Get to Know Andrella Gaynor, Creator of Bae Bandanas — and a Giveaway!

Summer is often a time to try out fresh and fun styles, and New Jersey has a brand new entrepreneur ready to brighten up our accessory choices. Andrella Gaynor is the creative talent behind Bae Bandanas, a versatile hair accessory that takes the casual summer look of bandanas and gives it structure. The colorful cloth has a jumbo flexie wire inside to allow for endless shapes and styles. Check out some examples on the Bae Bandanas Instagram.

We came across Bae Bandanas outside Coco An Experience and Identity in Design at the Upper Montclair Business Association’s Ladies Night on May 17^th.  The colorful material and Andrella’s enthusiasm drew in customers all night long. In fact, even though this was Andrella’s first ever pop-up shop, she sold out of every Bae Bandana she had available. An encouraging debut!

Andrella currently lives in Newark, and knows Montclair through her mother, Crystal Gaynor, who teaches classes at AE Fitness and is well-known throughout Montclair. Andrella also takes classes at Sew Montclair, where she gives owner Chelsea Harriman credit for teaching her to sew. We thought we’d get to know this fashion entrepreneur a little better, and she agreed to sponsor a giveaway of one of her Bae Bandanas!

What in your background interests or education focused you on accessorizing and fashion?

I graduated with a degree in Fashion Merchandising from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. I came home to work on the corporate side of fashion in New York. I snagged a job, but I didn’t get to exercise any creativity. The commute to NY during rush hour also takes a toll on your energy.  I realized that side of corporate isn’t for me, so I decided to start Bae Bandanas as a starter business, and I plan on doing more and more.

 The Bae Bandanas are such a fun idea. What prompted you to create them?

I’ve always liked hats and headbands, and I wanted to do headbands because I thought they were fast to make. It turns out it takes me 3 days to do about 20 of them because I have to do a lot of prepping before sewing.

Where are Bae Bandanas made?

I make the head bands out of my parents’ house in Newark with love and a Brother CS6000i. I also spend every Wednesday at the Newark Print Shop making my business cards out of the extra fabric. The print shop has a wonderful night called The Print Club where anyone can join and print for only $10. It’s amazing, and great people come there from all over NJ.

What’s next for Bae Bandanas?

 I am working on putting out a staple piece for men with my own twist on the tee shirt, and expanding the Bae Bandanas line as well. I’m also working on custom pieces for someone I met on Ladies Night.

It sounds like you’re busy with a lot of exciting projects!

I believe in doing more than one thing at once, and so many ideas come to my head. Since I am a creative person and really like to create new things, my main goal is to learn how to sell my ideas. Bae Bandanas is just the first one!

We look forward to seeing Andrella Gaynor’s future endeavors!

Andrella has kindly agreed to host a GIVEAWAY of one of her Bae Bandanas! Click on her website and pick out a color and pattern you like. Then, by June 1st at 3 PM, comment below on this post with the color and pattern you would like to win. One lucky Baristanet commenter will have her/his own Bae Bandana sent to them! USA addresses only, please.