Designer Spotlight: Dokonoko
- What made you decide to venture out on your own and leave the corporate world?
I never really thought I would end up working for a large corporate retailer. It just kind of happened that after graduating from design school I moved to New York, basically broke, and got a really great job at a major retail brand. I moved around to a few other similar corporate jobs through the years; learning as much as I could from the companies and my co-workers. After about six years, fed up with the pace of the fast fashion world and feeling like I had a strong foundation of the business, I made my move. I saved up a lot of money and had been working on Dokonoko for over a year so it seemed as good a time as any.
- What is the best part about owning your own business?
The freedom to be your own boss! Of course, it is stressful and super scary to put yourself and your work out there but it’s also so rewarding and exciting!
- Tell us about your brand and what sets you apart?
The word Dokonoko is a Japanese saying without a direct English translation. It’s a simple expression of curiosity that raises a profound set of questions about identity and origin.
Dokonoko celebrates unique and empowered women. We take pride in the fact that everything is made in the NYC Garment District and that we are participating in a female owned business community.
Dokonoko style represents a playful yet classic sensibility of Tokyo contrasted with the fearless, bold attitude of New York City. The brand is a play on the concepts of Japanese and American cultures, femininity and feminism, identity and stereotypes, and the seriousness of the retail world.
- What long-term opportunities do you see for your creative viewpoint and products?
We are hoping to create and capture a “Dokonoko Girl” and in turn a community. We would love to someday expand our business as a lifestyle brand with a store front to sell other independent designers as well as exhibit visual and graphic artists. But for now, we are taking it one day at a time 🙂
- What one line of advice can you offer to others who are considering a change in their career?
Always be open to new opportunities because you never know what you can get out of the experiences. Also, learn as much as you can from other people and other businesses before you start your own!
You can find the brand below:
Website- https://dokonoko.com/
Instagram- dokonoko.nyc
Facebook- dokonokonyc
Pat Nugent