Vevlit Welcomes North & Hudson

Rebecca Mueller of North & Hudson talks faith, finding her voice, and reaching out to those less fortunate

Velvit recently had the opportunity to interview North & Hudson's Rebecca Mueller about her inspiration, her personal favorites from N&H, and her secret weapon!

Velvit: When did you know you wanted to be a designer?
Rebecca Mueller: When I was 8, I used to ask my mom for a sewing machine everyday. She never bought me one because she thought it was just a phase. When I was 25, I was in a job that was not fit for me. Although I had never sewn anything, I decided to quit my finance job and go to fashion design school. I feel like I just knew I had to do it.

V: What have been your struggles in finding your voice as a designer?
RM: As my business evolves, the direction and challenges do as well. Just the nature of fashion is pretty volatile, with the change of seasonal trends. I always have to be trend forecasting far in advance. It keeps me on my toes for sure; my voice evolves with each new trend. Finding my voice is something that I do on a daily basis.

V: Is there a place that has changed or inspired you?
RM: Besides being a designer, I have been a flight attendant for 10 years. So, I would have to say the airport. Having spent a lot of time in airports has given me some great observational inspiration. I get to see fashion from around the world all in one spot. There, I am constantly inspired by the diversity of people who walk by me. 

V: If you could go back in time, what era would you want to have a moment in?
RM: The Bible has changed my life. I would love to have a few moments in Biblical times. There are two books in particular I would want to go back to. The Book of Proverbs gives such profound, counterintuitive advice that really helps me with daily decision making.  And the Book of Job, because of the lessons in humility and the consequences of pride.  Though, I couldn't miss the opportunity to spend time with Jesus and the Apostle Paul!

V: What pieces of clothing or accessories could you just live in forever?
RM: The friends I grew up with poke fun at my choice to change my career to fashion design, partly because they've never known me to wear anything other than a t-shirt and cut-offs. The clothing sector of my line is reflective of this desire to not stand out, but to portray cool, effortless style. I wear my own hand-dyed North & Hudson v-neck t-shirts constantly with leggings. Though on a night out, I'll throw on my Criss Cross belt over a loose t-shirt dress to give it more shape. 

V: If you weren't designing, what's another passion you would pursue?
RM: I have a strong desire to help women who are less fortunate by teaching them design skills like pattern drafting, fabric dying, leather working, and running a business. All the work I do leads to my ultimate goal of helping women.

V: What advice would you give someone just starting out as a designer?
RM: You will reap what you sew --- literally. Greed will get you instant gratification, but with sacrifice in the long term. Go with your gut. Slow and steady. Don't get too crazy about the little things. Work on what matters most, which is the quality of your product. I started North & Hudson with $2,000 cash. It took longer to get N&H up and running, but it was very gratifying to know the growth I've made hasn't been artificial. Most importantly, hire people to do the things you don't excel at.

V: What is your secret weapon?
RM: The Bible. It's full of the most solid business advice I've ever received, very different from most business books I've read. It is my go-to advisor on running and growing North & Hudson.

For more information on Rebecca Mueller and North & Hudson, visit our Artist profiles and shop our Velvit boutique.