BRANDS TO KNOW: FCK SML TLK
FCK SML TLK
Vanessa Rodriguez is the founder and creative director of clothing and accessories line FCK SML TLK, a rebellion against mindless chatting. As an introvert, Vanessa’s commitment to deeper conversations and interactions is one she believes needs to be more widely accepted and she openly celebrates this in her designs. FCK SML TLK is for the hustlers, do-ers, and dreamers who seek genuineness and believe there is power in silence.
SHEER: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you're from.
VANESSA RODRIGUEZ: Hello World - I'm Vanessa Maria Rodriguez, born and raised in NYC. Dyckman to be exact. I'm a curious, introverted, creative.
SHEER: What was your inspiration behind FCK SML TLK?
VR: I hate small talk! I'm a true introvert at heart and it pains me to have meaningless conversations with strangers. I always find myself asking questions that require introspection and finding ways to take my interactions to a deeper level. I love the process of watching a conversation get heavier and more interesting, hearing people's stories and finding commonalities.
SHEER: What was launching your own brand like and what challenges did you face?
VR: Oh man. I'm still in the really early stages of FCK SML TLK having only been live for a year. I would say the biggest challenge has been trying to manage everything on my own. I don't have a team, so I'm creative, marketing, operations, sales and customer service --- learning as I go. It can be overwhelming at times. Scaling requires help and help requires more investment. However, on the good days, it's been so rewarding to birth an idea into the world and watch it grow.
SHEER: How is your brand empowering introverts?
VR: The goal is to empower introverts to proudly claim who they are and how they feel comfortable engaging with the world. Society has told us that we're loners and that makes us weird and it's just not true. We value solitude and that should be respected. There is power in silence.
SHEER: How do you stay mentally/spiritually grounded as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey?
VR: I meditate twice a day for 20 minutes. I've been meditating for 6 years now and it's ingrained in my routine at this point. I look forward to that time with myself. I practice Yoga at home with Yoga with Adriene on Youtube - a true angel. Love her. I also recently got into weight lifting which reminds me of my strength. All these things require dedication and discipline and so it's a daily reminder that I can apply those same efforts and consistent energy to this new journey with FCK SML TLK.
“I’m so inspired by raw conversations. I think the future of FST revolves around conversations - maybe that’s a podcast, a traveling dialogue. I want to encourage, introspection, meaningful connections and shared moments. What does it look like to explore my curiosity of humans and the journey of self-discovery we’re all on”
SHEER: What is one thing quarantine has taught you this year?
VR: I've really been sitting with the question - Who Are You When Told to Just Be?
I feel like we've been told to stay home and just exist in our spaces. This has changed my relationship to time and allowed me freedom and flexibility in how I approach my days. It's been very liberating. I've also been reminded of how much I enjoy myself. I can stay home for days at a time and be very happy just hanging with myself.
SHEER: What do you envision for the future of FCK SML TLK?
VR: I'm still working through that. I'm trying to remain honest with myself in admitting that I don't know yet. I'm so inspired by raw conversations. I think the future of FST revolves around conversations - maybe that's a podcast, a traveling dialogue. I want to encourage, introspection, meaningful connections and shared moments. What does it look like to explore my curiosity of humans and the journey of self-discovery we're all on? That's another question I'm working through during this time.