Meet Kristin Frazer, Owner/Lead Designer of Trefle Designs in Tortola, British Virgin Islands and this weeks Woman in Business
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do professionally.
My name is Kristin Frazer and I am a third generation seamstress turned fashion designer. I own and operate my company of 7 years called Trefle. I concentrate on designing moderate luxury priced swimwear, resort wear and accessories for men, women and children.
What do you enjoy most about your profession and why did you choose it in the first place?
I enjoy that it was “natural” for me to design. Sewing has been ingrained in my blood and by the age of 7, I was making clothing and anything I could get my hands on that included fabric and accessories. Sewing was challenging as well and i always love a challenge.
What was the inspiration for your company/project?
My grandmother and mother were very influential in my upbringing with regards to fabric, fashion and trend. Fabric and textiles were always around me and I used their passion along with my culture and travels to birth the brand.
Tell us about any new projects you have coming up.
Since starting in 2008, I’ve grown to incorporate a kids swimwear line and a men’s line but I really wanted to tap into my textile bone and start creating original prints. This fuelled a love for home goods(which my mother loves) and now I have Home goods that are made for private clients(including bed scarves and throw pillows).
What is a typical day like for you?
MADNESS (lol)! Everyday is different and I don’t have a routine. I do try to stick to me “daily list” that is made almost every night. Most times this list turns into a 20 mile list and other times only 2 items gets checked off but no matter how slow or busy my day gets, I’m thankful for every moment of it because I can happily saying that I’m truly doing what I love.
Tell us about your community involvement – what you are passionate about outside of work and home and why/how you participate?
I was born and raised on the biggest island of the British Virgin Islands called Tortola and as a socialist, encouraging, helping to shape and teach others by example has been one of my main strengths in giving back to my community. From beach clean-ups with my youth group at my church to going into various public and private schools and sharing my story to help encourage a young person to actually teaching and mentoring 6 young aspiring fashion designers is just the beginning. Donating my time, resources and talents through other extra curricular activities like being a member of the Hon. Lavity Stoutt(HLSCC) Community College Woodwind Ensemble, HLSCC Community Choir, HLSCC College Chorale, Youth Choir Director, Youth Leader and other smaller community involved projects, I love it all and am thankful to be able to give back to my community in this way.
What is the biggest risk you ever took professionally and/or the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
Believing in my dreams and talent and taking the next step in making Trefle a reality was the biggest risk I ever took. Within 1 year, loosing close to $10,0000.00USD from starting Trefle was the biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome, and because of this it’s made my stronger.
From where do you draw inspiration? Who have been your role models, mentors, etc?
I LOVE to travel and draw inspiration from all over the world, but my main inspiration always comes from the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Our island are small but are rich in colours, textures, people that are vibrant and the ocean is my mood-board in itself! I admire and an inspired by Carolina Herrera who I was fortunate to intern with in Jan-April 2006.
What do you do to keep yourself sharp? What one thing have you done in the past year that has made a significant difference in your life/your business?
I love to sing and this is a self-motivator for me and an all around necessity to me staying sharp and focused. Last year, I decided to embrace Trefle to the fullest by re-branding the company(complete make-over) and it has been rewarding ever since.
What one thing would you like to learn this year?
My aim to get more knowledge of managing a business in general that can help secure balance for Trefle which is now starting to gain international exposure through celebrity endorsements and the use of social media and fashion presentations in the BVI, regionally throughout the Caribbean and the USA.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would love to have a flagship store for Trefle in the BVI with multiple buyer accounts throughout the Caribbean, USA and Europe. Trefle is a 100% Caribbean with international appeal and I believe that I can achieve that.
What do you do for fun/relaxation/entertainment?
Travel of course! Nothing says “ahhhhhh” than a good day at the beach as well. That’s a necessity.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
No thanks Im pleased with my answers and hope that my story is an inspiration to other women on a mission!
What’s the best way for the readers of WE Magazine for Women to connect with you ?
Please visit my website and social media below:
https://www.facebook.com/ TrefleDesigns/?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/trefleswim wear
https://www.instagram.com/tref ledesigns