I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated when it came to interviewing Donna from RPS, for the simple fact that she tells it like it is and her confidence is outrageous. But after sitting down with her and hearing what she had to say about female in the streetwear industry, I came to the conclusion that Donna is a very chill lady with the mind set that she’s here to make a mark on the map for women in this industry! And there is no doubt that she will…

Read the full interview after the cut

Q: How did you become interested in Streetwear?

D: It’s when I first started playing basketball. I had to have the best shoes to hoop in. I first hooped in my Gary Payton’s “Son of Gloves,” after breaking in those fresh pair of BK’s of course! In middle school I was into Nikes. Dunks were my favorite. I was collecting those for a minute. My sister, Diane, had helped open Seattle Retro Shoe Store so I was always there with her. It really influenced me because I was always around it. Sneakers were everywhere around me at that point on.
 

Q: How did you get involved with RPS?

D: I was working at SRSS and from there it turned into Capitol 1524, which then new ownership eventually took place in October 2007. The guys who took over were mad cool and especially talented, so we all got along real well and decided to work with eachother from there on. But I’ve been apart of the shop since way back in 2004. It’ll be 5 years in June; its kind of scary [laughs].
 

Q: How does it feel working in an all male shop?

D: I’ve always been like the only female. It’s just necessary to be somewhat organized around here.
 

Q: What are your top 5 favorite brands?

D: 1. Nike
2. Vans
3. MTTM
4. Stussy
5. Original Fake
 

Q: What are some of your lifelong goals?

D: I want to be my own boss. I want to bring more like, awareness to the Seattle Streetwear lifestyle. It’s a big scene in the rest of the world, and I feel as if Seattle lacks that streetwear community that really exists out there. Especially for the ladies because I feel like we’re the underdogs in this industry.
 

Q: What do you do when you’re not at RPS?

D: Sleep, school, work, and blunts…just kidding. Don’t put that. This is pretty much my home [RPS].. I have school in the morning and then work from 11-7; I’m here most of the time slangin’ kicks. I also spend a lot of time watching movies and blogging like a geek that I am. (Check out www.DONNASAUR.com) .
 

Q: How do you feel being a female in this industry that is predominately run by men?

D: I feel good. Just the fact that there are not too many women in it yet that someday I hope to change that. It makes it a little bit more challenging because people don’t take you that seriously. It gives me a little more motivation to make an impact to show that ladies are able to accomplish their hopes and dreams and that women are capable of accomplishing of what men look up to in this industry. Also, I feel as if many men in the industry have more feminine tendencies then us women do. In my past experience, I have witnessed many incidents of severe gossiping, $%#* talking, and unnecessary drama amongst the men in the fashion industry. I think that Married to the Mob couldn’t put it any better, “MEN ARE THE NEW WOMEN!”
 

Q: Do you feel that Streetwear is becoming more women run as more female owned brands are starting to put their name out there?

D: I feel like women are becoming more confident in doing their thing. For example; MTTM, Leah is a full-time mother that devotes her time to run a full-time job designing and putting out the hottest Streetwear brand out for women right now. That alone amazes me and inspires me– but not the full-time mother thing … just yet! But I do congratulate her for all her achievements and for all the sexy apparel she’s put out. Speaking of, she just did a collaboration with Nike right now which is impossible for many other men’s brands out there to accomplish. I feel like women are getting more involved in Streetwear lifestyle and it makes me proud. It’s a beautiful thing. Keep it up ladies.
Q: Who has influenced you the most in your life thus far?

D: Tough question. There’s a few people that have made a huge positive impact in my life, but at the current moment in my life right now i’d have to say Peter, my brother in law, is the person who really inspires me the most. At the young age of 17, he created and built his own company, Sneaker Pimps, and threw his first show in Australia! That’s crazy to me.. I couldn’t imagine having to deal with even half the responsiblities he had to handle when I was that age. Ever since then, he’s always been doing his own thing and continues to run his own business with lots of other side projects going on also. Sneaker Pimps (www.sneakerpimps.net) still continues to thrive till this day with touring over a total of 200 shows worldwide.. Not only that, but he’s a full-time babies daddy also! To my beautiful niece Lone. Keep it up Pete, I’m proud of you!
 

Q: What’s advice that you would give to someone that think they couldn’t make it in this industry?

D: You just have to have the confidence. Find something you are truly passionate about and start out with a plan and execute. Anything is possible these days. Check out Barack Obama for instance. Find something you love to do and make something out of it. Don’t be scared.

Big ups to Donna! Go show her some love!
Interview by: Alejandra