Meet Angeline Brunk | Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur

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

Hi Angeline, what role has risk played in your life or career?
2 years ago I was working for a couturier in Seattle that I had been at for 13 years but I started to feel deeply unsettled and unhappy – not because of specific reasons at this company but because I knew I needed a change. I suspected I might for some time but always felt the risk was too big and I didn’t know where to begin. I also didnt know if I could stay in Seattle as there were no other job opportunities at other fashion brands at this level so I thought, now is the time to take a risk and see what other cities have to offer. And while you’re looking, you might as well explore all the parts of the world that really call to you. So I contemplated and prayed for a few weeks and then decided to take the plunge and sell everything I owned and move in 2 months. Though I don’t necessarily think you should head into a life changing decision like this without thinking at all, I think there is an important element to not overthinking what is calling to you. While risks are scary as hell, that is when God or the universe or whatever you believe in meets you – in that unknown. When we look to the future at the possible outcomes of these risks, we tend to see negativity, failure, and stress and it discourages us from taking risks. We cant see the future and you will never know what awaits you but every time you take action – big or small – that gives God/the universe a chance to point you in the right direction. While I was in Europe, primarily in Italy, I went to every trade show and fashion museum I could find. A vision started to formulate – one that gave me more anxiety because it asked more questions than answered – but I continued to take action, wether it was asking a vendor at a booth questions, following up with in person meetings at these companies that I saw that intrigued me, or just asked “what is something I should ask you or know about you/your business?” I kept going and eventually at the last trade show I went to and the last gentleman I spoke to said “I went to the US and did something similar to what you’re doing, let me know if I can help you in any way”, I asked him what companies could make my collections for me and he sent me an excel spreadsheet of manufacturers and textile companies! Then I had to take the next step and meet with them all. I got about 3 responses out of 50 and 1 of which laughed in my face when I met them but the other two saw my vision and helped me create the collection to start my fashion business. Each of these actions was a risk but you never loose when you take a risk because there is always something to learn. These quotes keep me from other thinking and taking action “Don’t think, just do” – Joe Caraway, my lifecoach on facing my fears and reaching out to people. “Trust the process” – Ryan Griffin, my boyfriend every time I doubted myself, felt frustrated, or homesick on my 1 year European journey. “God cant move you if your sails aren’t up, so take the chance, put them up and just you wait, He will lead you further beyond your wildest dreams.” – my mother Janis Brunk, on risk taking.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I returned from my 1 year of living in Europe in August and launched my business and debut collection on February 16th. Its been a wild ride going from not knowing what I was going to do with my life, to resigning at my job and selling everything to move to Italy in November of 2022. When I moved, I didnt know that I was going to start a business, to be honest I thought it seemed impossible and way too much work than I wanted to commit to. I did not want to start a fashion business to create more stuff that could end up in a landfill and work myself to the bone along the way. But I knew I had to create and I had to find a reason, beyond just making clothing, that would get me out of bed every day for the forseeable future. Then I thought of all of the creatives Id met throughout my career, the ones Id had the honor of working with and the ones who wanted to be in the fashion industry but there just wasnt enough opportunity for them to keep pursuing a career in Seattle so they either moved away or chose a career outside of fashion. I thought, why do we have to compete with other businesses in order to be successful? What if our approach was to work together to create vs against. If I could partner with other creatives and businesses to collaborate on projects vs starting from scratch on my own, spending thousands on sourcing, manufacturing, and trial and error, couldnt we give one another the credit and marketing and become more successful rather that in dept financially and burnt out? Then, I went to several trade shows revolving around fashion apparel tech and I knew there was a way. By leveraging technology, we can find the solutions were looking for that wont deplete our resources – our planet, as well as our own resources.

So my goal for my fashion business is to rethink our approach to fashion, from shopping environments to production and merchandising, by leveraging technology and strategic collaborations to empower my clients and community with impactful experiences and artful, innovative designs that embrace uniqueness and ignite the transformative power of creative thinking.

My 13 years of experience in couture formalwear have given me the expertise required to sell my formalwear collections made to measure to start. This allows me to work one on one with clients, collaborating with them and learning first hand which pieces are top sellers and have longevity in order to eventually invest in some inventory that I can sell online or partner with other retailers.

Instead of a traditional retail showroom, I am collaborating with a beautiful art gallery, NYB Fine Art Gallery in Kirkland, WA to show my collection in a fashion musem/gallery style to show the value and detail of the pieces and host private consultations and viewings with my clients there for limited days and weekends per month. This allows me to stay flexible and strategic and asks the clients to be intentional about their visits.

My client is someone who is passionate about fashion, art, creativity, and entrepreneurship and wants to feel empowered by the clothing they wear. Who isnt afraid of taking risks because they know the value in thinking outside of the box and stepping out of your comfort zone to find new opportunity. I want to dress these individuals in pieces that make them feel comfortable and allows them to express their own creativity which is why most of my pieces are layerable which is a different approach to formalwear and allows the wearer to flex their own individual style.

I also love to illustrate and have been experimenting with my art and mediums and took fine art and modern painting courses while I was in Italy. What began as bridal illustrations for gifts for my closest friends over the years, has now become a business for people from all over the world to commission their own illustrations, purchase original artworks, or prints of my collection designs for themselves or as special gifts.

When someone comes across my brand, I want them to feel inspired to work with me, to understand my vision for creating beyond a product with my name on it and want to be a part of it either by wearing the fashion or hanging the art on their walls. I want them to feel -on some level – the same transformative impact that thinking outside of the box can have on your life that I experienced during my journey to start this brand.

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?
We would start with breakfast at Stoneburner in Ballard and then walk along the iconic old cobblestone streets through the Sunday farmers market. I love all of the local delicatessens and artists and cant leave without picking up a new piece of unique jewelry from Moon Femme. Then we would head over the Space needle of course, which is an iconic Seattle tourist attraction and just an increadible way to see the city from the top and the glass rotating floor and view our breathtaking mountains, lakes, rainforests, and ocean all in one place. Its also right next to the MoPop museum and Chihuly garden which are other Seattle staples. Then we have to go through the famous pikes place market to experience the seafood and yes, the fisherman tossing the fish. The bouquets of bright flowers are also just iconic, the best you will ever see and its impossible to leave without one. Then we would hop on a ferry and head to Bainbridge island. There is something magical about being on water and the Ferries are no exception. The view of the city from the bay, passing West Seattle, and the expansive amounts of bays and islands in the distance is breathtaking. Its ofen possible to sight orca whales, seals, and otters, which is an experience that will surely have a lasting impact on you. On bainbrige there is a quaint downtown street with restaurants, wine tasting rooms, breweries, book shops, and boutiques with unique findings. Lastly, we head back to the mainland for some drinks at Foreign National, Belmont, or Light Sleeper and if were really feeling wild, we’ll head to the Unicorn. No night of drinking in Seattle is complete without a Seattle style street dog which is garnished with creme cheese and caramelized onions. I swear it helps with the hangover 😉

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could never have even taking the first leap of faith without the support of my mother Janis and father Dave who passed away 6 years ago but whos entrepreneurial, adventurous, spirit and life fundamentals built a foundation on which I stand on/live by. My boyfriend Ryan Griffin who has encouraged me to be bold and keep going and to stay true to myself and what I believe in. My former boss Luly Yang who taught me everything I know about the business of fashion and showed me firsthand what it means to be innovative, and her head dressmaker, Mei Li who taught me about couture craftsmanship and quality control. My lifecoach Joe Caraway for teaching me how to overcome my fears and keep moving forward (and that its not always linear) and to relax a little and not try to over stress or over control everything, have some fun with it! My dear friend Meg Wittekind whom I love designing and collaborating so much that I have made it my mission to build a brand that seeks out creative collaboration which has fueled my passion to cultivate new opportunities and continued education for other creatives like me in my community so that we can find a way to do what we love, together. And mostly to God whom I make a concious effort to spend time with every morning before the craziness of the day, journaling, reflecting, and most crucially being grateful, listing all of the things Im thankful for. Its in these moments every morning that I find direction, joy, and peace to know how to approach the day, keeping the fear and anxiety away to make room for hope and excited anticipation. Thats how I stay happy amidst so much uncertainty.

Website: angelinebrunk.com

Instagram: angelinebrunkstudio

Image Credits
Andria Lindquist, Corinne Catania, NYB Fine Art Gallery, Chandler Downs