This week, I caught up with independent designer Amber Jimenez Garcia, founder of Ambit NYC, who just completed an impressively large-scale project with a well-established lifestyle brand recently.

Known for producing locally-sourced, handmade designs, Ambit NYC, is growing as Amber uncovers new ways to diversify her brand.  Via e-mail, she offers some insight to Art For Progress readers!

1) Can you fill us in about the experience of producing a high volume of hats for a top lifestyle brand, all on your own?

In my experience, it is really about who you know. Every time I have had an opportunity to work for an interesting company on a freelance basis, it was due to a friend’s recommendation.

For this company, which is branded as high-quality, a friend who works there in accessories design, [reached out to be as] she was looking to push work with an American-made brand in millinery.  She has a few of my hats, and really believed in the quality of my work. [However this project was on] a much larger scale than what I’m used to. It was a great challenge, and I am happy to have had the opportunity.

2) Got any pro-tips for those looking to work with companies on a freelance basis? 

One of the most important lessons that I gained from the project was to make a timeline, and to stick to it. Even with several setbacks along the way, sticking to a time-and-action calendar helped me meet each setback head on.

3) Are you still making baby booties and moccasins? 

I have stepped back from the booties. Mainly because I need to focus more on paid work, but I may make more in the future

4) A lot of people are complaining that NYC too expensive to live in these days. How has that affected your work as a designer? How has gentrification impacted your work? Has it put new restriction on your creativity as a designer?

I have faced challenges due to the rising cost of living in NYC, but one positive thing that has come from these challenges has been that I am much more bold when it comes to asking for what I need money wise when approaching new projects. Because I have a family that I am helping to support it is important that the time I spend working generates a substantial income. If it wasn’t so expensive to live here I might feel more inclined to work for less money and not value my time so highly…if that makes sense.

5) What is are your plans for the summer?

To enjoy as many of the fun museums, beaches, food, music-any local attraction that NYC has to offer!

Jacqueline Colette Prosper, @yummicoco

[All Photos Courtesy of Amber Jimenez Garcia]