From sewing stuffed animals with her mother to running her own fashion business with a studio in the attic. Lente of Lentebrink proves that a passion started early can go a long way. In our Creator in the Spotlight series, we shine a light on creative makers who turn their passion into something beautiful. And this time? That honor goes to @lente.brink.
It all started with a stuffed animal and a sewing machine
Lente was about ten years old when she first sat down at the sewing machine, together with her mother. They made stuffed animals. “She did most of the work,” she laughs, “but I immediately realized how much I loved making things myself.” At 15, she started taking it more seriously, and at 16, Lente took a big step and chose a fashion tailoring program in Amsterdam, where she truly learned the technical side of the craft.
She learned the basics from her mother and through online tutorials. The rest she learned simply by doing.
From social media to her own business
Starting her own business had always been Lente’s dream, but she didn’t yet have a concrete plan. That changed when she started posting her handmade clothing on social media. The reactions came immediately. “So many people were asking questions that I decided to start my own business.”
She did find it nerve-wracking. She was afraid people would show interest online but ultimately never buy anything. “Luckily, exactly the opposite happened!”
She draws inspiration from current trends, by looking around on the street and scrolling through social media. A first version of a new product can take an hour or two, but the more often she makes something, the faster it goes.
A studio in the attic and a closet full of fabrics
Lente has set up her own sewing studio at home in the attic, complete with a closet full of fabrics. “That’s where I immediately get inspired,” she says. The best moment in the making process? When everything comes together. “That’s when you see whether your work turned out well or not.”
What does being creative mean to her? A moment of calm. “After a long day, you can just sit down behind the sewing machine and create.”
The finishing touch: a personal label on handmade clothing
For Lente, it’s clear: every item she makes deserves its own label. “Your own label immediately signals the brand, which lets people recognize your items.” She deliberately places her labels on the front of her products, so they’re clearly visible.
And customers notice. She gets positive feedback on it, and people regularly ask where she gets her labels. “Since all the big brands always have their own label too, you instantly get a professional look.”
A personal label on handmade clothing is therefore no afterthought for her. It’s part of the brand. Her tip for other makers: “Do something that fits you well and fits the things you make, so people immediately feel that it’s authentic.”
Bij Nominette ontwerp je eenvoudig je eigen labels, of je nu kiest voor een innaailabel, een strijklabel of een label met je eigen logo. Snel te bestellen via de webshop, en wereldwijd verstuurd.
At Nominette you can easily design your own labels, whether you choose a sew-in label, an iron-on label, or a label with your own logo. Quick to order via the webshop, and shipped worldwide.
Lente’s advice: just go for it
Still hesitating to start sewing? Lente is clear: just do it. “The first few times it will go wrong, but at some point you’ll keep getting better.”
And her big dream for the future? Making a red carpet dress. We can’t wait to see it!
Follow Lente via her website lentebrink.com or on TikTok via @lente.brink and @lentebrinkwebshop.
Give your handmade creations the finish they deserve
Just like Lente discovered: a personal label on handmade clothing makes the difference. It’s the finishing touch that truly completes your handmade items and makes your brand recognizable. At Nominette you design your personalized labels quickly and easily, with your name, your logo, and your style. Choose from sew-in labels, iron-on labels, clothing labels with logo, and much more.