Jane keeps mixing things up on these cheat sheets and I keep loving it! Thank you Jane darling for creating this beauty and Emily of Elva Fields for being our Plucky Pioneer this week! If you missed her interview, just scroll down! I hadn’t thought about Miss Rumphius in a long time—just made my day. Until later… XO Katie
Morning lovelies! I’m quite certain today’s Pioneer will banish your Monday blues. You see, the moment I laid eyes on the creations of Emily Maynard, I simply died and went to heaven. Her company, Elva Fields, is named after her great-grandmother (can you say Neo-Traditionalist?) and contains the most delicious, colorful baubles you ever did see. As if things could get any cuter, the company is divided into three collections, the Elva, June, and Deb named after Emily’s great-grandmother, grandmother and mother respectively. The Elva collection is full of one-of-a-kind creations, the June limited editions, and the Deb consists of pieces created entirely of vintage materials (go green!). Before moving to Louiville, Kentucky to found her business, Emily studied at The Bard Graduate Center as well as Manhattan’s Jewelry Art Institute. While her pieces tend to sell out very quickly online, they are also available at stylish boutiques throughout the country so be sure to check and see if you can’t find some in your own backyard. I also suggest adding yourself to her mailing list—when it comes to Elva Fields, a girl ought to be in the know! And now, my sweet readers, I give you Emily…
Five words used to describe yourself.
Interested, focused, thrifty, particular, and passionate. [Above, Emily with her darling little girl, Viva]
What inspires you creatively?
I’m a sponge…I pick up ideas and gain inspiration everywhere. Books, magazines, movies, restaurants, shops, conversations, road trips, blogs, the grocery store…literally everywhere.
Who were/are your design mentors?
My grandmother for her love of color (the more the merrier for her) and my mother for her sense of balance, texture, and scale (although, sometimes I think she’d question her influence.)
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
A fun mix of cheerful, bold, interesting, vintage, and timeless. [Below, Emily as a child with her great-grandmother, Elva Fields]
What propelled you to found your own company?
An entrepreneurial spirit must run through my family’s history–my great-grandfather and grandfather both started businesses when all signs pointed to failure, and they created successful, established companies despite the challenge–one that is still in our family today. I truly feel I’ve found my calling with Elva Fields–it is the perfect combination of all my interests, and my entire family is incredibly supportive.
Most glamourous part of owning your own company?
Definitely the jewelry! It’s really nice to always have something fun and sparkly to wear anytime, anyplace.
Least glamourous part of owning your own company?
Honestly? Everything, but the jewelry. In my experience, owning your own business is anything but glamourous–it’s a combination of mettle-testing decisions, incredibly long hours, tireless dedication, and hard work. Don’t get me wrong–it’s completely worth it at the end of the day–but glamourous it is not.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
“If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.” My business advisor, Jerry, passed this along at one of our meetings, and it was the kick in the pants I needed to make the next right step for Elva Fields.
Creative businesswoman you admire?
I read an article recently about Lisa Disbrow, who founded several successful women’s clothing boutiques in North Carolina. In addition to being a multi-business owner in her early 30s, she is a wife and mother of two who has also been diagnosed with MS. Despite this debilitating illness and her countless day-to-day commitments (personally and professionally,) she remains dedicated to her entrepreneurial vision and continues to seek a balance in it all. I am always inspired by women who wear many hats and juggle a very full life–whether they run a business or a household.
What keeps you organized and on task?
My husband, Patrick, and Jerry, my business advisor. They would be a scary force to be reckoned with if they ever met. [Below, pictures of Emily taken last year in her studio while pregnant with little Viva.]
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
Still waiting on that one…there are always more mountains to climb in life and business.
Describe your typical work day…
Dropping off orders for shipping on my way home from taking my daughter to her sitter, emails and phone calls to start the day back at the office, then a solid afternoon of design and production–one necklace or earring at a time. Each item is photographed, inventoried, tagged, and designated for either one of our retailers or for our website. Another round of emails and phone calls in the late afternoon before packing orders to ship out the next morning. (This sounds a lot less complicated then it always ends up being, somehow.)
Your dream project?
I’d love to design a collection of necklaces for a private client who wanted a new design to wear each week for a different occasion–brunch with the girls, a wedding, a benefit dinner party, a grand gala… At theend of the year, the 52-piece collection (along with the clothing worn with each design) would be displayed at the client’s local museum in an exhibit called “A Year in the Life” and later auctioned off to benefit a local charitable organization.
Not jewelry-related, but still a dream project, I’d love to restore an old house for my family to live in and enjoy…but that would include a studio for Elva Fields, too. Work and life are interwoven for me.
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
Grow, grow, grow. There are lots of exciting plans in the pipeline, so I hope you’ll all stay tuned! [Below, Emily modeling one of her glamorous creations]
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
Follow your instinct–it’s there for a reason.
Thank you to Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. for being this week’s Plucky Pioneer! Jane outdid herself once again on the cheat sheet—seriously, what is the serif you used for the quote missy? I’m in love. Until later… XOXO
Morning lovelies! Hope your weekend was swell. Quite frankly, I don’t think today’s Plucky Pioneer needs much of an introduction. You’ve surely seen her whimsical illustrations all over the blogosphere and in the holy bible of nuptials, Martha Stewart Weddings. That’s right, today we have for you the darling and oh-so-talented Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co.! Jane and I were like giddy little children when she agreed to the interview—to say we’re huge fans of her designs would be an understatement. Anwyho, for those of you that aren’t familiar with Anna’s work, she is the creative director and founder of Rifle Paper Co. based out of Winter Park, Florida. Her online shop is brimming with the most darling stationery and prints you ever did see and she also does tons of drool worthy custom work (like the charming save the date above—swoon!). Oh and I must mention that she sent her responses to us at 4:30am this morning. Talk about work ethic! Thank you Anna!!!
Five words used to describe yourself.
quiet, determined, caring, creative, observer [Above, Anna in Rifle's temporary studio. Isn't she gorgeous?!]
What inspires you creatively?
There are so many things that inspire me. I love to look at everything from nature to architecture to film and beyond for inspiration. I try not to let anything pass me by.
Who were/are your design mentors?
My mentors have been everything from fellow students to businessmen to books. There’s also a long list of great designers and artists that I feel like have inspired or taught me something one way or another. [Above, botanical calling cards by Rifle.]
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
I love a timeless quality to a design, classic fonts, whimsical illustrations, and eclectic mixes styles.
What propelled you to found your own company?
After working as an art director I went freelance to focus on illustration. My company sort of grew out of that and has gone from working out my bedroom into an official business collaboration with my husband nathan. [Above, a DIY Anna did for the ever inspiring Once Wed blog]
Most glamourous part of owning your own company?
Being my own boss and doing what I love.
Least glamourous part of owning your own company?
The hours. I’ve only taken two days off since Christmas and my kitchen is sadly collecting dust. [Above, a custom save the date by Rifle.]
Best business advice you’ve been given?
Your speed of growth is key. Growing too fast or too slow can ruin your business.
Creative businesswoman you admire?
Martha Stewart and Kate Spade. Martha is just pure genius and I look up to her so much in how she has developed her business and her brand. Her consistency and aesthetic is amazing. I admire Kate Spade for the way she started her business with her husband and quickly grew it from her apartment to a worldwide brand. [Above, a work in progress.]
What keeps you organized and on task?
I’m definitely a list maker and I try to stay organized through an online project management program that I use. I honestly could be much better so I’m hoping the new assistant I just hired will help whip me into shape. 
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
I don’t feel that I’ve “made it” just yet but having the opportunity to design something for Martha Stewart Weddings was a really exciting thing for me. I’m a huge Martha fan so that was a big dream come true. [Above, Rifle Paper Co.'s soon-to-be new studio/storefront in Winter Park, FL]
Describe your typical work day…
I’m still in the mode where I am working 14+ hours a day to try to get the business going and keep up with the momentum. I’m usually all over the place between drawing, emailing, and running errands for the business and do the bulk of my illustrating late at night when things quiet down.
Your dream project?
I have a long list of dream projects but one of my favorite’s is to design a postage stamp. [Above, Anna's custom work.]
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
We’re launching a few new product lines this Spring and my goal is to make sure our goods continue to do well. I have lots of ideas but my main goal for the year is to make sure our growth is manageable and while I continue to do what I love, I’m also happy and enjoying life.
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
My advice is to just go for it. Taking the first step is often the hardest but if you want to try something you should dive in and not be afraid of failure. That, and be your own person. Find your unique voice and what it is that makes you different from everyone else. [Above, a screen shot of the Rifle Paper Co. website. How sweet are the personalized calling cards???]
Thank you again to the lovely Tamara of House of Honey for being this week’s Plucky Pioneer! A shout out to my Plucky partner in crime, Jane Lilly Warren, is due as well. Week after week she creates these cheat sheets and she never fails to amaze me. Such a talent my dear Jane! Until later my loves… XO Katie
Happy Monday everyone! Today I’m thrilled to introduce to you Tamara Kaye-Honey of House of Honey interiors. Though based out of Los Angeles, the inspiring designer is in fact a native of Hailfax, Nova Scotia (a beautiful corner of the earth I’ve long hoped to visit!). Upon graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Tamara worked as a clothing buyer for Bergdorf Goodman before eventually relocating to Los Angeles where her love affair with interiors took root. The second I laid eyes on Tamara’s glamourous website I knew she was a fellow Neo-Traditionalist. Her eclectic style artfully combines new and old, color and glamour—right up my alley! Enough of me though, I’ll let Tamara speak for herself… Oh and prepare yourself because not only are her interiors stunning, her children are a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e.
![HHlogo_final_boxb[2]](http://theneotraditionalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/HHlogo_final_boxb2.jpg "HHlogo_final_boxb[2]")
Five words used to describe yourself.
Straightforward / driven / silly / creative / unconventional [Above, the ultra glamorous House of Honey logo.]
What inspires you creatively?
I am inspired by design and architecture from both the past and present.
The idea of customizing, re-working and reinventing, propels my designs. I try to create environments and pieces that are fresh and modern, yet retain a timeless quality. And of course my children inspire me everyday.
Who are/were your design mentors?
My best friend’s mum in high school was the founder and president of BB Bargoon’s (Canada’s leading home furnishing’s and fabric mega store at the time). Bonnie Bickel was small but mighty and ran her enterprise with such confidence and stride. She really was inspirational both creatively and from a business standpoint. Now, as a mother of two, I am inspired by women who can balance their own business and raise children. And last but not least, my husband for having the courage, talent and drive to start his own commercial production company.
What is your personal design aesthetic?
playful, modern, unexpected and always unique.
What propelled you to start your own company?
I have always known I wanted to do something creative. I started in fashion and moved to interiors, which I love but am very excited to be taking it to the next level and am in the process of opening a retail shop and design studio. I will offer a curated selection of home furnishings and decorative accessories. Customers can browse ‘ House Of Honey’, read a design book, buy a candle- hopefully be inspired and decide to hire me to redesign their home, or at least to purchase a custom chair! The House of Honey concept is based on the idea of accessible design and a lifestyle that is full of personality, humor and of course, style. House Of Honey will give clients the access to great new and vintage fabrics and wallpapers and allow them to be part of the design process in a non-intimidating fun manner that is personal to them.
Most glamorous part of owning your own company?
Being my own boss. I never worked well for other people; I think I always thought I was in charge.
Least glamorous part of owning your own company?
Being my own boss.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
My friend and business startup expert Nada Jones recently published the book ‘16 Weeks to Your Dream Business: A Weekly Planner for Entrepreneurial Women”. It is a must read for anyone trying to start or grow a business.
Creative businesswoman you admire?
Dorothy Draper for having the courage to enter what was a male dominated Industry (she had no formal training) and for her innovative bold unique designs that transformed American decorating. Sister Parish for encouraging spaces to be designed for enjoyment and to mix patterns up, not matchie-matchie. Diane von Fürstenberg for having the strength and courage to reinvent her business when things got really tough and went on to launch the Infamous wrap dress.
What keeps your organized and on task?
My husband for his technical know how (I am a real luddite), my best friend Traci for all she does and finally my paper daytimer which I would be lost without.
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
Question may be premature!
Describe your typical workday.
No day is typical which I love. What is consistent is lots of coffee in the am/ driving kids to and from school/ some sort of design based shopping, client interaction and creative thinking/designing.
Your dream project?
A boutique hotel in Pasadena
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
My goal is to expand my signature style- The New Vintage. By mixing old and new with whimsical and usual pieces/patterns/shapes and colors the result is a fresh, playful and modern approach to design. [Below, Tamara's ridiculously adorable children---oh my goodness!]
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
Be true to yourself and just go for it. You will regret it if you don’t.
Be sure to stop in tomorrow to see Tamara’s Plucky Pioneer cheat sheet — her top picks for fashion, film, and more! Thank you Tamara!(all images courtesy of House of Honey)
This may just be my favorite cheat sheet yet! Just look at that darling clothesline! Jane, you are a genius. Thanks everyone for stopping by and supporting Sesame Letterpress! Until later… XO
I am a huge (please note the bold, italic AND underline) fan of the work of today’s Plucky Pioneer and I have a feeling you probably are too! Breck Hostetter is the woman behind the brilliant work of Sesame Letterpress in Brooklyn, New York. Perhaps you’ve seen their beautiful creations for sale in John Derian’s shop or in magazines like Martha Stewart Living…? Breck founded the company with her husband, Matt Heindl, and together they’ve met great success designing and printing custom stationery, invitations and so much more. Breck is also the co-owner of Brooklyn Social Cards (yes, ladies, she’s a double Plucky Pioneer!) the maker of the chicest calling cards on earth. I am personally thankful to Breck because she printed the most beautiful custom stationary for John and me (an engagement gift from Miss Jane Warren) that I just adore! Jane also recently took a letterpress class taught by Breck and Matt at their studio and said it was AMAZING. How much fun would that be? I want to move back to New York just to sign up! Read on for words of wisdom from the lovely and oh-so-talented Breck Hostetter…
Five words used to describe yourself.
quirky, dedicated, sentimental, hard-working (I am counting this as 1 word), kind (I hope I am). [Above, Breck at work on a press in Sesame's Brooklyn studio.]
What inspires you creatively?
Victorian-era graphic design and book design, vintage wallpaper, fabric, children’s books, plants and animals…
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
Our letterpresses are circa 1880’s and I love using these presses to print work with vintage inspired elements in bright, contemporary colors. All of the prints we do, from invitations to business cards, greeting cards etc… have elements of this aesthetic. [Above, ridiculously cool letterpress zebra coasters currently available for purchase in Sesame's online shop.]
What propelled you to found your own company?
I have always made things to give or sell. For years, I did this on the side while working daylight hours at full time jobs. It was always my hope that one day I could eventually dedicate my full attention to my own business. I ran my print shop during the evenings and weekends for about 4 years before I finally calculated that I was working 41 hours at the studio and 40 at my regular job so I quickly quit the day job and became a full time printer.
Most glamourous part of owning your own company?
Hmmm. I’m not sure how glamorous owning my own company is on a day to basis but there are definitely some perks. One time I traded services for a really nice dress. I’d say that being able to meet and work with really interesting people is one of the best parts of my job. [Above, the Brooklyn studio.]
Least glamourous part of owning your own company?
Working all of the time, doing bookkeeping, juggling many deadlines, always trying to please custom clients and making sure there is enough work to support my staff.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
I’m constantly accepting advice. [Above, whimsical business cards printed by Breck.]
Creative businesswoman you admire?
I admire every businesswoman who juggles running a business, having a family and trying to be creative. I am constantly working at this balance and welcome tips from anyone else in the same boat!
What keeps you organized and on task?
My gmail account with lists and labels and calendar. There is no way I could run my business without this. [Above, very possibly the most beautiful wedding invitation I've ever seen---printed by Sesame.]
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
I had a couple silly goals of printing projects for people I admired and having my goods in a couple stores I loved. When I was eventually given these opportunities I felt like I had made it. Really, anytime people tell me that they like my work, it feels validating. Right now I think that being able to take weekends or even just Sundays off and not turn on my computer would really mean I had made it.
Describe your typical work day…
Wake up and dress and feed my daughter. When the babysitter arrives, head to my studio. Stop on the way to buy a chocolate croissant and a coffee. Work with my assistant on printing projects. Leave in the afternoon to pick up my daughter from school. Play with her until she goes to bed. Then turn on my computer and tackle admin and design work in the evenings. [Above, a colorful ink palette at Sesame.]
Your dream project?
I’m lucky to feel like I do my dream projects regularly. These would be the ones I get to design and print for myself (without tight deadlines) or give to friends such as party invitations for my daughter and niece, wedding invitations for my sister, coasters for a friend’s surprise birthday party…
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
My dream would be to move the business to a town by the sea, open a small storefront and be able to take a break mid-day to go for a swim. I think this is more “my fantasy for my business in the future” but it is good to aim high. [Above, a vignette from Breck's desk.]
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
Do what you really love. Try to schedule time to see things and do things to cultivate your creative thinking. [Below, more cool coasters by Sesame. If only I were hip enough to live in Brooklyn...]
Be sure to check back tomorrow to see Breck’s Plucky Pioneer Cheat Sheet — her top picks for art, film, fashion and more! Until later… XO
Thank you Miss Jane for yet another fantastic cheat sheet and Miss Foster for sharing her favorites with us! This Martha Graham quotation makes my heart skip a beat. Until later… XO
It is a great honor to introduce to you our latest Plucky Pioneer, the incredibly talented Bella Foster. Bella is a freelance artist based out of Brooklyn, New York and happens to be an acquaintance of my Plucky Partner Jane Lilly Warren. Jane snagged Bella for this interview and I couldn’t be more thankful! You may well recognize Bella’s work from the 2010 Kate Spade agenda and various other collaborations she’s done with the company. Her work has an innate sense of whimsy and fearless use of color that stole my heart long ago. I hope you enjoy this glimpse of her story. Without further ado, I give you the brilliant Bella…
What inspires you creatively?
I love looking at paintings in books, especially old art catalogs. I have this great set of pamphlets from the Metropolitan Museum of Art I found at a thrift store years ago – it was produced probably in the 50’s, of their permanent collection at that time. All the paintings are stamps, so you’re supposed to put the image of the painting (the stamp!) on the artist page yourself…I love just having the mini painting stamps. [Above, a photo of Bella at the sweetest house I ever did see. The first image is a room painted by Bella featuring details such as a blue John Robshaw pillow she spotted in a boutique.]
Plants, and flowers, and great textile design inspired by these things…like josef frank’s work. [Below, a gorgeous photograph of flowers taken by Bella.]
I sometimes look up interior designers to get inspiration, and I’ve found I love rooms done my muriel brandolini. and kelly wearstler’s recent work. I love that wallpaper she used that looks like a pink Franz Kline print. I actually have not idea if it’s wallpaper or what, but I like it. [Below, the Kelly Wearstler walls that inspire Bella.]
Friends. Oh a good friend of mine introduced me to this artist Mary Hackett, who lived in provincetown. She also painted interiors. I’d love to see one of her paintings in real life (I’ve only seen them in books). [Below, a Mary Hackett painting.]
Who are your design mentors?
Andy Warhol’s illustration inspired me to try it out. For designers: Alexander Girard, Josef Frank, and Mary Blair, for color and spirit.
THIS article in the New Yorker put Marc Jacobs on my list.
As for artists, I would also have to add Kiki Smith, Cindy Sherman, Mary Heilmann, Elizabeth Peyton, Karen Kilimnik, David Hockney, Alex Katz, Ricahrd Tuttle…
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
I like to find the magic in the ordinary. [Below, a magical Bella floral.]
What propelled you work for yourself?
I’ve been painting forever….but what made me quit my day job was the ‘do what you love and the money will follow’ school of thought.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
Do what you do because you’d do it even if no one ever paid you to. [Below, Bella's studio, including her adorable pup Alice.]
Creative businesswoman you admire?
I think I would have to say Tina Fey.
What keeps you organized and on task?
Deadlines! Real ones, and self made ones. [Below, one of Bella's illustrations for the charming 2010 Kate Spade agenda.]
Describe your typical work day…
First thing: coffee. then email. walk the dog, and weather permitting get some exercise outside. then get to work in studio. I prefer to not have distractions while working, no phone, no email. [Below, another photograph of inspiring blooms taken by the talented Bella.]
Your dream project?
I’d love to design some textiles that tell a story through the imagery…or are portraits of places or people using motifs and symbols. And since we’re talking Dream Project, I would also work with one of my favorite perfumers to create smells that go with the prints.
I’d also love to make some illustrated books that are all pictures and no words.
What goals do you have for your work in the future?
I would like to have a show of my paintings…the ones no one has seen yet! [Above, a painting of Bella's that is now making it's first appearance online!]
Advice to other budding creatives looking to start out on their own:
Well the obvious: Never give up! Be authentic. Expect miracles. [Below, Alice.]
Be sure to check in tomorrow for Bella’s Plucky Pioneer Cheat Sheet — her picks for travel, flowers and more! Thank you Bella!
Yet another brilliant cheat sheet designed by my Plucky partner, Jane Lilly Warren! Thank you my dear! A special thank you also goes out to Catherine and Haley of MARAIS USA for putting up with my endless list of questions. I can’t wait to see the next collection—their beautiful shoes never disappoint! Until later…
XX Kate “The Neo-Trad”
Good morning darlings! I’m delighted to present to you our latest Plucky Pioneers, Catherine Chen and Haley Boyd of MARAIS USA footwear! If you’re not yet familiar with their stylish, functional and wonderfully affordable shoes then you’re in for a real treat. I first met Haley when I was living in Manhattan though a mutual friend (love you Miss Brooke!) and was immediately taken by the girl’s innate sense of style. She’s one of those striking Brooklyn girls that has mastered the “effortless chic” look in ways I can only dream of. Haley met her business partner Catherine while they were both studying at Parsons School of Design and judging by their success, it was a match made in heaven! Their company is named after a summer spent in “Le Marais” — Paris’ most eclectic, and in my opinion, chicest neighborhood. Today MARAIS USA shoes are available at Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie stores nationwide (talk about “making it big time”…) as well as select independent boutiques and online. I have such admiration for these young women because they not only have great style and a GREAT product, but they’ve worked their fannies off to get where they are today! I’m honored to introduce to you MARAIS USA…
[Above, an illustration of Catherine, Haley and their shoes by renowned fashion illustrator Richard Rosenfeld. Below, an old image of Haley and Catherine snapped at a Tribeca cafe while they were preparing for their first sales meeting---awwww!]
Five words used to describe yourself.
Catherine: visual, inquisitive, talkative, moody, fun
What inspires you creatively?
Haley: My goal is always to design shoes that I want to wear every day. We also do a lot of research to figure out what’s missing in the market. You’d be surprised at how many super basic designs that we shop for are only available if you’re willing to spend an arm and a leg. Voila our Oxford, Classic Pump, Chelsea Boot, et the rest!
Who are your design mentors?
Catherine: My kindergarten art teacher Nova Rockwell.
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
Haley: Classic, Feminine, a little Preppy, obsessed with Annie Hall. [Below, the fabulous Haley snapped on the street in New York.]
What propelled you to found your own company?
Haley: I’ve always been super entrepreneurial – even in high school I had a little clothing line that I sewed myself. Marais USA began because Catherine and I would go shoe shopping as Parsons students and literally could not find something as simple and obvious as a good-looking black patent ballet flat for under $100. We didn’t understand why you had to splurge on Marc Jacobs to get something basic.
Most glamourous part of owning your own company?
Catherine: Having an awesome collection of shoes! [Below, Catherine hard at work between takes of a MARAIS USA photo shoot.]
Least glamourous part of owning your own company?
Haley: The heavy lifting! Our office is on the third floor of a warehouse building in Williamsburg, and I would really hate to go back and count the number of bulky boxes we have carried up and down those stairs throughout all of our sample sales, trunk shows, FedEx drop offs, etc. We’re always joking about how much manual labor we subject ourselves to as co-founders of this company.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
Catherine: Learn to manage your cash flow. [Haley and Catherine with MARAIS USA models/friends]
Creative businesswoman you admire?
Haley: I’m gonna have to go with Gabrielle Chanel. I love how she looked at everything with such fresh eyes and designed things that are still relevant in 2010. You could wear an outfit today that she wore in the 1920’s and not look costume-y or vintage. That’s pretty remarkable.
What keeps you organized and on task?
Haley: In the morning, a strong coffee. In general, the fact that I love the work I’m doing and that I work for myself.
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
Catherine: When I could starting wearing my own designs!
Describe your typical work day…
Catherine: Answering lots of emails… [Below, the girls in the 40' container that delivered their first big shipment!]
Your dream project?
Haley: This doesn’t have a lot to do with shoes, but traveling around the world shopping for furnishings for my own home is definitely in my little bucket list.
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
Catherine: My goal for the future is to do a design collaboration with Uniqlo.
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
Catherine: Capitalize on your youth and take action.
How brilliant is this second Plucky Pioneer Cheat Sheet created by the talented Jane Lilly Warren? I tell you the girl is a graphics genius! I’m so lucky to have her as my Plucky Pioneer partner in crime. Thank you again to Catherine Fitzsimmons of Rickshaw Design for sharing her story with us. Don’t you just love her favorites? I’ll let everyone know the second Rikshaw launches their full size bedding—I have a feeling I’m not the only one eager to snatch some up! In the meantime I’ll be buying pieces from the existing Rickshaw collection for every baby I know! Oh and below, a sneak peek of the upcoming children’s apparel collection also to be launched online this spring…just look at those bloomers! Too darn cute. Until tomorrow…
XX Kate “The Neo-Trad”
I’m beyond excited to introduce to you our second Plucky Pioneer — Catherine Fitzsimmons of Rikshaw Design! Catherine gives a whole new meaning to the term “girl crush.” She’s charming, kind, hysterically funny, and as you can see above, has a fantastic sense of style. The Virginia native is also an avid traveler with an impressive list of adventures under her belt including a summer on a dude ranch, being an au pair in Paris, and completing a bike tour across Cape Cod. Working as a visual merchandiser for Ralph Lauren and later a textile buyer at Pottery Barn, eventually led Catherine to India. She was instantly mesmerized by the colorful Indian tradition of block-printing, spurring the 2008 launch of her own Rikshaw Design. For those of you not yet familiar with her charming company, Rikshaw is a lifestyle collection for the bohemian family with the most lovely block-printed Indian cotton voile you ever did see! Catherine launched with baby bedding and accessories and this spring will be adding to the collection adult bedding (yippee!) and a darling collection of children’s apparel. Without further ado, I give you Catherine’s Plucky interview…
Five words used to describe yourself.
Creative, funny, enthusiastic, passionate, and southern. [Above, a darling little girl cuddling a Rikshaw Design camel]
What inspires you creatively?
Travel (gotta get out and see this grand ole world!), photography, the mix of modern and old in homes, lots of layers in patterns and textures, people on the street, good merchandising in windows and stores.
Who were/are your design mentors?
I love Simon Doonan, Kelly Wearstler, Ruthie Sommers, India Hicks, Jenna Lyons, and all you bloggers out there inspire me endlessly.
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
Boho..sounds cliche, but I am enamored with the little details of rooms, my outifits, the Rikshaw line and mixing it all up so that it has an eclectic vibe to it.
What propelled you to found your own company?
Really…I was done with a corporate environment and felt a need to express myself creatively. I dabbled in interior design and freelance styling then I came back to textiles, what I love and have loved my whole life. Rikshaw Design’s take on textiles was me noticing the need for something different for babies. [Below, Catherine and her adorable pup Jumby]
Most glamourous part of owning your own company?
Creating your own vision with no rules…
Least glamourous part of owning your own company?
Paying bills.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
“Just keep moving, sell one thing, don’t look at all the obstacles.” This was the best at the beginning when I was nervous about launching… [Below, shelves of block prints snapped during Catherine's travels in India]
Creative businesswoman you admire?
Tory Burch. I love how personal she has built her business with her blog, style tips, inspiration boards, ohh and her CD! I want to come out with a Rikshaw CD! Or a candle!
What keeps your organized and on task?
My team, my iPhone, and to-do lists. [Below, colorful Rikshaw Design textiles being printed hand]
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
When the line was bought by my first boutique. I was thinking at first this was going to be a little hobby out of my house …whew things have changed!
Describe your typical work day…
Let jumby out, brew my tea, read my blogs, read my emails, try and exercise in the am (or I never will), then plug plug away… I take breaks to clear my head, usually a walk with jumby cause I could work for 24 hours if I didn’t stop.
Your dream project?
Open a store—it’s been a dream of mine since I was fifteen. I love the whole thought of walking into my store turning the closed sign to open, having a water bowl for dogs to come in, playing good tunes, selling to great people who get what it is I am trying to do… I love the whole personal interaction.
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
We are going to dabble in a bunch of other products, open a store!, become a lifestyle brand for the boho babes/families of the world.
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
Very similar to my best advice given above, which is, just sell one. It sounds sort of small, but the obstacles can keep you stuck and you will never move if you stare at them all day. One more big thing—stay true to what you are. You have to be passionate about it.
A special thank you to my Plucky Pioneer partner Jane Lilly Warren of Lox Papers for designing this lovely cheat sheet based on Heather’s responses! We have had so much fun with our first interview and are looking forward to next week! I must thank of all YOU as well for your sweet, supportive comments each day. Jane and I are big believers in young creatives learning from, inspiring and supporting one another—-we simply couldn’t do it without you!
XX Kate “The Neo-Trad”
