Interview with Tamara Holder of Baydian

Photos by Coldren Photography

I was introduced to Tamara Holder of Baydian in a private Facebook group for Caribbean bloggers. Originally from Barbados and living in the mid-west of the U.S. (Caribbean people are everywhere!), she had an amazing accessory line of handmade scarves which include various textiles and hand-painted designs. Through her style posts and Youtube videos, Tamara shows us how to style the scarves from head to toe Baydian Girl style. Unique, niche and completely in her own lane, she recently participated in Fashion Week Columbus 2015 where she showcased the line on the runway.

Tamara is not just a designer and blogger, but she’s co-founded the Caribbean Girls Who Blog movement with fellow Caribbean blogger Nia of Glam Savvy Style, an new resource for blogger sharing, inspiring and keeping us motivated.

Tell us about your Caribbean background?

I was born in Barbados, a small paradise but my home all the same. I lived there until I was 15 years old. During that time I participated in everything art I could get my hands on. In fact, my favorite event to attend was the NIFCA Performing Arts Finale held every November as a part of the Barbados independence celebrations. It was great to see the my countrymen participate in cultural traditions, particularly in dance. There was also track and field season during the Spring, which I absolutely loved. Besides the hype, the fashion displayed during the events was a must-see. Oh and how could I forget about netball? I actually loved to play that during P.E. Definitely miss that.

How would you describe your style and vibe?

I’m asked this question a lot, especially as it pertains to my company. The best way to describe my style is cultural sexy. That’s because I create and wear fashion that has a deeply cultural reference. It can be either obvious or subtle but it references a mindset or lifestyle anyway. Now my vibe, I refer to as beyond bold and brave. I don’t just wear items or create products because they’re on trend. I create and wear items that are versatile and can be styled to make a personal statement on the everyday runway.

How did your design career start?

When I was born! But seriously, it started at a young age. My mom realized my gift for arts and crafts from a young age and she made sure to help me develop my skills. I truly thank her for that. As I grew older, I began to choose arts in my education and as my preferred way of spending my downtime. That resulted in me creating scarves at age 11 as a hobby and from then on, it’s been history.

What made you work exclusively with scarves?

Creating scarves was actually a byproduct of my love for textiles after doing a project in my art class in 3rd form at Harrison College in Bim (aka Barbados). Besides that, I believe that scarves are universal. No matter the culture, gender or religion, anyone can relate to the beauty of a scarf, just like art. In fact, I started my business exclusively with scarfs because they are wearable art.

Any plans to branch into other accessories or clothing?

I’ve always said that the sky’s the limit with textiles! Scarves are only one aspect. I would love to branch out into gloves, hats and menswear. Like I said, my brand has unlimited potential!

What’s the most challenging part of being a designer and running your business?

In this season of my business, I’d say my biggest challenge is balancing my creative mind with my business mindset. It sounds confusing but simply put, I usually just want to create content and products all day but having a business also demands doing accounting, figuring out logistics, managing a team, and tons of other minute details. For my free-spirit, it’s hard to remember to do both and I’m sure others creatives would agree.

You recently showcased your designs at Columbus Fashion Week, tell me about that experience?

First, I must say that what the public doesn’t realize is that the preparation for the show was 3-4 months in the making. It’s a lot of work! The beginning of this adventure began with casting for a spot in the show. I have to admit that I was scared out of my mind. My comfort zone is scarves not clothing but I’m happy for those who encouraged me to do it. After casting, I made it to the top 10 but landed in the bottom 4 so the committee created an Instagram contest, asking the public to make the final decision. Needless to say, I won and then began to create my finale collection. We had fittings each month where we got to work with the models, select shoes and share our pieces with the style director. Then, before we knew it, the finale day was there!

What are your next few goals for The Baydian Collection?

In the coming year, my focus is to fix the operational threats Baydian has and could possibly encounter. I also plan to bring the Baydian product to the customer via pop-up shops and a strong presence in boutiques locally and nationally. Maybe even internationally.

Social: Facebook | Instagram

Direction, Pina Colada, Motion _ Yellow

Mikelah

Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.

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