An invaluable benefit to being a Meetings & Events venue is getting to meet all our clients. A great deal of them are fellow small business owners – our neighbors and peers in the vibrant community of Chicagoland entrepreneurs.
Over the course of several photoshoots they booked in our space last year, we got to know one of the most unique and creative clients to come through our space: 803life is a Chicago-based women’s fashion brand founded by visual abstract artist, celebrity stylist and published designer, Glow Williams.
Get to know this Black-owned business making its mark on the fashion landscape. Perhaps you’ll be collaborating with 803life soon!
Catalyst Ranch: When you arrived for your first shoot here, we were as surprised and charmed with your fashions as folks tell us they are of our colorful space! Tell us more about the ideas behind your business and how 803life came to be.
Glow Williams: 803life is a hand painted and custom fashion line, a premium brand that caters to women. The inspiration behind the name of my brand is my oldest son. His birth month and day is August third, 8/03. He passed at a young age. A year after I became an artist, I envisioned my art on clothing, abstract art. Abstract art and empowering words is the focus of each design. When I first started I only designed denim jeans. Now my brand is known for women boots and blazers/jackets.
And how long have you been in business?
803life has been in business for 7 years.
In those seven years, you’ve been featured in many fashion magazines and blogs and worn by the likes of Tisha Cambell, Garcelle Beauvais and more. What is your biggest focus right now, in terms of projects or goals?
We are working on getting our boot collection manufactured and distributed in two of the biggest online boutiques. We also have a modeling team. Our modeling team provides professional modeling services to aspiring and experienced models. My goal is to expand our team of models to different states around the world.
We’ve been inspired by the beautiful art of your garments and 803life’s empowering energy. Maybe it’s just a business crush on our part, but do you feel the connection between our two businesses, too? What brings you back?
We did a google search of locations we could use for our monthly photoshoots. Catalyst Ranch stood out because of its location, design layout and space. The vibrant colors and decor feels like home, and not only that every one that is there is so helpful and makes us feel so comfortable.
We love creativity and thinking outside the box. From what/where/who do you draw inspiration for creativity and new ideas?
There is a long list of abstract artist and fashion designers I look up to, but every time I create a piece I keep in mind originality, being myself or not trying to copy anyone is what inspires me and keeps me creative.
We’re so grateful to know you and your team. Keep up the creative work!
Find more about 803life and Glow Williams at 803life.com and @803life on all social platforms.
Learn more about booking CR for your next video or photoshoot!
