On Sustainable Fashion And Pop-Up Boutiques: Lucid Voyage
Today, we’re chatting with our first resident creative of 2022, Lucid Voyage.
Veronica talks balancing burnout, childhood vision and her luckiest vintage finds.
As an Austin-based fashion boutique, Lucid Voyage offers unique clothing curation and custom designs. Last month, she took over our headquarters to explore her approach to sustainable fashion, upcycling and clothing waste reduction. If you missed the series, you can still get to know Veronica and her boutique below.
ABOUT VERONICA HOOD AND LUCID VOYAGE
“Hi! I’m Veronica, owner and operator of all things Lucid Voyage. Growing up, I was always involved in fashion. I began sketching and sewing at a young age, and when you asked me what I was going to be when I grew up, I would say the owner of a fashion boutique. As time went on, I lost a bit of that vision but still remained involved in the fashion industry as a stylist for photoshoots and working for Miu Miu in their NYC showroom. I moved to Austin 5 years ago, and as soon as I landed my energy felt renewed, and that childhood vision came back.
Lucid Voyage was established in fall of 2019. To be honest, at first, I just wanted to sell cute clothes, and vintage seemed the easiest to obtain when first starting out. As the business evolved, I dove deeper into the world of sustainable fashion and the importance of it, which eventually brought me to the decision that Lucid Voyage would be a sustainable fashion brand. As of right now, Lucid Voyage offers a selection of unique vintage, reworked pieces and custom designs made from vintage fabrics. I also offer styling advice, creative direction and love to work one on one with clients to help them reimagine/redesign a piece.”
GET TO KNOW VERONICA HOOD:
1. How do you want people to feel when wearing your pieces?
Fun, happy, confident, stylish, cool.
2. Describe your approach to clothing curation and upcycling — where do you find your pieces?
Most of the vintage clothes are sourced from estate sales as well as the vintage fabrics I use for customs. I’m very picky when it comes to sourcing. The clothing needs to be in good condition aka no holes or stains that can’t be fixed and must fit the Lucid Voyage aesthetic which tends to be fun, unique, colorful, on trend. I usually only upcycle pieces I feel could use an extra flare, and for those I always use secondhand trimmings. Austin Creative Reuse is a great resource for that.
3. How did you first become interested in sustainable fashion?
I first became interested in sustainable fashion in 2013. I took a sustainable fashion summer course at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Before that, I wasn’t familiar with the term or what it was. That summer, I learned a lot that really opened my eyes to the future of fashion.
4. Your style in three emojis?
🌈❤️🔥🌸
5. Tell us about your proudest find.
My favorite find has to be this gorgeous 1970’s tan suede penny lane coat with the most luxe fur trim cuffs and collar. I found it at an estate sale in West Texas tucked away at the back of closet. When I spotted it, I gasped, and then I gasped again when I realized it fit perfectly.
6. What trend should we leave behind in 2021?
Honestly, I can’t think of one. I love fashion and can see the beauty in all trends. It’s fun — the different ways we can express ourselves.
7. How do you balance burnout and running a creative business?
It’s hard. I used to get really down on myself for feeling burnt out and uninspired, but then I realized that just put me more into a rut. As my business and creativity has evolved, I’m now more aware of when burnout is coming on, and I embrace it and accept the invitation to recharge and come back better.
8. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in managing a sustainable fashion boutique?
Sourcing quality product. When it comes to sourcing vintage clothing and fabric in particular, it is all about the hunt and very often the hunt can end up being a waste of time and energy. Every so often you hit a jackpot, and it’s all worth it.
9. What are you most excited about for the new year?
I’m super excited to see what this year has in store for Lucid Voyage. I feel that every year I become more confident in the business I’m running, and because of that, more opportunities present themselves.
Want to stay involved with creators like Veronica through Future Front Texas?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.