Mary Korlin-Downs stands as a prominent figure within Seattle's fashion community. Hailing from Minnesota, she made a significant move to Seattle in 2022 and has since been on an upward trajectory. As a self-proclaimed 'fashion tech girly', she has ingeniously harnessed the power of social media and her distinct sense of style to carve out a burgeoning career.
Unlock the Fashion Tech Potential with Mary Korlin-Downs
Early Beginnings on TikTok
Since 2020, Korlin-Downs has been actively posting on TikTok. However, it was only after her move to Seattle that her platform truly started to gain traction. She attributes a large part of her success to discovering her niche in the fashion technology industry. By sharing educational videos on fashion and her creative campaigns using AI or DIY projects at home, she began to build a substantial following on both TikTok and Instagram.She didn't stop there. Korlin-Downs also took it upon herself to host several networking events, aiming to foster a sense of community within Seattle's fashion landscape. Alongside her fiancé, she even launched the design and creative agency Cropd.co.Navigating Career Pivots
After securing a full-time job in the fashion tech sector, Korlin-Downs witnessed a need for knowledge among her followers. This led her to use TikTok as a platform to educate others about the fashion tech landscape. Her videos sparked online discussions and curiosity, as she expertly explained and broke down complex concepts for viewers.In 2023, faced with layoffs, Korlin-Downs and her fiancé decided to create their design and creative agency. Having built a strong network of fashion tech industry professionals, this move became a natural progression. They now work with founders, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, with their former clients now forming the core of their business.Creative Campaigns and Brand Deals
With several brand deals under her belt, including collaborations with UGG, Levi's, and Seattle-based retailer Pipe and Row, Korlin-Downs is making a name for herself in the industry. These tangible achievements serve as a testament to her hard work, passion, and purpose.She focuses not only on the final results of her fashion campaigns but also documents the entire creative process. Every detail is intentional, allowing her to showcase the depth and artistry behind her work.Inspiration from Seattle
Seattle serves as her greatest source of inspiration. With a limited budget, she makes the most of her surroundings. Instead of going to big budget studios, she ventures to the grocery store and explores the city's unique landscapes. This accessibility has enabled her to easily dip her toes into creative realms, as seen in her Marc Jacobs campaign using cherries, which sparked conversations for various reasons.Keep following Mary's journey on Instagram and TikTok to witness more of her remarkable work. Kelly Stroh is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined, and you can explore more of her work here.