Once the pandemic hit, I knew life wouldn't return to normal any time soon. My boyfriend (now fiancée) and I doubled down and decided to start a family and move to Atlanta. Now after several months "off", I'm ready to tiptoe back into making dresses and not just giant baby boys. This is a whole new "work from home" experience for me as I raise a child while running a business.

Covid changed things for us as a company for sure. Try opening a sequin shop in a pandemic. We made sequin masks and that helped us stay afloat. Now people are learning to live with things and we see an upsurge in people getting more going-out clothes. We have also developed a new day to evening collection which is a more comfortable fit for those only half ready to transition out of their pajamas.

I think our art is most important now, more than ever. It creates an emotional outlet during a time full of uncertainty and doubt. I think a lot of amazing designs will come out of this throughout the industry. Honestly, I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future for me. I just know I have to keep creating.

This past year has been challenging to say the least. I think it's caused all small businesses to pivot constantly with every obstacle thrown at them. What I'm hoping for is to be more honest with my work and create pieces that have a lasting impression while continuing to be conscious of my carbon footprint.

The pandemic has reminded me how important a balanced lifestyle is. In order to reach my highest level of creativity, I have to allow myself to be inspired by life, relationships, and adventure! This balance was ultimately the catalyst that led me to reimagining the presentation of my collection into a virtual format. It’s also inspiring to see all of us designers pivot our focus to mask making and other avenues like alterations and styling.

If the pandemic taught me anything, it's that plans change. Things that used to be concrete feel like quicksand now, so I'm learning to stay nimble and stay positive. As plans change without warning, it can feel like a constant state of emergency. Staying positive keeps me moving forward... and forward is good!!

During this time, I have gained a closer connection with those in the community and greater appreciation of my priorities. I have used the slower pace of the pandemic to immerse myself within my craft by growing the plants I use to dye clothing, making my own fabric with a loom, and repurposing vintage textiles. I hope that as we come out of the pandemic, we make more intentional choices about the clothing we wear.

Because of the pandemic, my brand’s kick-off was temporarily postponed. It was devastating to watch the fashion industry as a whole, including H. Lane Design, take a massive hit. However, I believe because of this, people are paying more attention to the benefits of sustainability and eco-friendly fashion. Which, now, inspires me to continue to create art through fashion, while remaining eco-friendly!

The past year has given me a chance to reflect and refresh; and now, I am ready to rediscover. I am optimistic and driven to be part of the solution in our world. Ken.drama takes pride in our love for the Nashville community! I want the women that I design for to feel ready for the new world that is emerging! No matter what race, age, or size we are to be CELEBRATED.

When the pandemic began, I pivoted to mask making - something I never imagined I would be designing! It felt wonderful to be able to create a needed safety item, especially when there was such a shortage, and also bring a little joy to a scary time in the world with happy, colorful and sparkly designs. These days, I have happily returned to designing and selling clothing! It is so exciting to see that people are more eager than ever to dress up and enjoy life! These difficult times have certainly taught us to appreciate the small things!

My life and work have profoundly changed since Covid disrupted society and my treasured dog Bowie had a traumatic spinal injury. Rehabilitating Bowie (he walks again!) forced me to massively slow down, return to my roots and analyze my work. Best known for my custom coats since 2004, I am now exclusively focusing on them and I morphed my custom design process which spiritually extracts the coat of my clients’ dreams (now via Zoom and Fedex).

My life during the pandemic has shifted for the better with the extra time viewed as a gift and utilized as such. I've learned a much greater appreciation for the community. As the Designer and Creator of Ola Mai, this time has unveiled the opportunity to slow down and reevaluate. Allowing me to delve into my true vision for Ola Mai. The fashion industry that I want to be a part of is mindful of its effects on our world and intentional in its role not to harm, but to empower.

The pandemic has only solidified our core belief in slow, sustainable fashion. We were always a label made up of handcrafted, vintage pieces reimagined for a new life. Our customers want to know who is making their clothes. They want a personal touch. There is something powerful about storytelling and the longing to find connection has been heightened by this historic event. Clothing is a tool to express ourselves and to help tell that story.

Fortunately, our business has not changed since Covid. We are focused on online sales, wholesale, and a direct sales program. We sell our clothing to normal women around the world so they can start their own boutique! This is perfect for people who have lost income due to Covid. Social media isn’t going anywhere, and now is the time to capitalize on it. Creating one-of-a-kind fashion has always presented major hurdles, but nothing we cannot jump over.

On March 3rd 2019 my home and atelier were hit by a tornado. Despite delays and setbacks caused by the pandemic, the repairs have since been completed! The ordeal has been a chance to rebuild the space into something uniquely magical, a space where clients can feel comfortable and safe. After a year of destruction and rebirth, I am very excited for a future of helping to make people's clothing dreams a reality.