
> * Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Brenna. My nickname, Banana, was given to me back in college because it was easier to remember than Brenna.
I'm a festive, bold, wild, and outspoken spirit. I am scatterbrained and generally unorganized. I thrive in chaos. I multi-task and am forever distractable. I was born and raised in the Midwest and I lived all over the St.Louis, Missouri metro area. Most of my family still lives there, though I currently live in Northern Alabama with the love of my life. We have decided to grow some roots here for the time being in a fairly progressive area where the artist scene is growing and thriving. There are beautiful mountains and farmlands all around us. I love to cook healthy vegetarian foods and enjoy hiking and camping with our two furry four legged dogs. I love music as much as I love to sew. My fiance and I take our vacations together at music festivals and we try to see as much live music as often as possible. It's quite cleansing, not to mention fun!
> * What inspires your ideas?
I am inspired by fashion of the past. I favor the 1970s and the classic femine silhouette though I try not to limit my style. I love to create classic hippie mama fashion as well one of a kind everyday wear.

I try to think about someone wearing one of my creations in their everyday life. I practice dance moves in my clothing to test for movement. It's a little silly, but these are the types of things I consider during design and construction. I ask myself if it will be comfortable, functional, unique, and durable. Durability is a huge part of my master plan because I always hate when threads or seams start to ravel in clothing. I have never had this problem with items I have made. I have some things that I made for myself when I first started sewing that are still like new.
> * How long have you been sewing/ how did you learn?
Ever since I was a little girl I have been around creativity and self expression. My mom was always stitching up pretty dresses for my little sister and me. She also decorated and created all things textile for our home.
I began sewing when I was 15 years old. I took three semesters of “Sewing” in high school where I learned a lot about basic garment construction and patterns. My favorite teacher Mrs. Melinda Brown taught me how to create my own patterns and how to tailor clothing for a better fit. I received my own machine around this time. Being alone at home with my very own sewing machine, without time contraints, was invigorating. I felt like Alice when she fell down the rabbit hole. As my journey continued, my sewing skills improved and my personal style began to blossom.

> * What inspired you to begin selling your work?
When I first started going to shows (concerts), I noticed all the amazing patchwork dresses hippie mamas were wearing and I knew that I could create similar things for myself. I had friends that would buy imported “hippie” clothing which brands shall remain nameless. I wanted nothing to do with this because there was no originality or flair to the designs. I would pull my mom's decorator scraps, score vintage fabric, and reconstruct my own clothing. It felt so good to have a style all my own.
I didn't start selling my items until one of my friends suggested it to me in college. My very first expereince of selling my wares at a tiny festival in Makanda, Illinois I made $100. That is a lot of money to a broke college student, let me tell you! I was hooked from then on.

> * Where do you do your crafting?
I work from my home. These days I am blessed enough to have an entire room all to myself. When I sew, it is a whirl wind of thread and fabric scraps all over my room. I like it though, the messes are signs of progress.
> * Do you have a day job?
I actually have a night job. I work at a fine dining restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama that focuses on sustainable food. This is the first time I've worked for such a progressive business. I actually work in the bar, which is much more casual and fun. We take martinis and cocktails to another level. It's a great place to work because of the small staff--we are an extended family that takes care of each other. Someday I hope to just sew and vend festivals.

> * What one word best describes you?
Bouncy.
> * What is your biggest challenge?
The thing that I love about clothing is that it allows one to change the way they feel and project themselves. This concept drives my mind to wander over the possibility to create. Staying focused is something I struggle with in the studio. I will get a spark of an idea that I have to initiate immediately no matter what I'm working on and I often find myself with about six or so projects that are started at the end of the day. I don't mind though, it keeps the processes interesting. You could say I enjoy being overstimluated and challenged.
> * Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you while you're working?
If at first you don't succeed, try,try again.

> * What do you see for your business in the next year?
I hope to start dyeing some of my own fabrics. I also want to incorporate eco friendly fabrics. These have been dreams of mine for a while but you know how life has other plans first.
> * Where can we find A Green Banana?