How to describe RAW Designs...

I feel like everytime I fill in the description for my business, I write something different. RAW Designs is the portal that I use to share and express all of my ideas, creations, art, and knowledge. It is a way that I can use my skills to serve a wide range of people, making custom functional pieces and fashion that empowers those that need an expressive outlet. Yet I am constantly learning more about different media and techniques to do so, adding to my repertoire.

Started in 2012, RAW Designs was established with the goal of creating custom western style apparel. I had been working towards my Advanced Certificate in Apparel Technologies at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. While there for 2 years, I explored different areas of fashion and functional apparel, excelling in all my courses and was even asked to tutor other students. The final course, which was developing a clothing line and fashion show aligned with the timing of my return to the horse industry and starting to do Ranch Sorting. My 2 passions collided with apparel design and horseback riding.

That was 2014. At least 2014 is the year I distinctly remember riding hard in the sorting pen. Since then, I've really done a lot of different things, notably adding leatherwork to my skills, and more gear and bag making. However, my skills and attention to detail shine in the clothing I design and sew.

I've gone through several cycles of trying to make items that sell and getting back to create more art inspired work. I have a lot of experience under me, that's for sure. Each new item I make requires research and trial and error. I have a huge library and bins of hand drafted cut patterns. I draw inspiration from my own problem solving with my horses and tack, and from both western and non-western fashion and design. I am realizing that I don't have to focus on one track of design to reach and inspire people, but can follow my heart as it flows through different ideas. Nature, the moon and stars, folk art, retro graphics, renaissance, my roots in both swedish and scottish styles, english equestrian, and on and on...

In 2025, I'm stepping into my artist self. I am holding myself and RAW Designs accountable to be truly authentic. I may be over-sharing and it may be uncomfortable for me and those listening, but it may also be relatable and empowering. Come with me on this adventure! It's gonna be wild, like me.

Pictured is Rachel Waddell, wearing shirt and jeans by RAW Designs. Photo by Shelley Paulson.