Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidel Dubé.
Hi Heidel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am one of the rare people who has always wanted to do the same thing my whole life. I knew since the first time I watch project runway that I was meant to be a designer. The road to that path has been tumultuous and overwhelming. I hit a ton of roadblocks, mostly in my early 20s. I went through periods of homelessness, abuse, and health issues. Throughout it all I refused to ever fully give up on my dream. Honestly the dream of being a working fashion designer kept me going when nothing else would. I couldn’t give up on my life if I haven’t achieved the thing I’ve wanted to for the longest. I still feel like I’ve only just got started and i’m 28 years old.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At my lowest point when I was escaping a DV relationship I became unhoused for nearly 3 months. It was terrifying to have to rely on other people to know where to sleep or be scared of the possibility I would have to go back to my ex. After that summer I couldn’t really touch a sewing machine for almost 2 years. I worked a little on masks during the pandemic and I tried to do a few DIY easy projects. But my brain felt so weighed down by what id been through I was hard pressed to do much of anything. I got myself into therapy and after a few years of dedicated hard work on my mental health I came out stronger and with plans to take a chance on myself. I created a 3 piece collection, rebranded my business, and started completely over. I don’t know if I would say that first collection back I my favorite work, I think I’ve grown a lot as an artist since then. However it is really cool to look back and see how I channeled my pain into art!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
HDubeDesigns is a 100% sustainable maximalist clothing business. I feel like often when people hear sustainable they think recycled linens or like dresses made out of burlap. I focus on using material that’s either “thrifted or gifted”, so I’m still able to explore with color and texture but I’m saving fabric from being trashed. The fabric waste in the fashion industry is insane and anything I can do to help that problem I’m happy to. My inspiration comes from my childhood mostly. I am really inspired by the idea of creating just to create. How would a child with no expectations or criticism make something? As kids we have so much more freedom to be creative and I don’t think there is any reason we should lose that. I make clothes because it’s like breathing to me, not for the money.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I would say don’t stress if the path isn’t linear or if you don’t have connections off the bat. I grew up poor and struggled to get people to understand my vision when I did grow up and go to college. Even though the odds have been stacked against me most of my life, I just decided I needed to try. Even if my business is only ever something I do part of my time and I have to work elsewhere to fund my life I don’t mind. I just want to create art that makes people feel beautiful. Focus on the creativity you have inside you and less on who you know. It’s important to make connections, but it’s not why you’re doing it. Youre doing it because you love it. Dont ever let the world take that from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HDubeDesigns
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hdubedesigns
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidel-dube-759119243/
- Other: https://readymag.website/u1512743065/Hdubedesigns/
