Meet Beata Storey | Fashion Designer / Brand Owner

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

Hi Beata, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks has always been an integral part of my journey, both in life and in my career as a fashion designer. I view risk as an essential ingredient for growth and innovation. Without taking risks, we limit our potential and confine ourselves to a narrow path of familiarity. For me, embracing risks has opened doors to new opportunities, allowing me to explore new, better territories and push the boundaries of creativity. One of the most significant risks I faced in my career was navigating the challenges of finding a sustainable manufacturer during the height of the Covid pandemic, when many factories were closed. Unable to secure production with reputable facilities in the US, I ventured overseas, landing in Italy. However, conducting meetings and negotiations solely online presented unforeseen hurdles, and I found myself navigating a complex process with limited interaction, leading to misunderstandings and setbacks. Despite setbacks in Italy, I gave it another try in conscious-production factory in Bali. Starting with promising relationship in Bali, soon the legal constraints hampered my production and once again, I had to stop the process. Feeling defeated, the glimmer of hope emerged shortly afterwards when I was approached to showcase my collection at New York Fashion Week Fall 2023.
Presenting my vision to producers sparked interest, leading to an offer for full production outside the US. Determined to uphold my principles of “made in the USA,” I embarked on a frantic search for a local production house, eventually securing one despite the higher costs involved. Securing a loan to finance the endeavor, I pushed forward, and the completed production culminated in a successful runway show just days before NYFW.
Risk-taking has epitomized my relentless pursuit of passion, allowing me to overcome challenges and forge ahead. Each risk, whether launching my own brand or introducing unconventional designs, has been sustained by a strong belief in my vision and the courage to pursue it against all odds. These risks have yielded some of my most significant achievements, from prestigious fashion events to pioneering sustainable practices.
However, risk-taking isn’t without its hurdles, often pushing us to step out of comfort zones and confronting uncertainty. Yet, it’s in these moments of discomfort that profound growth occurs, with setbacks offering invaluable lessons and fueling determination.
Moreover, risk-taking extends beyond personal gain to effecting positive change in the world, allowing me to advocate for causes dear to me, such as animal welfare and sustainability.
Ultimately, risk-taking embodies the assurance to chase dreams, defy conventions, and leave a lasting impact. In my journey, it has served as a catalyst for transformation, innovation, and fulfillment, integrating the motto: never “give up” on one’s dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey in the world of art and fashion has been an exhilarating rollercoaster, marked by passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of my dreams. From my earliest days as a little girl in Poland, doodling with a pencil and captivated by the intricacies of facial expressions, art has been my constant companion. Winning my first art competition in elementary school sparked a fire within me, igniting a lifelong love affair with creativity. But my path wasn’t always clear-cut. In high school, torn between my artistic inclinations and my parents’ wishes for me to pursue architecture, I faced a crossroads. Determined to forge my own path, I ventured on a transformative journey that took me from the streets of Paris to the school campuses of California. Navigating the challenges of being on my own in a foreign country, mastering a new language, and immersing myself in the vibrant art scene of California, I pushed myself to excel. From modeling gigs in Paris to studying art full-time in California, every experience shaped me and fueled my determination to succeed. As the digital age dawned, I embraced new technologies and mastered my skills in graphic design, paving the way for a successful career in the competitive world of art and design.
But it was my passion for fashion that truly set my soul on fire. Finding no garments in stores that captured my unique sense of style, I was irresistibly drawn into the vision of fashion design through sketching my own creations. Despite facing setbacks, from health issues to the challenges of manufacturing locally with sustainable practices, I refused to abandon my vision. Addressing global challenges, I embarked on a unique approach to fashion by starting from the very essence of art itself. Each piece in the Beatta J Collection begins as a work of art, meticulously crafted to convey a message, evoke emotion, and inspire change. From vibrant paintings to intricate sketches, the artwork serves as the foundation upon which the entire collection is built. This artistic process allows me to infuse every garment with meaning and purpose, creating a truly unique and impactful statement. By staying true to my vision and refusing to compromise on my standards, I’ve been able to carve out a niche for Beatta J Collection—one that celebrates individuality, creativity, and social consciousness. Therefore, I launched Beatta J Collection, a lifestyle brand that combines luxury with purpose.
At the heart of Beatta J Collection lies a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. Through partnerships with non-profit organizations like Living with Wolves, Lions, Tigers & Bears, and Laura’s House, we strive to give back to causes close to my heart. More than just clothes, Beatta J Collection is a movement—a celebration of individuality, empowerment, and social responsibility.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive network of friends and family who have cheered me on every step of the way. From my dear friend and spiritual sister, Jackie Dettmann, whose resilient support has lifted me up in my doubtful moments, to the countless mentors, advisors, and collaborators who have helped bring my vision to life, I am eternally grateful.
In the end, my story is one of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of art. As I continue to evolve as an artist and entrepreneur, I hope to inspire others to embrace their creativity, follow their dreams, and make a positive impact on the world.

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?
My adventure-packed week with my guest in Southern California sounded absolutely amazing to my family and friends when I disclosed my itinerary! My guest was my long-lost relative from across the globe whom I only heard of, but I had never met before. This exhilarating prospect surfaced when my niece announced she will travel all the way from Europe to visit me in CA. Eager to make her trip unforgettable, I set out to show her the best of my home turf, planning a week-long adventure filled with exploration, relaxation, and bonding experiences. It was a journey we both looked forward to with great anticipation, knowing it would be an opportunity to create cherished memories and get to know each other. Starting with a boat trip to Catalina Island and enjoying waterskiing at Long Beach and Dana Point sounded like the perfect way to kick off the trip. And ending the day at one of my favorite restaurants, with a vegan dinner at “Gracias Madre” in Newport Beach added a delicious touch. Venturing into nature at Sequoia National Park next day, have been awe-inspiring, especially seeing the towering sequoia trees in the Giant Forest and exploring the underground cave and Tunnel Tree. It’s incredible how nature can elevate our spirits and inspire creativity.
Moving on to my current neighborhood of Laguna Beach, spending a day at the Montage Hotel with its breathtaking ocean views and then exploring the nearby lagoons and beaches was truly a pure bliss. And spotting dolphins, seals, and starfish along the way have made the experience even more magical.
On our 5th day, exploring Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles was the epitome of California glamour and excitement. Trying on the newest fashion collections from top fashion designers like Gucci, Prada and Dior, plus immersing ourselves in the art scene at LACMA (Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art) added a touch of sophistication to the trip. We even got a change to listen to the live concert at LACMA, which only enhanced our experience.
Our next destination was heading to the desert for some ATV-ing on the sand dunes which was an exhilarating adventure for sure. To wind down after sand dunes racing, we headed to the floating tanks afterward which was the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate.
Finally, exploring Santa Barbara and visiting the Old Mission Santa Barbara with chapels, gardens and bell towers plus picturesque wineries around, was the ideal way to experience the beauty and culture of the area. Ending the day at the historic Cold Spring Tavern, a hidden gem with antique-filled mountainside western saloon from 1868 for dinner concluded our charming and memorable trip.
Arriving back home in the evening, I had one last mindful experience planned to wrap up our busy day: a sound bath journey. This deep, transcendental, and inspirational experience was the perfect way to wind down, and I was excited to share it with my niece. What made it even more special was that I had arranged for some of my dear friends to join us. Meeting my local friends and enjoying their company added a connective element to the evening, making it truly memorable.
On the final day of my niece’s week-long trip, we headed to Pacific Palisades to visit the SRF Lake Shrine in the morning. This spiritual oasis boasts stunning meditation gardens with lush waterfalls, flowers, white swans, and the historical Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We attended a meditation session, joined a yoga class, and explored the grounds, all while enjoying a delicious meal provided by the shrine. With a sense of calm and relaxation, my niece was ready to head to the airport to catch her flight back to Europe at the end of the day.
Reflecting on our week-long adventure, I realized there are so many other attractions and experiences in Southern California that we didn’t have time for. But that just means there’s plenty to look forward to for the next visit! With its diverse range of activities and attractions, I can’t imagine ever running out of interesting things to do in Southern CA, not just for visitors, but for myself as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a designer, I am deeply thankful and profoundly grateful for the incredible individuals who have come together to bring my vision to life. My journey has been shaped by a multitude of influences, each deserving recognition for their contributions. Amidst the challenges of Covid, my first mentor, Ryan Blair, founder of AlterCall, played a pivotal role in instilling my intuitive vision with tangible potential, igniting a spark that propelled me forward. Jack Canfield, my virtual business coach and author, imparted invaluable lessons in self-discipline, perseverance, and commitment to entrepreneurship, while connections made through his workshop introduced me to like-minded individuals like Lauri Flaquer, who became a cherished friend and accountability partner. Additionally, the guidance and support of business advisors from SCORE have illuminated successful strategies and leadership development, enriching my journey with their wisdom. The collaborative efforts of talented artists such as Nick Scaturro, Diego Gorlato, and Clara Berta, alongside models Kasia Swiostek, Carisse Miyashiro, and Rachel Pollard, have elevated the Beatta J Collection brand to unforgettable heights. Enlisting the support of my mentors, advisors, and friends, who generously shared their expertise, has been a collective and irreplaceable effort in realizing the Beatta J brand. Furthermore, the magic captured by our intuitive and visionary photographer, Jola Jablonska, has breathed life into our creations, immortalizing moments of beauty and inspiration. My spiritual and philosophical connection with Jola was funded at the stunning Trabuco Monastery, where are divine paths crossed. Gratitude extends to the owners of “Live Metta” Yoga Studio in Laguna Niguel, whose generosity in providing their space for our photoshoots has been invaluable. Last but certainly not least, I am deeply thankful for the extreme support, encouragement, and understanding of my husband Gary, whose presence has illuminated my vision, inspired my creativity, and pushed the boundaries of my imagination. Together, we have built a brand fueled by creativity, passion, and dedication, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to my children, who, through their constant challenges and ongoing motivation, have inspired me to become a better, more expansive, and tolerant person. Their presence in my life has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement, driving me to reach new heights in both my personal and professional endeavors.

Website: www.beattajcolleciton.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatta_j

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/beattajcollection

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beattajc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeattaJCollection

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/beatta-j-collection-laguna

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beattajcollection3863

Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/beattajcollection Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beattajc Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beattajcollection

Image Credits
Models: Kasia Siwostek, Carrise Miyashiro, Bella Clendenin, Margaryta Miuller, Hesed Cid Photographers: Jola Jablonska, Lauri Flauqer