Get Back! (To business after maternity leave)

So... I'm new to this blogging lark. But I guess a good way to introduce myself is to fill you in on 'My Story'. 

Electric Eye Apparel is an independent UK brand that launched in 2018. We embroider-to-order custom or pre-designed womens, mens, unisex and kids organic cotton garments and accessories. Whether it's a lyric, a statement or a unique and special gift - we've got you covered! We are passionate advocates of slow fashion, sustainability and take pride in producing each and every order in house (literally, from my house). Inspired by rock & roll, film and fashion our brand resonates with creative and stylish individuals who seek out quality brands with sound ethics.

After gaining a Degree in Fashion & Business from Glasgow Caledonian University and working all over the UK in the Fashion & Retail industry for over 15 years, with roles at Vivienne Westwood, Creative Arts Charity 'Impact Arts', Boohoo and Nasty Gal. Electric Eye Apparel was created by me, Alissa Horan, in 2018.  

From a young age I always envisaged having my own fashion business. The first brand I created, at the age of 9, was the imaginatively named 'Queen of Hearts'. I designed a logo (based on the playing card, of course), armed myself with a sketchbook, pencils, and an old rotary dial telephone that my Granny gave to me and off I went. I would have make-believe conversations and take down specifications of imaginary orders that I'd spend hours designing. My mum still has that sketchbook somewhere...

Fast forward 23 years and Electric Eye Apparel was born. 

After a turbulent period in my life and in the midst of fertility struggles I decided,

with the support of my incredible husband, to take a huge leap of faith and create a brand and business that I could make my own; A brand that would pay homage to my love of film, fashion, music and rock & roll. A brand that would have a personality and treat customers like friends. A brand that would work around my family's life. A brand with sound ethics that would go against the grain of the Fast Fashion machine. A brand that I could be proud of. 

“Music has always been a matter of Energy to me, a question of Fuel. Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel. I have always needed Fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio.” ― Hunter S. Thompson

Everyone has a lyric, line or quote that means something to them. Music, words, poetry and lyrics have always resonated with me. Figureheads like Bolan, The Beatles, The Stones, Dylan, Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac to Bowie have created the soundtrack to my life. I would often make personalised gifts for friends and loved ones with words that meant something or sparked a shared memory. Those were the seeds from which Electric Eye grew.

Electric Eye Apparel was aptly named after my favourite David Bowie lyric from his iconic 'Moonage Daydream'. A lyric that seems to always spur me on, 7 powerful little words;