You could say that we’re a little psyched about 3D printing and how it empowers the Maker Movement. You can pretty much create anything, from metal furniture, clothing, handbags… even a house! All sorts of triple D innovations are happening around the country. But the U.S. isn’t the only place mad about the technology. Japan is home to a new 3d printed fashion label that is blowing our minds with beautiful objects.
One of the greatest creative teams in Japan, Mud Snail, just released its first-ever original products. The team has been supporting Japan’s foremost cutting-edge fashion brands, like Anrealage and Keisuke Kanda, by incorporating its 3D printed creations into brand exhibitions, installations and collections.
Past collaboration works include “low-pixel” themed pumps for Anrealage’s Fall/Winter 2011-2012 collection, “Time-flow” themed wooden furniture for the Anrealage’s flagship store and stretched mannequin models for Keisuke Kanda.
The fashion community in Japan has long awaited Mud Snail’s debut collection — and here it is! The 3D printed pumps and wedges just arrived on the scene and are flaunting three dimension pattern that you can show off from all 360 degrees.
Don’t trust walking around on an entirely 3D printed shoe? You can go with just a 3D printed heel in gingham or paisley.
Prices run from $245 USD to $362 USD. Mud Snail products are sold on the Kiei Tokyo website, and the best news about that? You can shop them from here in the U.S. and in 100+ countries worldwide. Happy shopping.
Would you treat yourself with Mud Snail’s 3D pumps? What do you think of the tech fashion movement? Tell us in the comment below!
(h/t Fashion Snap + Kiei Tokyo)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.