Erin Robertson won season 15 of "Project Runway" when she wowed the judges with her bold colors, bold silhouettes, and banana-print garments.
After winning the fashion reality show, Robertson launched her An_Erin clothing line. Her brand sells everything from winter coats to button-down shirts. Even Heidi Klum, the notable former host of the show, wore pieces from her mask collection created in March 2020.
Robertson recently launched an at-home nail dip kit with influencer product development group InKlout. This kit helps users to do home manicure.
When the Covid-19 pandemic caused many to walk away from her jobs, Robertson found a niche in the market. With her line of face masks and her nail kit, she joined the 3.8 million people who started a new business this year.
Robertson spoke to Insider about creating business opportunities when the world needs them and fighting imposter syndrome. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
I am from Provo, Utah. I grew up surrounded by Mormons. My mother always told me that I could become anything I put my mind to; however, my teachers and the community expected her to make me a housewife.
I also thought so for a while. I didn't expect to become anything. Even at this stage in my life I often have to remind myself that I won Project Runway, that I am talented, and that I can make money as a female entrepreneur.
In 2015, I won «Project Runway». One of the reasons I was so successful on the show was because I'm a very malleable person. We were given challenges by presenters—such as designing a coming-out-inspired outfit using unconventional materials—and we had to figure out how to do it.
With every challenge, I thought, "I'll do it," whereas other designers might think, "That's not my thing, that's not what I do." But that was the point. We had to solve it regardless of the restrictions or limits that the challenge imposed on us.
In a way, the Covid-19 pandemic was like a big challenge. We had to figure it out. I can't believe I just linked "Project Runway" to the coronavirus.
When the pandemic hit, I had no intention of starting a mask business, but ended up making them because they were needed. Within 10 days of the pandemic, there was a shortage. So I walked five kilometers to my studio because I didn't want to take the train, and I started making them with the fabrics I had left over.
I documented my mask making process on social media. When I saw the need for explanatory videos on its preparation, I also created them for my followers. I got 30,000 more followers on Instagram at the beginning of the pandemic, just with that content. Later, Heidi Klum wore my design in the shape of a bow, which helped to increase my brand awareness even more.
As a designer, my hands have always been my tools. When nail salons closed and I couldn't get my nails done regularly, I wanted to find a way to bring that area back to my creative process. So I worked with InKlout to create a kit that would give clients salon-quality nails without having to go to a salon.
Participating in something so new was really exciting. But finding the perfect balance between all these facets—life, business, and creative passion—is the hardest thing in the world.
I think social networks play an important role in it. I don't post every time I question myself, but I think it's important to share authenticity. Otherwise, accelerated media consumption can lead to real fatigue. If you don't take time to reflect, it's hard to remember who you are.
My biggest advice to anyone in a creative or business role is to take breaks when you need to. Get some holidays. Don't tell the world where you're going, or just take a minute to breathe. Otherwise, you will get lost in the mix.
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