Meet Trayc Claybrook | Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Trayc, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks is the core of my existence. I have always been a curious person and risk taking has allowed me to fuel my curiosity and turn that energy into imagination. When you feel up to the challenge of a new idea, you tend to be unafraid to take it to a higher level. In my experience, risks teach you a lot about what to do, what not to do, but most importantly, to trust yourself no matter what.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My creative life was very difficult at the start of my career. I worked as a visual effects artist for Hollywood films and, at the time, it was dominated by men. Eventually, I moved into documentary films and there I was able to really grow as a filmmaker. I have always been a fine artist and have shown my work all over the world. I became a college professor in 1999 and I new I had found a career I could really love and be in for a long time. I taught at a private art college for 18 years and let me tell you, I learned A LOT from my students! I still teach adjunct at Dallas College and I am still learning A LOT from my students. My business, The Frocksy Vintage Vogue, was born because I retired from full time teaching and wanted to own my own business. I’ve been wearing and collecting vintage clothes since sixth grade. I decided to open The Frocksy in downtown Garland because A gorgeous little store front became available. So I took the risk. Four and half years later it’s evolved into not just a vintage clothing store but an all inclusive, fun-loving, over-the-top creative experience. I get to use my creative imagination every day and I am so grateful for that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to all my favorite spots in Downtown Garland first! That would take a week! The restaurants are all amazing, there’s a vintage arcade, free movies in the vintage theater, great parks and walking trails, and sooooo much more.

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?
I would say that I have had a few good mentors in my career, but the ones who really shaped me are my Grandfather and my Mother. When I said, at six years old, I wanted to be an artist they were the only two people that didn’t panic. Growing up I was an artsy, eclectic kid and teenager and I wasn’t always accepted by my peers. My Grandfather and my Mom were always there to encourage me to be myself and embrace my uniqueness. I think that freed my up to explore and grow my creativity. Trusting in my creative process and the confidence that has given me has been the foundation for all of my success. I also want to mention an art professor I had in graduate school. Her name is Laurie Wellor. She was so instrumental in teaching how to work through a creative block. Her methods were unconventional and highly effective. And for that I am forever grateful.

Website: traycclaybrook.com

Instagram: @theofficialfrocksy

Facebook: @The Frocksy