We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

If you love cute, girly, Japanese street fashion inspired trends, you're going to love today's featured designer, Stephanie McCann of Sugarpop Clothing. This UK-based label is stocked full of adorable duds sure to thrill your inner child.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I have always enjoyed designing and being creative, and have wanted to have my own clothing label since I learned how to sew in school. I decided to start Sugarpop Clothing after finishing my degree in fashion and textile design. I had built up a few regular customers through an ebay shop I ran during my time at college and university, however after graduating I decided to move over to big cartel as it had a more professional look to it. It is an easier alternative to setting up a proper website and leaves me with more time to sew.

How did you get started as a designer? I launched my label at the London Edge Trade Show in September 2007 and received orders from Paris, Italy and London. This gave me the confidence to take things seriously and I opened up a small shop within Grand Central Hall in Liverpool, an alternative shopping center in the heart of Liverpool city center where I am surrounded by other independent businesses.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Work hard! and try to stay positive. I have been working 6 days a week in the shop since opening it in October 2007. It takes a lot of hard work to get things off the ground. I am always thinking of new things to do and ways to get my products noticed; it's definately not a 9 to 5 kind of job. You need to be prepared for slow times as well. Sales can be unpredictable at times so it helps to have some savings to one side.

What inspires your work? I have been crazy about Japanese street fashion since my days at Art College. I absolutely love it and have to buy as many Fruits, Kera and Cutie magazines I can find. I try to incorporate some of the styles I see in them into my own clothing designs. But my main aim is just to make things cute! If possible I try to source Japanese fabrics mainly in cute prints, I am always on the hunt for new fabrics to keep me inspired

Who are your favorite designers? I love checking out other indie designers - it definitely keeps me inspired. A few of my faves include shrinkle, gurliestorm, em&sprout and melon! I also love checking out cute websites such as lady luck rules ok and Heidi Seeker as the graphics are really bold and eye catching. These help me to think more about my brand image as I am constantly trying to improve my little label.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? Japanese shoes! I love browsing the web for cute shoes and Japanese branded clothing such as mezzo piano, daisy lovers and superlovers. As for beauty bio oil and mineral make up keep me looking decent after long sewing sessions.

Where can people find your work? You can buy items direct from me at either www.sugarpopclothing.com or Sugarpop Clothing, Unit 17 first floor, Grand Central Hall, Renshaw street, Liverpool L1 2SF United Kingdom

Other stockists include:
Shrinking Violet – Bristol
Boutique Babylon – London
Dead robot - Glasgow
L'indien Boutique –Paris
Boddywood – Paris
Black norns - Paris
Trailer Trash – Sweden
Velvet SNC –Italy
www.cherrycandy.co.uk
www.alienskin.co.uk

www.myspace.com/sugarpopclothing