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[title]‘Clothing for your inner child’ is the first line in 29-year-old Carmen Christine’s Instagram bio – and this is no exaggeration. Scroll through the designer’s feed and you’ll find bright, joyful shots of vintage fabric, Carmen herself dressed in whimsical dresses, short videos of her working in her studio, and close-ups of the ‘Squiggle’ headband that she’s perhaps best-known for. Comments bursting with enthusiasm and support follow each post, with fans eager to snap up her latest headband drop or praise her newest secondhand outfit. It takes about a minute for one thing to become clear: this is an artist who has successfully built a supportive community around her – not to mention a flourishing business.
But how did she do it? And what can other budding creatives learn from her journey? Together with Samsung, we’re bringing you stories of entrepreneurs we love, offering insights on how you could turn your hobby into your side-hustle or even full-time career. Not only that, but we’ll show you how Samsung can help to take your dreams to the next level. Samsung is on a mission to ‘Power the Possible’, with its ecosystem of tech to support you every step of the way.
For a hands-on dive into Samsung’s technology – and to learn more from Carmen Christine and other creatives – sign up to our Side Hustle Sessions. Hosted at Samsung KX in Coal Drops Yard, we’re inviting entrepreneurs to run workshops for curious Londoners. Expect exclusive tips on making it with your side-hustle, as well as expert advice on how Samsung’s suite of products could help power your passion. Carmen's workshop is on Tuesday October 8 – buy your ticket here!
Carmen, can you tell us how you got started in fashion design?
I worked in film for a little while, as a costume-maker and cutter. I loved it – it was what I trained in – but I didn’t have a huge creative outlet. There wasn’t a lot of going rogue and designing your own things. So, I did my own designs on the side, after work or on lunch breaks. I had no idea it would blossom into anything at all! When Covid hit, I just decided to list about ten different headbands, and they sold out. I was like, ‘Okay, let’s go!’. It kind of went from there and it hasn’t stopped!
Did you ever imagine that it would turn into a full-time career?
No I didn’t! I did it on the side and made a little bit of money, and then honestly, it just blossomed into such a big following on social media. The drops sold out a bit quicker every time, and it gave me the confidence boost to go for it.
How does technology feed into your practice?
I love having my sketchbook in front of me, but I also always have my tablet out. I’ll have Pinterest open or old archives of the V&A with vintage photoshoots, because that’s where I get my inspiration from. I often pull in images, and upload them into slideshow posts with my own creations, so it’s great to help get my voice across on social media. Of course I promote on social media every day, so I’m always documenting the process, making videos of in-action shots.
I also do a lot of drawing on Illustrator. I use my tablet, drawing on there. I also recently took those designs and printed them on T-shirts – I absolutely could not have done it without a tablet! And with my tablet on the go, I can edit my website.
Smartphones also give you that instant access to an audience, wherever you are. How essential for your business is building a social media community?
It’s so important! Followers that have been there from day one have been such a huge support. A lot of the people that comment on my posts every day I’ve come to recognise and speak to. I’ve even met up with a few of them which has been lovely! Also, when you work on your own, it can get lonely, so to have an online network is absolutely needed.
What is your approach to Instagram versus TikTok?
I feel very differently about TikTok than Instagram. They’re both great platforms, but on TikTok, I have a bit less fear of posting on there. There’s a younger audience on TikTok, and I’ll just put something on there and whatever happens, happens. Whereas on Instagram, I finesse things more.
You also use tech to sell digital patterns, enabling people to make your designs themselves. Why did you decide to do that?
Honestly that’s been a game-changer, going into the digital pattern world. It’s such a trend right now, people wanting to DIY their own things. I used to get asked for years if I could release a pattern. I used to say no, sorry, it’s my design – but at some point I thought, why not? We’re living in such a crafty world right now, and I love it! Also, for some people it’s more affordable (they’re paying £12 for the headband pattern and can make an unlimited amount!), and with the pattern, people can make them in whatever colour they want.
What advice would you give to people who want to turn their hobby into their side hustle or career?
First, don’t be afraid to be a bit cringe! Get yourself and your art out there. It doesn’t matter what you think other people think of you.
Also, don’t feel defeated at the first hurdle. You’ve just got to march onwards and keep trying, especially with social media. You can feel very deflated, as a creative person, if you put things on social media and it doesn’t get enough attention. You might feel, well, my art must be rubbish, but it’s not the case! You’ve just gotta keep creating and putting it out onto the world!
Lastly, community is huge! Find your community. Reach out to people. Collaborate with other artists – that’s a really fun of being a creative in the modern age. Network and make friends!
Power the Possible with Samsung
Inspired by Carmen’s story? Samsung’s range of tablets are a perfect tool for any designer. Not only that, but thanks to Samsung’s Quick Share function, you can instantly capture images and videos on your Galaxy phone, Tab or Book to other nearby Galaxy devices, making the process of content creation easier than ever.
Shop the range of Samsung tablets.
