Tauren Strickland, Grammy nominated singer songwriter and founder/ creative director of The Edge of Earth fashion house
Previous experience: overcoming doubt
What got you into your career? tell us your story
I’ve always been into music and fashion and I took a huge risk on myself around 2016 to leave my corporate career in healthcare and follow my dreams and align with my destiny through faith in God. Thankfully it all worked out and I can truly say risk = reward.
What was your style like as a teenager?
I think as a teenager I was always the kid who was up on the new and undiscovered stuff from music to fashion and I’d say my style was definitely heavily influenced by hip hop style and the artist that I looked up to in the industry during that era.
How has your culture influenced the way you see fashion?
I think being a part of the culture naturally impacted how I saw fashion and my upbringing of seeing my cousins and older friends dress and act helped me aspire to want to be fresh.
Was there a specific moment that made you feel a pull to create The Edge of Earth? A first piece that felt right?
The initial moment that lead to me creating EOE was when I was driving with a friend down PCH on the way to my home in Malibu at the time and as we were graced by the beautiful coastline he mentioned “do you ever think that you live on the edge of earth?” And I was like wow I really do. And soon as we got home I hit up my graphic guy and was like I need a logo for this asap I have an idea for a brand.
Where does your process begin when you’re developing something new?
My process always starts with building a world , defining the character that lives in it , and doing the research for inspiration of that feeling/ vibe I want to achieve.
Whats has been the hardest part of the journey so far?
The hardest part of the journey has also been the most rewarding honestly. Taking something that’s in your mind and bringing it to life at a scalable level that’s also recognized by others as something creative and inspiring but also wearable is an achievement in itself yet one of the hardest things to work towards because sometimes along the way there are times when execution becomes difficult but you have to push through.
Where have you personally felt the strongest crossover between music and fashion in your journey?
I think the strongest crossover between music and fashion is always remembering that they both aim to tell the story of community as well as show individually inside of that ecosystem.
What feeling are you trying to create for someone wearing The Edge of Earth?
When someone is wearing The Edge of Earth I want them to feel like the best versions of themselves I want our clothes to literally empower people of all backgrounds to feel as though they can accomplish anything and look their best while doing it
What does success look like for your art in the future?
Success in the future for me looks like creating generational wealth and a platform for my family to continue to thrive from what I’m building.
Advice you would give someone starting their own brand?
Be relentless and don’t ever let the vision you see for yourself / your brand be diluted by doubt or setbacks it’s all a learning experience along the way. Stay sharp and faithful in your purpose and God
What do you want to shift or challenge in the culture through your work?
I want to continue to challenge stereotypes and breaking those stock characters that sometimes people get stuck in playing.
