Meet Claire Harlin | Fashion designer and brand owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire Harlin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I first started my business I was working nonstop, sometimes pulling all-nighters! I was so determined to make it work. But what I have realized is that taking a step back can actually help you grow the business. In my case, for example, I had my first child a little over four years ago, and I had no choice but to delegate the bulk of the day-to-day operations. Having that time away from my business to focus on motherhood and feed my soul actually fed my creativity too. It allowed me to step back and see the bigger picture, to put out new strategies and designs, and when I started working again after a few months of personal maternity leave I was able to expand the clothing line and double the brand’s sales. Since then, Ive had another daughter, and learned that I’m at my best in business when I’m getting enough time with them. I also have learned how to make the best use of my time when you don’t have much of it available! Work life balance has been one of my biggest keys to success!

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is Classic Rock Couture. It is a retail shop (both online and brick-and-mortar) but we are most recognized by the brand name itself. My designs are shipped worldwide and have been spotted in many movies and TV shows! And that still is so surreal. I had no formal training in fashion, but I had so many ideas for clothing that I *knew* I must create because there was nothing like it and it had to exist! So after many sleepless night and trial and error I’ve learned how to design and have manufactured my designs, and I am learning more every day. I’m most known for my bomber jackets which have a 70s western vibe, but im currently expanding the brand to include a much bigger variety of designs! It’s always scary to put out a new design— There’s the fear that nobody will like it. But I feel so connected to my customers that so far they have yet to reject any of my ideas. I hope I can continue giving people rad things to wear and hold their trust in that regard.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Bisbee!!!

I would tell them to stay at the Shady Dell — Full disclosure; that’s my husband’s business but I wouldn’t shout it out if I didn’t believe it to be a truly incredible and unique GEM. You can also enjoy a delicious meal cooked by our amazing chef Josh and have a classic cocktail from the bar that’s built out of a mid-50s Airstream. There’s live music on the weekends and it’s where you can find me MOST of the time! Such a special place!

Also in Bisbee you must
– get pastries at Patisserie Jacqui
– eat at Cafe Roka
– eat at Taqueria Outlaw
– catch live music at the Quarry
– see a magic show at The Seance Room
– get a tour from the original Old Bisbee Ghost Tour
– go to a yoga or aerial class at Aerie Studio
– get a drink from Tiki Meeks on Tiki Tuesdays at The Bisbee Social Club
– catch a show at the Hitching Post
– eat at the Copper Pig
– shop at Bitchin Pickens
– see a show at the Bisbee Courtyard
– buy soap from Bisbee Soap and Sundry
– and of course shop at Classic Rock Couture

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out the Startup Tucson Thryve program which is a business incubator I was accepted to around 2017. I believe the program is no longer is around due to funding, but I was so lucky to have gotten this training. Tony Ford was one of the mentors there and has continued to be a supportive mentor to this day. I really had never had any actual mentors or people in my life who believed in me like the instructors and classmates there did, and it gave me such a boost. Not only did that program teach me how to take risks but it made me feel much less alone in the path to success. When I think about that path, I realize that the Thryve program was a turning point; Things really took off after that. Im forever grateful.

Website: Www.classicrockcouture.com

Instagram: @classicrockcouture

Facebook: Facebook.com/classicrockcouture

Yelp: https://s.yelp.com/IRfXGhZKVa

Other: Tiktok @classicrockcouture

Image Credits:
Kathryn Loring/Desert Rose Visual Arts for the first main photo.
Credit for the photo with the horse is Sally Brooks