Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hausch
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I first learned how to sew from my grandma after taking a Greyhound bus across the country at age 14. It was from that point on that sewing became an important and constant avenue of expression in my life. Having always been drawn to historical clothing rather than contemporary fashions, sewing turned out to be an endless source of inspiration; one which had me looking through my high school’s vintage yearbooks and scouring small town antique stores for retro patterns and bold textiles.
In the summer of 2021, I posted on Instagram a pair of shorts I made using a vintage cotton seed feedsack I had found at an antique store and, much to my surprise, people asked if they could commission a pair! Fast forward a year and a half later and many, many commissions later, Leftover Luck Apparel was officially born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running your own business (ie. being the creative director, digital strategist, customer support, designer & seamstress) is a ton of work. While it felt natural to adopt a business name and make it more “official,” there was a lot of self doubt that got in my way. Had it not been for my friends and loved ones who always pushed and supported me, I might not be here!
We’ve been impressed with Leftover Luck Apparel, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Every single garment is made to order, which means it is made to your exact measurements. I only use vintage farm feed/seed sacks, meaning every item is sustainable sourced from already existing materials! How often can you say that about a contemporary clothing brand? These feedsacks are an important part of midwestern history, ranging from the 1930s to 1980s in age. Each garment is 100% unique and can never be copied. I like to consider them wearable art.
While I specialize in making straight leg trousers or shorts with an adjustable tie waist, I will happily take commissions for skirts, button ups or anything else that strikes your fancy! I also have a lifetime warrantee on any item I make — so if for some reason it needs to be mended, I got you covered free of charge.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Rely on your community. Ask for help — and most importantly, believe in yourself. It sounds cheezy, but it’s true. If you don’t trust in yourself no one else will. You got this!
Pricing:
- Shorts – $160
- Pants – $260
Contact Info:
