Groovy Gal does exactly what its name suggests—enables you to feel like your most groovy self. This superior clothing brand is known for its rad designs featuring fun patterns and quality fabrics that come together to make the most groovy pieces.
The brand came to life through the marvelous eye of 27-year-old Colette Olumide, who has always been passionate about all things fashion. The Groovy Gal journey began just last year, when Colette first started selling garments on Depop. Now from inside a little cottage in Chorley, England, Colette has independently hustled to turn Groovy Gal into a fully-fledged successful clothing brand. The brand now boasts its own website with a wide selection of adorable, must-have clothing pieces all which offer international shipping to any Groovy Gal shopper across the globe.
Independently running and starting a business was a long journey for Collette. To gather more insight on how this company obtained its notable name in the fashion world, Sheesh Magazine dove inside the mind of this business owner and creator of Groovy Gal.
Q: When did you first develop an interest for fashion?
Colette: “My interest in fashion started when I was really young. I used to look through my mums photo albums from when she was in her 20s. She was always wearing really funky 80s gear in the photos – big shoulder pad blazers with bright spandex leggings – sort of ‘Clueless’ vibes. I always wished she kept all of them clothes so they could be passed down to me.”
Q: Did you ever study fashion?
Colette: “I chose to study international fashion marketing at Manchester University, which didn’t work out and I lasted 2 years. I realised I loved creating things, especially if it was bright and colourful. I started a weekend job at McDonald’s while in university. When I got my wages me and my friends would spend our money buying clothes in charity shops. I used to buy really long granny skirts with abstract prints for £1 and when I got home I would cut them up into mini skirts with matching headbands. So at this point I had left university and was still working at McDonald’s now as a manager. I was 21 and felt really deflated. I knew I really wanted to work in fashion or any creative job but didn’t have a degree and didn’t live in a city. This is when I decided to buy myself a sewing machine. On my 2 days off from work I decided I was going to make clothes and sell them on Depop. To my surprise, my clothes were selling like hot cakes on Depop and I found myself constantly trying to squeeze in time to keep up with orders. I continued this way for 6 years up and finally decided to bite the bullet and quit my job to focus on Groovy Gal full time.”
Q: How long did the whole process take to launch Groovy Gal?
Colette: “I first started selling clothes in 2014. I’ve pretty much plodded along at the same pace until 2019 when I decided to launch my website and it’s been doing amazing ever since. It’s been a very very gradual process, I always saw what I did as a hobby and it’s taken a lot of convincing myself that I can make this into a living. Naturally it’s very scary to take the risk of leaving a full time job that pays well and guarantees your bills are paid every month. I’m so glad I took that risk. I never get bored of making clothes.”
Q: Do you personally design all of your own clothing pieces sold on Groovy Gal?
Colette: “Yes, I personally design all Groovy Gal’s clothes. The whole process started as trial and error. A lot of the time I will wake up in the morning with an idea that came from nowhere. I’d play around with patterns until I got it right. Very recently I have also started to create my own prints. This came from getting frustrated with spending hours trawling the web for the perfect fabrics at the right price. The problem with this is that I would spend a small fortune on fabrics to be shipped from abroad and there’s always a chance that another boutique or store would also buy that fabric and then you’re selling the same thing. Eventually, I thought why don’t I just design my own? So for the next year my goal is to release fabrics that are completely unique to Groovy Gal.”
Q: What inspired you to launch Groovy Gal?
Colette: “My inspiration purely came from festivals. At one point in my early 20s I was going to five festivals a year, as it was my chance to dress as extra as I wanted. I absolutely loved seeing what other people wore at festivals and how creative people can be. There weren’t so many festival clothing brands in the UK at the time. I would have an idea in my head but couldn’t actually find what I wanted. So I created my own and the first item I made for myself was a lilac mesh wrap top with fluffy trim, which I still sell on my website today.”
Q: What’s your personal favourite piece that Groovy Gal sells?
Colette: “I’d have to say my floaty floor length mesh kimonos with the fluffy trims. They are so girly and sassy and perfect for summer festivals. They look really nice layered over swimwear or festival two piece sets.”
Q: Groovy Gal is full of fun and funky patterns. What made you stay away from the basics and explore a fun, better side of fashion?
Colette: “I think I’ve always wanted to be as unique as I can be. I’d have a heart attack if I was ever described as ‘normal’. I know I’m not the only girl or guy in the world that truly feels like they express their identity by what they wear. I don’t mean that in a materialistic or vain way, but having the freedom to wear what you want and feel confident can only be a positive thing.”
Q: Would you say Groovy Gal is a reflection of your own style?
Colette: “My boyfriend will vouch for how diverse my wardrobe is. Sometimes I’ll go for a cyber-girl look, other times I’ll be feeling fur and animal print or all pink, 80s, 90s, hippie, leather, sportswear – I love it all! My own personal style constantly changes. This is probably the reason I tend not to stick with one aesthetic for my designs. I’m rubbish at creating collections as I can’t decide on one aesthetic. I just create what I want and release it when I want. It all depends on what I’m digging at the time.”
Life is too short to not play dress up in funky patterns. Shop all things Groovy Gal on their official website and enhance your wardrobe with Colette’s vast selection of independent designs.
Want other great fashion brands to support? Check out Sheesh Magazine’s feature articles on brands like Gia Milan Co. and Klo by Klo to up your style game.
