ABOUT THE BRAND

Absolutevy is a California-based online boutique featuring one-of-a-kind MODERN, VINTAGE, and HANDMADE women's clothing and accessories, all curated & designed by V, based on the concept of "fashion meets art".

ABOUT THE FOUNDER & DESIGNER

Hey V! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

To be honest, I'm not very good at talking about myself so, here you go.

Wait, what? You really took the cliché "Quit your job to follow your dreams" literally?

Yup. I have always been a risk-taker by nature <laugh>.

Were you not happy with what you were doing?

Graphic design has always been my passion, yet I started to experience the fear of "losing my soul" after five years working in the industry. I grew irritated and disgruntled with being a designer as there was less room for creativity and more of following directions from clients who thought they knew better. I found myself craving for a career where I could utilize my skills, take pride in my work, and prove who I am as a designer. Breaking free of employment is a chance for me to experience real freedom and, more importantly, pursuing the absolute happiness of being able to do my own things my own ways.

How was the journey of bringing Absolutevy to life?

Long story short, it was an unpredictable journey full of excitement and frustration, faith and doubt, laughter and tears. It was really challenging but worth every moment, and I regret nothing.

What is the passion that drives Absolutevy forward and where do you get your inspiration?

A lot of women have unconditional love for fashion, and I am one of them. Fashion to me is neither about following the latest trends nor attracting attention. It is the freedom to express myself. It empowers the woman in me, affects my mood and motivates me. Absolutevy is my experiment based on the concept of combining art & fashion together, as I always think of the human body as a reusable canvas. It is not just a piece of fabric that you are wearing. It is a piece of art, and you are the artist.

How does your background as a graphic designer contribute to the brand?

It plays a critical role in building the brand identity and greatly influences my designs. Graphics and illustration are used in place of photographs of real models in every visual aspect of my brand, from product images to marketing materials. They also serve as inspiration for my upcoming collections.

Do you remember the exact moment that you decided to start your own brand?

Having my own business had always been my goal since I was in school. Everyday when I got stuck in traffic, I reminded myself of that goal but it kept being postponed due to financial insecurity and lack of experience. It was not until I read a quote by Angela Brown Obere, "You will never leave where you are until you decide where you would rather be" that I made the declaration to pursue my dreams. That was the hardest decision to make, but it relieved the most stress and opened a new chapter of my life.

What is the best thing about being your own boss?

I can take a nap whenever I want <laugh>. Honestly, I am not a good team player since I am too shy to speak up most of the time, and I hate to let other people make decisions above my head so I guess being my own boss is the way it should be.

That is why you decided to run Absolutevy as a one-man band?

It is not necessarily a choice because I have just started and I am still trying to figure everything out. However, being a control freak and perfectionist myself, I guess I prefer it that way until things become too much to handle. It is very challenging to wear many hats at the same time, but the hands-on experience is so valuable. Sure there have been times that I felt so overwhelmed and started to question myself, but I strongly believed that hard work would pay off, and it did!

What is your message to customers?

I find happiness in the simplest of things, and I hope yours can be found through Absolutevy's collection of art & fashion. Stay absolute!