We had the good fortune of connecting with Collette Berenguer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Collette, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve had the entrepreneurial itch for many years now. I’ve always been a designer, even from a young age. I studied fashion design in college and was fortunate to intern at some great small and large companies, and ultimately ended up as a handbag designer at Fossil for many years. What a great experience! I realized though that corporate is not for me. I then dreamed of starting my own fashion design business. I wanted to create something different, that hasn’t existed before. I love fashion design and art, and I tried to find a way to merge the two. I actually started this business as a sip-and-paint party business, where I would host a fashion paint project for events. However once Covid ended in-person gatherings, I explored other ways my art and fashion could merge. That’s when N.Y.M.F. by Co’s current product offering really came into existence – I create unique hand-painted streetwear and bridal. And I’m currently growing and so excited for where it goes!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create hand-painted apparel and accessories with my business N.Y.M.F. by Co. Because of my background as a fashion designer, I definitely approach my artwork from a designer’s eye rather than a fine artist. I’m very conscious of artwork placement as it relates to the body and drape. The product categories are mainly streetwear and bridal, though I plan to expand into home décor in future. In the streetwear category I create hydro-dipped straw fedoras, sheer painted hoodies, and painted tulle skirts. For bridal, there is a range of gorgeous veils, capes, and overlay skirts. They are two very different categories and I have to approach them very differently, when it comes to artwork layouts, colors, and timing.

I’ve attended several pop-up markets, and even recently went to wholesale markets to meet boutiques to introduce my products in more stores across the country. I have to say, it has been so affirming to hear from customers, both end-user and retailers, that this product is so unique and that they’ve never seen anything like it before. The enthusiasm I see from people first seeing the product is so exciting and I can’t wait to keep designing more new items!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I live in Carrollton, so one day exploring downtown Carrollton – 3 Nations Brewing, Cane Rosso, El Rincon – the Carrollton parks, and possibly checking out nearby Addison if there is an event going on. One day drive out to Fort Worth (where I grew up) and explore Sundance Square and Magnolia Ave, possibly the Kimbell or the Modern. One day down to Bishop Arts District to visit my favorite shop – Mosaic Makers Collective – and eat at the delicious restaurants down there. We would have to check out Deep Ellum, lower Greenville, and I love going up to Legacy Hall in Plano any time they have an event. And if it’s the right season I would love to catch an FC Dallas game in Frisco.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Mosaic Makers Collective in Bishop Arts District in Dallas. Right when Covid hit I was floundering, trying to figure out my direction. I saw this collective, and took a chance to stop by. The owner, Katy, is so kind, supportive, and willing to take a risk on new people. The collective itself is a consignment-style store that champions Texas-based women makers. At the same time, the group also aims to create a community of women entrepreneurs for support, advice, and friendship. At. time I was feeling down it was so great to have this new support and my business and mindset truly blossomed entirely due to Mosaic Makers Collective!

Website: www.nymfbyco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nymfbyco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nymfbyco

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/nymfbyco

Image Credits
Sage and Stem Photography

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