Ribboned Roots
When did you first realize you wanted to get involved in the fashion industry?
I've been interested in fashion for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my older sister had a big influence on me—she loved trying on different outfits, experimenting with styles, and always had the latest fashion magazines lying around. Watching her sparked my curiosity about clothing and trends from a young age. By the time I had to choose a major to study in college, I knew I wanted it to be something in fashion. Deciding to go to school in the United States felt like the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the industry, learn new things, and expand my understanding of fashion on a global scale.
What inspired you to start making your brand’s staple ribbon totes?
The idea for my brand's ribbon totes started to come together while I was working as an intern at a Japanese fashion magazine, where I’ve been interning for the past four years. During that time, I began noticing a lot of designers incorporating bows and ribbons into their collections. It felt like something fresh and exciting, and I sensed it was going to be a big trend. My inspiration also came from my love for crochet, which my grandmother taught me when I was around ten years old. Combining the idea of bows with my love for crafting made me want to create a unique, handmade bag. When I posted my ribbon tote design on Instagram and TikTok, it went viral, and people started recognizing my brand. This response motivated me to turn it into a staple piece of my collection.
Who are some designers or creatives that inspire you, and how have they influenced your work?
Some designers who really inspire me include Sandy Liang, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Simone Rocha. I admire how they bring a mix of girlish charm and elegance into their designs, making their collections stand out in such a fresh way. Their work shows me how to blend playfulness with sophistication, something I try to bring into my own designs. Besides established designers, I am deeply inspired by the students I studied with at FIT. Seeing the work of my fellow students was always inspiring, and being part of that creative environment was incredibly motivating. Even though I’ve graduated, I often think back on that experience and how much it influenced me. The energy and creativity at FIT are something I miss, and it continue to inspire me as I build my brand.
As a growing designer, what has been the most rewarding experience in growing your brands so far?
As a growing designer, the most rewarding experience in building my brand has been witnessing the genuine excitement and support from my customers and community. When I first started, I wasn’t sure how people would respond to my designs.
“I put my heart into creating each piece, especially my ribbon totes, and seeing how they resonated with others has been both surprising and incredibly fulfilling.” - Nina
Every time I see someone post a photo or tag me on social media with one of my bags, it feels like a dream come true. It’s a reminder that what I’m creating has a special place in people’s lives. Another rewarding experience has been going viral on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This not only brought attention to my brand but also connected me with people all over the world who love my designs. Knowing that my work reaches and resonates with people globally has given me the confidence to keep pushing forward.
Your social media is so vibrant and engaging, and it plays a large role in building and displaying your brand. Which platform do you find the most impactful in connecting with your audience and why?
Thank you! I’d say Instagram has been the most impactful platform for connecting with my audience. I love photography, so Instagram allows me to express my creativity visually and showcase my designs in a way that feels authentic. Being an introvert, I sometimes find it challenging to engage face-to-face, but Instagram provides a space where I can communicate and share my work without needing to be super outgoing. It really fits my personality and lets me focus on creating a visually inspiring feed that tells the story of my brand.
While I’m still learning the best ways to engage with my followers, I’m so grateful for the supportive community that has grown around my brand. Every like, comment, and message means so much to me, and I can’t thank my followers enough for their encouragement and support. For people who enjoy talking and are naturally comfortable with video, I think TikTok is an amazing platform to connect in a more conversational way, but for me, Instagram has truly been the perfect fit.
What do you envision for the future of your brand—are there other materials or styles you’re excited to experiment with?
I definitely envision expanding my brand beyond bags and moving into ready-to-wear someday! I started with bags because they felt accessible for me to design and produce on my own, but my ultimate dream is to create a full line of clothing. There’s something exciting about bringing my vision to life through apparel, where I can experiment with different fabrics, silhouettes, and textures to create pieces that reflect the spirit of my brand. I’m especially interested in working with sustainable materials and exploring unique, delicate details that would complement the designs of my ribbon totes. The idea of creating a cohesive collection that includes both bags and clothing is really inspiring to me, and I can’t wait to bring that to life in the future.
What advice would you give other young designers thinking about starting their brand/ creation?
My advice would be simple: just start! It can be intimidating to take the first step, especially if you’re worried about everything being perfect. But the truth is, there’s no perfect moment, and you learn so much along the way. Starting your brand, even with small steps, helps you discover your strengths and the unique qualities you can bring to the market. Don’t wait until everything feels completely ready; take that first step, experiment, and learn as you go. Building a brand is a journey, and every small effort moves you closer to where you want to be.
