Meet Tamra Gould | Owner and Designer

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

Hi Tamra, how does your business help the community?
Ever since deciding to start NASH, my number one goal has been to build a brand that is socially and environmentally sustainable conscious. With the fashion industry being the 2nd most polluting industry worldwide, I wanted to ensure that we are part of the solution and not the problem. Instead of choosing to outsource our labor to overseas, we 100% manufacture all NASH garments in-house. This allows us to have complete control over our waste, working conditions, and quality. We try to create as little waste as possible by reusing our scraps to create tags, hats, and other accessories. We also try to encourage slower consumption by producing high quality garments in small batches. As NASH begins to grow, we plan to open our resources and offer manufacturing services to other brands. As a manufacturer, our mission will be to educate other brands and consumers on the process behind making garments. We all wear clothes. This is why we believe it is so important to spread awareness and work towards a more sustainable future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Although my family has always been my #1 supporter, growing up as an artist in a family of engineers often left me feeling somewhat inferior. It was during my senior year while studying fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design that I came up with the idea to take these feelings and turn it into a project that would be the start of NASH Engineered Fashion. Inspired by the inventions of my great great grandfather Lewis H. Nash, I set about to create a collection that combined engineering elements with art and fashion. I was able to incorporate technology directly into the garments with wearable turn signals, and built in thermometers. This brought me to the realization that an engineer shouldn’t be defined by a technical education, but rather as someone who is a leader within their chosen field. By embracing my natural analytical side, and combining it with my artistic side, I hope to create art that can serve a function and solve problems. My senior collection was received very well and ended up winning several awards and recognitions, along with a job offer to design for a brand in NYC. Months after receiving the offer, It was unfortunately rescinded due to COVID, and I was left without a job right before graduation. This was when I decided start my own brand with my husband Juan, based off of my senior collection. We then spent the entire summer working on perfecting designs, along with purchasing industrial equipment to begin our business.
Finding the time to create while starting my own business has been a challenge. One way that I have been able to stay inspired is through constant collaboration. As a brand we are always collaborating and looking for new projects to keep moving forward. One project in particular that has had such an impact on NASH has been a collaboration with my younger brother Trafford, who has Down syndrome. For this collaboration, we created a collection which displays Trafford’s original artwork. After receiving so much positive feedback from the collection, we decided to hire Trafford as a part time graphic artist and designer for NASH. Although some brands create clothing for individuals with special needs, rarely are they included in the design process. I truly believe that the art created by Trafford is the most honest and pure form of art possible. Through inclusion, we hope to show the world just how capable individuals with disabilities are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First place on my list to checkout in Oklahoma City would be Not your Average Joe in midtown. NYAJ is a nonprofit coffee shop that not only has some of the best coffee and food in OKC, but they employ individuals with disabilities. Next I would go for a walk in Scissor tail park. With beautiful modern sculptures, and paved walking trails, it is by far my favorite park in the city. Next on the list would be Lunch at the collective. Set up cafeteria style, it is a true crowd pleaser with so many options to choose from. I would then go for an afternoon rafting session at the Chesapeake boathouse. The man made rapids make for a great group activity and is very refreshing on a hot summer day. And to finish off the day, dinner at Vast. Vast is a restaurant located on top of the tallest building in OKC. A true fine dining experience, with the best views in all of Oklahoma.

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 am so very lucky to have a family that has always been supportive of my passions and dreams since day one. Wether it be helping me clean up after an art project gone wrong, modeling my newest creation, or holding my reflector for a photoshoot, they have always been there. Along with my family, I would have never gotten to where I am now without my husband Juan. When I made the decision to start my own clothing brand he was just about to start his senior year of college. Throughout that year he not only managed his own studies, but spent all of his spare moments helping me. He turned my dream into his own dream and for that I will be forever grateful.

Website: www.nashengineeredfashion.com

Instagram: @_nashfash_

Facebook: @nashengineeredfashion