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

Hi Mackenzie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always found my skills to be in artistic expression. I originally thought that would be through the performing arts as I had been a singer all my life. However, I fell into sewing in college through my theatre program’s costume studio and there learned and discovered a talent and true love for making beautiful clothes from nothing but a sketch and flat fabric. The process of making an idea into reality really encapsulated the whole “story telling” process that theatre production pursues. From there I realized that our everyday clothes tell a story too. Our style choices tell the story of our lives, where we’ve been, our experiences and how we choose to interact with the world around us. I love the opportunity to help people of all shapes and sizes express themselves and tell their story.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I transitioned to sewing for fashion designers slowly, gaining a new contract here and there for small designers in the various cities I’ve lived. Each of these brands gave me the opportunity to learn new patterning skills and gave me a very important view into what running a small business takes. Through their example I stuck out on my own with my label Simpler Clothing Co. Simpler has gone through a few iterations since its launch often inspired by the nature surrounding me at the time. While living in Raleigh I found the style of the brand to emulate the costal south eastern colors, light blues whites and billowing, beach-y shapes. Since moving to Arizona I have leaned into the western style that my first few pieces eluded to. The rough terrain, tall pines and mountains of Flagstaff continue to inspire the work-wear style silhouettes I make today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I always take visitors to hike West Fork first, yes because it’s pretty and fun, but if I’m being honest its because lunch at Indian Gardens after a hike is the closest I’ve felt to heaven. I never skip happy hour at pay and take, except maybe one evening to catch the sunset in the meadow at Aspen Corner.
As a Neapolitan pizza connoisseur, I insist everyone does dinner at Pizzacletta and if there is room for a night cap the last glass of wine from Flg Terrior is a must.
Finally before that afternoon flight home I take my guests for a leisurely breakfast at Foret.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For all of my sewing knowledge I am forever indebted to my mentor Michele Alford. During my undergrad career she recognized the potential in me and nurtured my confidence and skills, eventually hiring me post grad and trusting me with project that scared me. The whole TCU Costume Studio staff and my student co-workers created an environment where I could grow and learn more than I ever thought possible.

Website: https://simplerclothing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplerclothingco/

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