh, there’s so many to list! I have so many friends, family members and organizations who have helped encourage me and supported me through this process it’s been amazing. My mom has definitely been on the forefront of support since day one. I cannot love, thank and kiss her enough. She has been my ultimate ROCK! I love you Mommy! All my sisters, aunts, cousins and friends who have housed me on my road trips, supported the brand and held my hand when times were personally tough. I love and thank them from the bottom of my heart. Artists and Fleas, Renegade, Urban Air Markets, Jackalope Art Fair, Unique Markets, Patchwork and so many other shows that I’ve popped up at. Thank you for believing in me and Preston and James and giving me a space within your venues to showcase my work. All of these shows helped establish my footing and brand direction I have today and I couldn’t be more thankful! My fellow brands Roam.e, Luna + Quartz, Bolla, Story Spark, Casupo, Succulents for Haiti, Dushyant Asthana, Skin Sugar, Lit Soul Candles, Little Island Bridge, Tree Hugger Vintage, Harp Designs, Vamvas, S.Kanouni, Petra de Luna and Promiseland it feels me with joy knowing we friends and we all have so much love and support for each other. All of you have supported me in your own way and I’m in constant awe of you! Thank you for inspiring and pushing me to keep going! Photographers, Zosia Garcia and Rita Labib for helping me get started and believing in my vision. And lastly to all the models that have graced my website or social media platforms thank you for working with me and your continued support.

Website: www.prestonandjames.com
Instagram: @prestonandjames
Facebook: www.facebook.com/prestonandjames

Image Credits
Zosia Garcia-zosiaphotography.com CJ Weaver-cpkvisuals.myportfolio.com
Emilynn Rose @emilynnrose

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