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

Hi Nicole, what do you attribute your success to?

The most important factor behind my success would be that I have stayed authentic and followed my internal compass throughout it all.

I think that people often feel a pressure to take the conventional path when it comes to their career. Something that will provide them with guaranteed income, acceptance from others, and a job that will make their parents proud… A lot of the time, this pressure prevents one from truly following their passions and doing what they love. I was always the type of person to play it safe, and was planning on pursuing a career in finance for all the above reasons. But as I got older something I changed in me and I knew that I had to march to the beat of my own drum, regardless of the outcome…

To this day, I don’t know much about fashion, I don’t research/follow trend culture, and only know a handful of designers. Going into the industry without any traditional schooling for it, nor much insight into it, has in my opinion, worked to my advantage. I approach the industry with the desire of creating what i would personally want to wear/think is cool. I also learn as I go. Typically, people are not encouraged to start a brand without having a knowledge of every aspect of the industry. I think that it is so much better to learn as you go and learn first hand through experience/one’s own failures.

In addition, I find that the Authentic voice of the designer is often taken away due to a pressure to conform one’s designs into what the consumer would like, or what the latest trend culture is following. When I first started out, I remember playing it safe by releasing stuff that I deemed would be accepted by my audience. I never liked any of it, but was too afraid to put stuff out that was really different from anything I had seen myself.

I remember getting tired of releasing graphics and designs that didn’t excite me, and took the risk of releasing clothing that really spoke to me. The second I released the pieces that I truly enjoyed, the response was better than I could have ever imagined. People loved it. Even though it was scary to release things that weren’t conventional, the risk was worth it.

Another aspect of my brand’s success, would probably be that I am open to helping other aspiring designers/artists in understanding my process/techniques, and giving advice. I think its important to create good relationships with your customers, to be open, and be able to provide advice. Creating this loyal customer base while also being able to inspire and help other creatives has filled me with so much joy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

The thing that I am most proud of is that all of the stuff I release is genuine and is an extension of my internal world. when I am struggling with my mental health, I rely heavily on art as an outlet. What is interesting, is that when I am going through weeks or months of negative emotions, the graphics I print onto clothing tend to be darker/most emotionally driven- people looking sad, screaming, cryptic messages. When I am in a better mood/mindset, I notice I produce more colorful and light hearted graphics. The designs themselves tend to be more structured, organized, and symmetrical.

I think that is what sets me apart from other brands I’ve seen. For me, my brand is healing. It provides me with a safe environment to express what’s happening internally.I also have noticed that others who struggle with mental health issues, have reached out to me expressing their gratitude for being vulnerable, and being able to relate to the things I create.

The journey has definitely not been an easy one. Rejection hurts a lot, and I am a very sensitive person. There have been multiple times where I have received hateful comments online, been a vendor and sold nothing at all, and have lost opportunities due to miscommunication/delays/ect. It takes a lot to stay strong when you feel like everything is working against you, but if you are able to persevere and stick with it, it pays off. This brand means everything to me, and it is so much more than the physical clothing itself. It grounds me, has helped me discover who I am, and has taught me that being true and authentic to yourself pays off.

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?

I love Sawtelle. Daiso ($1 Japanese store), The japanese market (Nijiya), Tsujita Annex for Tsukemen noodles, Volcano Tea Boba.

For shopping, on La brea, there is a thrift store called Jet Rag, It is like a Time Capsule. Such a cool store and incredible vintage. Also the silverlake Flea market !

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Complex Interview on Bobby Hundreds

 

I remember watching this interview while abroad my junior year of college. I had been struggling a ton with mental health issues, and was studying for my economics exams at the time. It was the year I realized what I had signed up for, and I was absolutely dreading the fact that finance was going to be my career. But I had learned to accept this, since I was constantly feeling pressured by my mom and dad to pursue something that would provide a stable income and life for me.

I remember stumbling across this interview, and decided to watch it. I have always looked up to Asian creatives, considering the fact that the Asian culture is very traditional in the way they approach career paths, and often look down upon those who choose the unconventional route. I am half japanese, and am first generation Asian American. My mom was raised in a traditional japanese household in the Chiba prefecture of Japan for the majority of her life, so these conservative values were instilled in her.

The part of the interview that genuinely changed my whole perspective and outlook on doing what you love, is when Bobby explains how he was going to be a lawyer. Ever since he was little, he was so inspired by photography, skateboarding culture, the arts, anything creative, but knew that it wasn’t a realistic or sustainable future for him. While in law school, he had a mentor who fell ill and wasn’t going to live for much longer. Bobby talks about how he went to visit him. His mentor tells him how Bobby could easily become a lawyer, have the money, the cars, ect. But then asks Bobby, what is it that you talk to me about during break? It’s always about photography, the arts, ect. Don’t go through life like I did and end up on your death bed realizing that you never actually did what you love…

This part of the interview ignited something inside of me. It really did change my life forever. The next day, i felt so inspired and started to research things I’d always been interested in, but told myself I didn’t have time for. One of these things was screenprinting. I learned through YouTube videos how to burn a screen, and went to the hardware store to build a makeshift screenprinting station. I still have the first screen I burned hanging in my studio today, and I always look at it to remember how far I’ve come.

Website: WWW.THELAUGHINGGEISHA.COM

Instagram: THELAUGHINGGEISHA

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