Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Tarbell.
Hi Melinda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my career as a fashion stylist in Los Angeles, CA and have had the privilege of an artistic journey that spans commercials, print adverting, celebrity editorial and red carpet events. I am still very active in my styling career today and FOUND Vintage, CO. has been a dream for the last decade that finally had a chance to come to life in 2024. I love styling and creating a story with clothing, FOUND has been a vehicle for me to expand and challenge myself with Creative Photo Direction and building my own brand. My family relocated from Los Angeles, CA in 2023 and I felt it was the perfect time to start to put the wheels in motion on FOUND. I have always had a passion for vintage clothing and pre loved fashion since I was a teenager. I believe there is so much story telling in garments that have had a previous life. So many incredible garments exist already and to be able to create a unique wardrobe in a sustainable way not only leave people looking awesome but feeling good about their impact on the environment.
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?
The largest obstacle for me to overcome was putting myself “out there” creatively, I think a lot of artists can relate to this sentiment. It is one thing to have an idea and another to just put out in the world and let it fly, wondering how it will be received. I can say with honesty that this process of launching FOUND Vintage, CO. has helped me to see that there are so many amazing souls in your community who root for you. It has been an amazing gift to learn to let go of the fear and just lean into the creative process and know that FOUND may not be for everyone but it brings me an incredible sense of pride and fulfillment. Another challenge has been balancing creating a new company alongside my existing freelance career as a stylist. Balancing work photoshoots and pop up events with motherhood and being a partner can be overwhelming sometimes, but I would not have it any other way. I love that my son sees his mother as an artist and entrepreneur chasing her dreams. I believe I am leading by example that you can build a career you are passionate about.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a fashion stylist quality apparel is very important to me. When I am sourcing clothing for FOUND Vintage, CO. I am focused on natural fabrics: cotton, silk, leather and linen etc. Of course, with vintage sometimes you have to break that rule for amazing pieces from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Interesting and unique items are what I gravitate towards; I can’t resist an incredible print or unique collar. I want customers to find these treasures and love the fact that they are creating a wardrobe that reflects their individual personality and style.
I am often asked where I source. I am so fortunate to be able to travel as a stylist all over the U.S. and internationally. I am always on the look out for amazing places to source and if I get a moment of downtime I am digging into an incredible estate sale, finding a hole in the wall thrift store anywhere that I can unearth incredible pieces. I get such joy from finding them and even more when I see people light up at an event when they try them on and feel amazing!
A few qualities that set FOUND Vintage, CO. apart is that I present the pieces in cohesive collections. Part of my creative process is looking at current trends and what I am finding during my sourcing process and curating beautiful imagery to share with my consumers.
What matters most to you? Why?
Creating a brand that not only spreads joy but can help people embrace sustainable fashion and dressing is so important.
The United States alone generates 17 million tons of textile waste each year, with the average person disposing of 70 pounds or more of clothing each year. For me FOUND Vintage, CO. is a way for me to contribute with a solution. When finding items I will replace buttons, repair tears, embroidered over stains even garment dye items that may have discolored to give them a new life.
FOUND has felt like a place to create a sense of community and remind consumers we are all in this together and you can still create an amazing wardrobe with pieces that are “new to you.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foundvintage.co
- Instagram: @found_vintage.co
- Facebook: FOUND Vintage
Image Credits
Photographer:
Andy Bonura
Model: Lauren Johnson
Model: Sina Luxor
Model: Gabrielle Montes de Oca
Photogrpaher:
Jeff Holt
Model: Maile Coerper
Model: Divya Biswal
Model: Rachel Foster
