Designer Spotlight: Black Thumbnail Boots

Finally, spring has officially sprung!

The mid-west has experienced a beautiful week of weather, and with all of the sunshine I can’t help but find my outfit selections
a bit awkward. Over spring break I took home a ridiculous amount of unneeded clothes that were filling my dorm room to the brim, and it just so happens that my sandals, shorts, and tank tops were accompanying some swim suits and other outfits that I thought I didn’t need. Though I managed to scrounge up a few pairs of high waist denim and short sleeve blouses, my footwear was a drastic difference between UGGs and old navy flip-flops. I searched for a pair of cute shoes that could be worn during summer nights and chilly spring mornings. The result? A pair of gorgeously designed ankle cowgirl boots from Black Thumbnail
designer, Ashley Weidow.

Carbon Magazine: Where and when did your company get started?

Ashley: Black Thumbnail is definitely a new venture, I started designing the boots around four or five months ago. I’ve been creating, designing or decorating things all my life, and this is just another way for me to do something I enjoy and share it with others. I never imagined the boots would become as popular as they have. I started out designing them for myself and my sister. When we wore them out, people noticed, and Black Thumnail was born.

CM: What is the inspiration behind the boots?

A: I’m definitely a Southern girl at heart, and I wanted to put a new spin on what us Texas girls consider to be a wardrobe staple. Paired with your favorite jeans or a mini skirt, my boots can make a statement in any situation, from a night out at the bar to the weekend rodeo.

CM: What makes your footwear stand out from companies that make a similar boot?

A: I have noticed that some girls are making similar styles of boots, although I think mine stand out in the sense that I allow my customers to essentially design the boots themselves. I’ve had women with very specific requests that I try to fulfill, and I’ve had
others that want me to do most of the designing for them. The neat part is, if you’re buying my boots, you can be as much a part of the building process as you’d like. You can rest assured that you are getting a completely unique and customized addition to your wardrobe. Furthermore, I only work with vintage materials, so I work hard to find quality accents and fabrics that will hold up
well with wear.

CM: What was is your favorite upcoming spring/summer trend?

A: I have to admit, I’m not much of a fashion follower, I definitely consider myself to be a “jeans and t-shirt” kind of girl. I have noticed that orange is going to be a popular color this season though, which I love. I think it’s a great color for Summer. I don’t know how trendy it is, but I’m also really into vintage Mexican stitched clothing, especially maxi skirts and dresses. Something about the bright pops of color in the stitched flowers paired with white linen looks so awesome to me, plus it’s all really comfortable. Great to wear out in this hot Texas sun.

CM: If you could see your product on a celebrity, who would it be?

A: I would to see my boots on any of the country singers that are big at the moment. Miranda Lambert or Lady Antebellum would be awesome. I’ve thought about trying to send them a pair.

CM: Do you have a favorite pair you’ve ever designed?

A: Not necessarily a favorite pair, although I do prefer to design the more natural looking boots. Lots of browns and tans with feathers and rustic looking fabrics. I feel like these styles represent my personality the best out of all the designs. But it’s always fun to see what new designs I can make with different fabrics and belts. Even I don’t know what a pair is going to look like until it’s finished.

CM: How do you keep up-to-date with the latest trends?

A: I really don’t. My younger sister is probably a bit more fashion forward than I am, so I do take some of her style into account when I’m designing. Otherwise, I just try to make sure all the pieces fit well together.

CM: How would you describe your personal style?

A: I’m very laid back as far as style is considered. I wear a lot of jeans and tees, and I buy a lot of pieces off of Etsy. Being comfortable is my number one priority, and if I’m accidentally fashionable at the same time, great! 🙂

CM: What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

A: Persevere! When I first started Black Thumbnail, it was because of all the attention my own boots received when I was wearing them. I quickly found out that just because people liked my designs, it didn’t mean they would all immediately go out and purchase them. It’s taking a lot of work to get the word out about my online shop, as well as finding a good balance between the cost to build the boots and the price I need to sell them at to make a decent profit. But “if you’re enjoying what you’re
doing and you really believe in what you’re selling, everything will fall into place eventually.”

From the incredibly detailed styles, to the country-girl vibe that comes along with the shoes, I couldn’t be happier with my pair of Black Thumbnail Boots. My favorite part is the fact that both boots are not exactly like the other. Belt buckles, leather pieces,
and even a feather distinguish the boots and make for an adorable addition to your summer ensembles. I couldn’t be more impressed with the quality, as they fit perfectly and surprisingly aren’t painful. These boots are beyond incredible, and if you’re a country girl at heart or just need an edgy new pair of ankle boots, Ashley is your go-to girl. Check out her collection at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackThumbnail?ref=pr_shop_more