My Life with Rachel Maguire: Doja Cat wearing my designs was a great endorsement

Rashhiiid is the brainchild of fashion designer Rachel Maguire, who is known for dressing A-list celebrities such as Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, and Ariana Grande.

Rachel Maguire, Rashiiid. Picture: Nina Val

It is not every day that an artist as incredible as Doja Cat reaches out to you online.

What struck me the most about our interaction was how gracious and respectful she was.

There was a time when I wasn’t sure if anyone would want to wear my creations. To see Doja Cat wearing my designs — including a pink faux fur hat and custom full denim outfit was a great endorsement, but it was also so much more than that.

Doja Cat wearing a full custom outfit designed by Rashhiiid

There have been so many situations where a celebrity hasn’t paid or even credited me. This is one of those industries where it’s difficult to implement rules and regulations, as people tend to take advantage. So much of the time, they will wear something once before it ends up in a bin somewhere. Of course, that never feels good, which is why I move with caution now.

With Doja Cat, it was different. She reached out to me herself via a private message. What I loved was that she contacted me directly instead of going through her manager or stylist. She even sends me audio notes.

I always leave a handwritten card specific to each customer in the parcel. More often than not, they are not acknowledged, even by the regular customer.

This is understandable because we are busy and have a lot going on in our lives. It might explain why I was so taken aback when Doja Cat referenced one of my notes in her messages. She told me it was one of the nicest notes she had ever received.

Doja Cat wearing a pink hat designed by Rashhiiid

Her humility might have something to do with the fact that her rise to fame took 13 years. She understands just how difficult it is to break into the industry.

As far as accolades like this go, I don’t think I’ve taken a moment to celebrate a single win. It’s funny because I’m more likely to celebrate an impromptu pasta dish I’ve whipped up in the middle of the night than any of my professional achievements.

I celebrate the simple things in life because the bigger moments are nowhere near where I want to be yet. You might say I’m a very day to day, present minded person. Thinking too far in advance isn’t practical or useful for me.

As an entrepreneur, you set your own deadlines and you have to constantly create your own momentum. I know that all the good things in my life come down to my energy and mindset.

There are many rewarding aspects to my job. While the celebrities are great, there is something very wholesome about people spending their hard-earned money and going to great lengths to purchase your pieces. I’ve had people reach out to me and tell me I have helped them express themselves, and that means so much.

There is something more fulfilling about someone who is wearing something over and over again and lending it to their daughters and their mothers. That’s why I always favour the wholesome stuff over the flippant celebrity culture.

I know that if I let myself be taken advantage of, I will be, so it’s up to me to ensure that I am paid and that everything is in writing. I’ve changed my system in order to protect myself, so if it happens again, that’s on me.

Creating faux fur bags is what I’m really concentrating on at the moment. I like creating something that will enhance an outfit as opposed to the outfit itself. I love what I do because it gives me the chance to travel the world. Connecting with creative people around the world is probably the best part for me, whether that’s in Turkey, China, London, or Paris. I enjoy spontaneity and the unpredictable lifestyle.

• Rachel Maguire has teamed up with Three Ireland ahead of Doja Cat’s gig at the 3Arena this week to create exclusive custom faux-fur accessories and statement hats