Meet Hanna Borges | Clothing Brand Owner

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

Hi Hanna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had the idea to start my own clothing brand with the name BAD LUCK in high school. After spending some time in quarantine and deciding to take the chance, it finally became a reality in 2021. My goal for BAD LUCK is to offer affordable eco-conscious alternative clothing. The fashion industry has a prominent issue with fast fashion and overproduction, which many people are not aware of or choose to ignore. Most existing sustainable clothing brands can be quite expensive and inaccessible for many consumers. Additionally, these brands often only sell basics, which limit self-expression through clothing. With BAD LUCK, I aim to bridge this gap by providing affordable eco-conscious clothing that doesn’t compromise on style or quality.

On a more personal note, I started BAD LUCK as a creative outlet. Ever since I was little, I have always taken up different hobbies, like jewelry making, embroidery, sewing, etc. BAD LUCK has allowed me to put my skills into practice and try new techniques and processes. Through BAD LUCK, I have been able to push the boundaries of my artistic abilities and continuously challenge myself to grow as a creative.

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?
BAD LUCK is completely run and operated by me. I design each piece and create the materials needed to complete the product. For example, I have recently begun to burn my own silk screens that I use to screen print on clothing. I think my dedication to learning each technique myself sets me apart from others in the industry.

In April 2023, I celebrated BAD LUCK’s two year anniversary by hosting a show with a lineup of five local female-fronted bands and vending my newest collection of applique t-shirts. The turnout was greater than I expected and it made me proud of the community I have built through my brand. I love interacting with customers face-to-face and seeing their reactions to the pieces. I’m excited to continue sharing my art with others and see where their support takes me.

I started BAD LUCK when I was 18 years old, so I had a lot to learn about running a business. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome is the vulnerability it takes to sell your art. Sometimes drops don’t do as well as expected and it took me a while to adjust to these unexpected outcomes and not to take it personally. It’s hard to put yourself out there artistically, but when you see people love what you make, it makes everything worth it.

I have always been interested in environmental issues and secondhand fashion, in addition to developing my own unique art style. The current fashion industry is not only the second biggest polluter in the world, it continuously discriminates against different races, sizes, and genders. I want to be a part of the change in the industry–to help fashion move toward a sustainable and inclusive future. Along the way, I hope to spread awareness about the state of the environment and encourage people to shop secondhand or from eco-conscious brands like BAD LUCK. I hope to promote self-expression, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability through BAD LUCK.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever I’m in LA, I always make sure to spend time in Los Feliz. I love getting a latte at Bru Coffeebar and browsing Skylight Books and Squaresville. Vintage clothes shopping is one of my favorite activities and Jet Rag is probably my favorite vintage store. I also love flea markets and would recommend going to Frogtown Flea Crawl. I enjoy live music and would recommend going to Genghis Cohen when they have shows. Going to Jeni’s for ice cream after shows is a must. My favorite restaurant is Pasta Sisters in Culver City. If you want to drive a little outside LA, the Huntington Library is the best place to spend the day outside.

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 am incredibly grateful for the support of my friends and family. I would like to thank my mom who bought me my first sewing machine and always encourages me to pursue my creative hobbies. Thanks to my sister for helping me set up my website and with photoshoots. Thanks to my friends who help me vend at events, I appreciate everything you do for me. And thank you to everyone who has ever bought anything from BAD LUCK, it means the world!

Website: https://shopbadluck.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaborges/

Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopbadluck?lang=en

Image Credits
Salma Bustos, Hanna Borges, Sophie Won