January 27, 2009
designer two ruffians
It's always exciting when you learn that someone has taken the plunge and decided to set up their own business. It's extra gratifying when that person is someone you know and what they've created is something you love. That's the case with Nick Young and two ruffians. Since I've been working at real living, I've been in regular contact with Nick's partner, the talented interior stylist who I featured on my design*sponge guest blog, Clair Wayman. I kind of feel like I know Nick through osmosis as I've been in such regular contact with Clair over the years. And Nick has helped her out on many photo shoots and so I've seen his cheeky smile and irreverent style in photos for the mag. So I was thrilled when I learnt he had set up two ruffians. And I was bowled over when I checked out his website. It's brilliant not only because of the design but also because he's got some great products. Since then I've been begging him to extend his boys' range to a babies' line. Fingers crossed...
Which five words best describe you? Thoughtful, colourful, friendly, driven, fun.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was working in a men’s boutique clothing store. It was my first real introduction in to the world of fashion & design. I then took the option of studying business and finance, with a view to setting up own business one day. This sent me down a more conventional path, through several corporate jobs, until I tunneled my way to freedom and into a world of creativity.
What’s your proudest achievement? Teaching myself to design, expose silk screens, and print.
What’s been your best decision? To buy a Macbook & Adobe creative suites 2.5 years ago. It didn’t magically turn me into designer, but I knew what I wanted to achieve and it’s helped me to launch two ruffians. It was a bit like getting a plane knowing that you wanted fly, but having no idea how all the buttons worked. I still start with a pencil and paper, but I would never have been able to design my own online store, if I hadn’t bought the Mac.
What are you passionate about? Family, friends, the Doris, my dog, music and designing.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Never listen to people who say "it's not possible" and be grateful for each day.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My Dad, just to find out what he thinks of ‘two ruffians’ and listen to his valuable advise.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? To help others achieve their dreams through the success of two ruffians.
What are you reading? Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far by Austrian artist Stefan Sagmeister.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was working in a men’s boutique clothing store. It was my first real introduction in to the world of fashion & design. I then took the option of studying business and finance, with a view to setting up own business one day. This sent me down a more conventional path, through several corporate jobs, until I tunneled my way to freedom and into a world of creativity.
What’s your proudest achievement? Teaching myself to design, expose silk screens, and print.
What’s been your best decision? To buy a Macbook & Adobe creative suites 2.5 years ago. It didn’t magically turn me into designer, but I knew what I wanted to achieve and it’s helped me to launch two ruffians. It was a bit like getting a plane knowing that you wanted fly, but having no idea how all the buttons worked. I still start with a pencil and paper, but I would never have been able to design my own online store, if I hadn’t bought the Mac.
What are you passionate about? Family, friends, the Doris, my dog, music and designing.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Never listen to people who say "it's not possible" and be grateful for each day.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My Dad, just to find out what he thinks of ‘two ruffians’ and listen to his valuable advise.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? To help others achieve their dreams through the success of two ruffians.
What are you reading? Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far by Austrian artist Stefan Sagmeister.
Images courtesy of two ruffians