Not many 18-year-olds can say they have their own successful clothing company, but this week’s Campus Celebrity can! Her name is Azita Lotfi, and she is a freshman Health Science major from Weston, Massachusetts.
Along with her younger sister, Arezu Lotfi, and older sister and QU alum, Jazmine Lotfi, Azita has a clothing company. For four years, these three talented sisters have handcrafted all of the clothing in Ali & Alue. Their main products are denim high-waisted shorts, which are all one-of-a-kind.
Read on to hear all about Azita and her clothing company!
1. How did the idea of making your own shorts come about?
The high waisted shorts style was coming back, but everywhere I went, the shorts were extremely expensive and not unique at all. So I went to the thrift store, got some jeans, and then I bleached them, dyed them and cut them. When I wore them to school a few girls asked where I got them from and when I said that I made them, they asked if I could make them a pair. Once I made a few girls some, more started asking me and eventually I put my designs on Esty. My dad saw potential in the company and offered to fund me.
2. Where did the name Ali & Alue come from?
My dad’s name is Ali, so that’s the story behind ‘Ali’. My dad used to call my sisters and me his peaches, and my family is Persian, and Alue means ‘peaches’ in Farsi. So it’s a family thing.
3. What is everyone’s role in the company?
Jazmin is the marketer and event planner and Arezu runs the social media. We have a Facebook page, Instagram and a website. I am the designer. I also do the dyeing. Both Jazmin and Arezu help me stud the denim.
4. Where do you get the ideas for your designs? What is your favorite design?
I get a lot of inspiration from the art and nature I see. My favorite design is either “The Zenon” or “The Aria.”
5. What is the biggest challenge you face with your company?
The hardest part is when things go wrong. For example, sometimes the dye doesn’t take or the bleach ruins the denim.
6. Are you surprised about the success of the company?
Yes! It’s exciting having people in other towns know who I am from my company. It’s also amazing having people in Australia, Thailand and other foreign countries wear what I make.
7. Do you want to be a fashion designer in the future?
No, it’s just a fun side hobby.
8. What do you want to do instead?
I want to be a surgeon or work in the biotech industry.
9. Do you think you will keep the company going in the future?
Probably not. High-waisted shorts probably won’t be in style in the future.
10. Do you have any other hobbies besides fashion design?
I really like music and going to concerts and festivals. I also like Pilates and yoga.
11. Any tips for anyone trying to start his or her own clothing company?
Have a plan and a goal. Do it ‘cause you love it…not for the money; it will make it more enjoyable. Also, take pride in your work and the process.
Make sure to check out Ali & Alue today!