All That's Left - IN Conversation with Lefthand LA
Photographed by Zhamak Fullad
Photography: Zhamak Fullad
Model: Natalie Weaver
Makeup: Colette Miller
Photo Assistant: Zhina Fullad
Interview: Isis Nicole
Though we've only met through emails, Julie Kucharski has the charm of a friend. Her favorite scent is gasoline (just like my sister Hydea), and she describes herself as a lover, fighter, and major thrifter. Growing up (just like me and maybe you), she enjoyed a conventional ethos of youth culture in the early 2000s: Limited Too, AOL chatrooms, and Gwen Stefani. But what eventually set the tone for her future as the founder of a handmade one-of-one repurposed fashion line, Left Hand LA, goes back to her experience in the 4th grade. At that time, Kucharski's mother had encouraged her to make her own clothes by learning to sew at her neighbor's. Her first design was a polka dot ribbon belt that she sold to her teacher for $40. From that point, sewing became a daily routine even as she continued into high school. It was then that Kucharski's education permitted an opportunity for her to start an independent study focused in fashion. In view of Kucharski's fostered creativity and DIY nature, she shares her decision to drop out of college, what it takes to fund her brand, and how she felt seeing Rihanna, Tommy Genesis, and Beyonce in her designs.
Isis Nicole: Did you imagine that you'd be where you are today?
Julie Kucharski: No way! I thought I was actually gonna be stuck doing something corporate, but I always wanted to be a designer and have my own brand on the side. I never imagined it would be like this.
IN: Where did you get your sense of style?
JK: My dad. I miss him so much everyday. He introduced me to thrifting and US based brands like American Apparel.
IN: What was it like moving to London from the south and then from London to LA?
JK: London was a shock at [the age of] 18. I’ve never learned so much in such a short period of time. The UK is a really cool country. I actually moved to Savannah, Georgia after London, tried to go to Savannah College of Art and Design then left college without my moms permission and ended up out west. She was ready to kill me but sometimes kids know what’s best for themselves. LA is my favorite city in the US. It’s so nice outside all the time and the city was built to help people make their dreams come true.
IN: Can you describe your most humble moment?
JK: My Beyonce moment was crazy, and the Fader article.
IN: What do you daydream about?
JK: Design. That’s what’s going thru my brain 24/7. Sometimes I’ll notice when I’m in an argument with someone and there’s a gap of silence, I’m not thinking about the altercation. All that’s on my mind is what I’m gonna create next.
IN: Did you always go against the odds?
JK: Oh my god, totally. I was such a weirdo when I was younger. Being bullied sucks, but I didn’t care. I have an even harder time pretending to be someone I’m not.
IN: If any, what mistake(s) have you made that you've learned to never repeat?
JK: Never underestimate your abilities and always take opportunities that come your way, even if you’re scared. There’s a first time for anything and confidence is key. Your brain has the ability to create whatever it is that you put your mind to.
IN: If you don't mind getting into strategy and funding, how do you make decisions in terms of marketing Left Hand LA, and what does it take to fund your brand?
JK: Marketing is much easier these days with Instagram and iPhones. I try to keep up with photoshoots, product shots, random events and all of that, but my focus is more on the design itself than the marketing because that’s what I’m interested in. I’ve met people that have made one article of clothing but their Instagram looks like they’ve had a clothing line forever. I’m the opposite. There’s so much more going on than what you see on the internet. Money is tough of course, but I don’t do this because I want money, I do it because I love it. I’ll die broke doing what I love everyday. But as long as I can pay my rent, and eat some ramen, the rest of my money goes directly back into the brand.
IN: If you could give advice, what are some essential habits in order to grow a business?
JK: Hard work pays off. Anything you do everyday, you will get good at eventually. If someone pushes you down, get back up. And don’t forget, networking is very valuable, even if you’re shy like me .
IN: What's the coolest thing you've learned about yourself?
JK: That’s a tough question. I’m going to be honest, overtime I’ve learned I’m not even the best designer. I just love it so much and work so hard at it that it all works out. I’m a baby [laughs]. One big hardworking boss baby.
IN: Is there anything that has changed or made an impact on your worldview?
JK: LA has changed a lot for me. Not everyone on the earth has good intentions and not everyone is telling the truth. I’m a sensitive human with a big heart, but the industry has definitely helped me grow a thicker skin.
IN: What do you want to be remembered for?
JK: Creating something out of nothing.
IN: What motivates you now?
JK: My fans. As much as I do this for me, if I didn’t have an audience cheering me on me on I would’ve given up a long time ago.
IN: You've already achieved your goal of having Rihanna and Beyonce in your pieces. What would ultimately make you happiest when everything is said and done?
JK: I want to do this forever. I want multiple brands and stores worldwide. I want a verified check by my name. I want a Vogue article.
IN: What comes to mind when you think of the word "increase"?
JK: Audience. If I could increase one thing overnight it wouldn’t be my money, it would be the people watching.