Design Thinking: Dream Alchemist
In Graduate School, professors loved to discuss "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables companies to understand consumer needs.
In this article series, I contacted different companies to learn how organizations apply Design Thinking. I spoke with Dream Alchemist founder Brooke Yudell to learn more about the company.
1. What makes Dream Alchemist different from other brands?
Dream Alchemist is a statement. It says that you know, on a deep level, who you are, and that what you're wearing is an expression of that. To be a Dream Alchemist is to know that everything you experience comes from within you.
We believe the materials matter just as much as the look, which is why every piece is made from 100% cotton. It's comfortable, but more than that, it's a reminder to whoever wears it that reality starts with them.
2. How has Dream Alchemist evolved since its founding?
Dream Alchemist began as just an idea. Then it became our first collection. Now it's trademarked, and an identity anyone can step into.
It is a state of awareness and a state of consciousness. By embodying what it means to be a Dream Alchemist, a person chooses to step out of the repetitive thought habits most of us fall into each day, and step into being a creator.
A Dream Alchemist is anyone who chooses to be the creator of their own reality.
3. How does Dream Alchemist incorporate its mission and vision into its products?
Our products have been designed with many little dream alchemist messages.
The first most obvious one is “dream alchemist” in a raised rubber print on all of our pieces. This is essentially wearing the mission across your chest of being a dream alchemist.
Secondly, all of our hoodies have “create your reality” on the back. This is a reminder for you, as well as the person walking behind you.
Lastly, each piece has our little black and white double star emblem embroidered. This emblem was inspired by a classic yin-yang sign. Many people probably don’t know this one!
4. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to start their own business?
Listen to whatever most excites your inner being, and act on that passion. Get in tune with exactly why you want to build it, not just what you want from it externally.
Ask yourself: how do you want to feel? And how do you want others to feel when they come across your product or business? Happy? Excited? Empowered? Inspired? Let that answer guide what you create.
5. What is the future of the company?
The future of Dream Alchemist sits one step beyond creating clothing people love to wear and feel good in. It's a personal passion of ours: cultivating in-person experiences and retreats for people who align with what Dream Alchemist stands for, who know who they are, who choose to create their own reality, and who live with intention.
These will be welcoming spaces to keep growing, to go deeper into the inner work, and to meet others on the same path. Over time, we see Dream Alchemist becoming a full community, with workshops, journals, and gatherings that carry the same feeling as the clothing, so the brand becomes something you can experience, not just wear.
If you are interested in purchasing something from Dream Alchemist: enjoy 20% off your purchase with code HUSS20.
