Not Anything Specific makes hand-dyed clothing

CEDAR RAPIDS — Ashlee Mooney was inspired to create her own clothing line during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests in spring 2020.

“I realized I could make my own clothing to support BLM,” she said, “and I liked featuring Black creators in my clothing and alterations that drew attention to Black bodies in protest.

“While my clothing is for anyone, my original passion was fueled by passion and love for my community.”

That has turned into Not Anything Specific — NAS for short — which features high-end hand-dyed clothing with an emphasis on lounge wear such as matching top and bottom sets and bathrobes.

“All clothing lines are designed to be gender neutral and size inclusive, thus increasing the clientele base,” Mooney said.

NAS also has a rotating vintage collection with curated selections.

“As an artist and maker myself, I have a depth of knowledge in artistic modifications to clothing to create one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces.”

Mooney said examples include patchwork, screen printing, distressed elements, vinyl appliques and hand-sewn alterations.

Mooney has settled into a routine with her business quickly.

“I first began making products to sell in May 2020 by participating in guest vendor markets and a Black Owned Business Market at NewBo City Market,” she said.

Today, she operates a retail business in NewBo City Market and in a space in Kingston Village above Dash Coffee Roasters.

“I book a great deal of wholesale business accounts along with a steady stream of retail foot traffic sales,” Mooney added. “My business has consistently grown the past two years ... .

“My services include hourly bookings for creators to utilize my wealth of equipment and tools for their own creative projects, instructional workshops in dying and upcycling, and curated art shows in my boutique featuring the clothing and accessories of fellow artists and makers.”

Mooney grew up in Cedar Rapids.

“I am passionate about mentoring the next generation and participating in the revitalization of my community for my daughter to grow up in,” she said.

She offers rack space in her NewBo Market boutique for student entrepreneurs and other budding artists interested in entrepreneurship.

“I want to create a business that brings art and design to the centerfold of economic development and leisure. In my long-term vision, people of all ages see themselves attending a workshop or class and then grabbing lunch or shopping with their friends afterward,” she said.

“Art and fashion can be how we bring people back from the digital vacuum that has consumed retail foot traffic.”

Mooney has one part-time employee and one intern who receives credit through Metro High School for their work with NAS.

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