Spotlight On Local: Soul Studio
Soul Studio is a Natural Dye House and Slow Fashion Label owned by Mother/Daughter Duo Melissa and Carol Hargus. The company is driven and inspired by a strong passion to connect with the natural world in our everyday lives.
Why did you develop the brand you did? What does it mean to you and what do you think it means to your clients?
We developed Soul Studio to create art and celebrate the natural world simultaneously. Carol is a 4th generation seamstress and has always had an obsession with textiles and Melissa has an unhealthy obsession with flowers and ikebana style floral arranging. One day we were working in close proximity and decided to use flowers to naturally dye fabrics, we haven't looked back since.
This brand means the world to us, it is our biggest passion and we hope that our clients see it as a gift and a way to connect deeper with the natural world.
What is the favorite piece you make or sell? Why does it stand out?
Our current favorite piece would have to be the Kimono, we feel like since it's such a statement piece (and since it's a larger piece of fabric) it really shows off the beauty of the natural print and colors. The way the silk flows and moves with the body also really excites us with this garment especially.
How has being an entrepreneur affected the way you view the world?
Being entrepreneurs has taught us a lot about the everyday struggles that each business faces and has given us such an appreciation for every role that each person plays in a company. We believe it takes a team and would be nothing without ours!
Does being a business owner impact your personal life? How?
Being business owners definitely means less free time and having to really work towards balancing every day. It's changed both of our lives in that we plan our personal lives around our business' needs.
What do you hope will change about your business in five years?
In five years we hope to have grown and expanded our business immensely. We have big visions for this company and hope that we will be able to connect with many beautiful people and collaborate with other like minded businesses along this journey.
What do you hope will be the same about your business in five years?
We hope that we will have the same amazing team growing with us for years to come and of course we hope to still be based in Austin! We also know that we will always keep a strong hold on our integrity, our brand will remain sustainably and ethically minded.
How do you try to support Austin women?
Supporting Austin women is something we take seriously and always support our sisters by networking, showing up and directly supporting their companies (vote with your dollar $$$).
What can the city government or local community do to support your business (besides visiting it more)?
That's a good question! We really feel that the city should help create more budget friendly real estate options for small businesses. Individual consumers can always spread the word and become advocates for the brands in this town that they love and want to see thrive!
What about your brand or yourself do you most associate with Austin? How does it reflect Austin?
Soul Studio embodies everything Austin is about: Art and Nature. Carol has been here for over 30 years and Melissa is born and raised here, it's safe to say we have a deep appreciation for this city.
If you were allowed to only eat one food every day for the rest of your life, but it provided you all the nutrition you needed, what would that food be and what do you love about it?
Avocados! They're full of healthy fats and oils that keep you healthy and hydrated. They taste amazing and you can totally dye with them (pink tones!) What's not to love about Avocados?!
