Hello! My name is Robin N. Fator, I am a Northern California native. I was born and raised in Redding, a small town that is surrounded by many beautiful lakes and mountains. I left high school at 15 and went on to get an art degree with a photography focus from my local community college and graduated at age 18. That same year I got married to the love of my life, and by age 20 we had started our family. We have 2 boys now, ages 15 and 9. Fashion design allows me to be creative and participate in any beautiful fantasy of my choosing. I love seeing my vision come to life in the clothes I create. My resume is lengthy and includes: homeschooling my children, managing my small business, fashion designing, business coaching, teaching Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship classes, being a self-published author and fashion stylist. My dreams include: producing a Dark Pony Designs fashion show, hiring sewing help, publishing an editorial look book for a high fashion Dark Pony Designs collection, small batch manufacturing, styling a photoshoot for Vogue, helping empower creative women, and writing a best-selling book.
The Dark Pony Designs brand is Classic Glamour for the Modern Babe — a handmade fashion collection for women that includes bridal, special occasion, jewelry and accessories. I specialize in made-to-order wedding separates, tulle skirts, strapless dresses, unique jewelry, gloves and costumes. My customer is a woman who loves to have fun, turn heads, and be the life of the party. Dark Pony Designs is inspired by old hollywood glamour, Madonna, and rock and roll icons like David Bowie. Each item is made one at a time in my home studio. Most of the clothing I create can be customized to the buyer’s specifications. Etsy has allowed me to reach buyers all over the world who support independent designers. I am so grateful to be part of the handmade marketplace.
I will spend the loan on:
a new computer $1500;
a new sewing machine $1000;
basic photo equipment $800;
hiring sewing help/pattern making $2000;
small batch manufacturing of bestselling items $2000;
producing and photographing a high fashion collection for the runway $2700.
I expect to increase revenue by $10,000 and profits by 15% in the first year. With this loan my business will finally have the possibility to move beyond what one person can do with limited time, money and the restrictions of outdated equipment.
Having access to affordable manufacturing, skilled sewing help, and creating an inventory of popular items in a limited run, will mean the world to my business and family. It will mean the difference between stagnation and becoming a presence in the independent fashion design world. We are so proud of how far we have come — to have persevered, grown, and stayed afloat financially for the last 7 years — but the time has come to push Dark Pony Designs even farther forward and we need your help!