Tyler Forrest is co-founder of True Collaborative Showroom based in Portland, Oregon that represents and consults independent fashion designers and brands. Although responsible design is always present Tyler and his wife and TCF co-founder Tracey Forrest like contemporary craftsmanship, handmade artistry, and things made in America.

Some of the brands they currently represent include Seattle’s wildly successful Prairie Underground, heritage-driven Pendleton and the Portland Pendleton Collection and (100% Made in the U.S.), Koch out of Dallas, Texas.

When I first reached out to Tyler about giving us some words of wisdom from his 10+ years focused and successfully growing his business (even through the recession), I referred to designers who were past the entry point in business as “intermediate designers.”

Tyler’s response was quick.

“I prefer the term micro or craft designer. In fact, the more I’ve thought about it, the better the fit is between apparel and the craft beer market.”

Read the full article on the Brooklyn Fashion+Design Accelerator.