Voila! Compliments of my very dear and talented friend Jane Lilly Warren, the Southern Proper cheat sheet! Thank you so much to Emmie for taking the time to respond to our questions. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely adore her picks (Kate, Tory and Milly—yes please)!
Good morning my darlings! Hope your Monday is off to a bright start. Please allow me to introduce our latest Plucky Pioneers, Rand Niederhoffer and Camilla Gale of Brooklyn boutique Thistle & Clover. The second I laid eyes on the T & C website I was smitten with the ladies’ sophisticated aesthetic. Since its opening in March 2008 in the Fort Greene neighborhood, the shop has become a major destination for up-and-coming designers and has won praise from the likes of Lucky Magazine and Daily Candy. Camilla and Rand have also launched their own Thistle & Clove jewelry collection (I have a slight obsession with their clover necklace—perfectly dainty!) and regularly hold trunk shows. Did I mention they serve treats to their Sunday customers? Furthermore, the two met while at university in Scotland (I met my Plucky partner Jane Lilly Warren at university in Switzerland) and described one another as “kindred spirits.” Clearly our type of girls! Below, the oh-so-darling Camilla and Rand…
Five words used to describe yourself.
CAMILLA: Driven, Outgoing, Loyal, Engaged (as in interested, not marriage wise although I am married!), Foodie
RAND: Fun loving, Adventurous, Hard working, Compassionate,
What inspires you creatively?
CAMILLA: Travel
RAND: I’m inspired by everything from fashion editorials, to art exhibitions, to girls walking down my block in Park Slope. When I’m at work, I draw on an (overly) large cache of websites and blogs to help me flush out trends that I’m interested in for the store.
Who were/are your design mentors?
CAMILLA: Not mentors per se, but these are the people who have helped inform my personal design aesthetic: Christian Liagre, Hans Wegner, Imogen Cunningham, Elle Decor and my mother!
RAND: My first internship out of college was working in the fashion features department at Harper’s Bazaar. The women there in particular Kristina O’Neil & Jenny Levin were these amazing, smart, industrious women who taught me a ton about the industry.
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
CAMILLA: Clean, light, airy, comfortable, minimal without being severe.
RAND: I’m a total romantic at heart. I love pretty liberty prints and abstract florals. So I always try to balance out my look with some menswear inspired pieces and/or detailing. Midwaist belts and oversize cardigans are a current favorite. I recently bought a great pair of brown leather APC boots that I just can’t get enough of.
What propelled you to found your own company?
CAMILLA: Having a wonderful partner to work with. And the limitless possibilities that lay in store!
RAND: Definitely the biggest problem I had before I opened T & C was that I could never whittle down all my disparate interests. The best part of owning your own business is that you get to have your hands in all aspects of the company. Camilla and I are completely involved in every single thing that happens at T & C. We choose the clothing, we co-author our store’s daily blog, we manage our business account, photograph and style the clothing for our online store and interact with the customers when they come into T & C. It’s extremely rewarding!
Most glamourous part of owning your own company?
CAMILLA: The fashion, the customers, the designers, the quality of life.
RAND: Getting to go to lots of fun fashion parties and rub shoulders with men and women in the industry that you really respect.
Least glamourous part of owning your own company?
CAMILLA: If anything goes wrong it’s always your own fault!
RAND: Working 7 day weeks lots of times. Oh, and swabbing our deck painted wood floors- for sure!
Best business advice you’ve been given?
CAMILLA: Create a business plan, always pay your vendors on time, and have fun.
RAND: Just go for it!
Creative businesswoman you admire?
CAMILLA: Adelaide Lancaster of In Good Company, Jenna Lyons of JCrew, Grace Coddington because she’s so amazing.
RAND: My older sister Galt. She dropped out of Harvard to set up her own film production company when she was just 22. She went on to win the audience award at Sundance that year. In a lot of ways, she sort of paved the way for me and showed me that it was possible to shape your own working life.
What keeps your organized and on task?
CAMILLA: The knowledge that if we don’t do it, it will actually never get done (we don’t have any other employees), plus the “stickies” program on our mac–i love love love lists!
RAND: Ha! My fabulous B.partner and bff Camilla! Also a Google Cal and my Smythson notebook, which I use to jot down all my on-going T & C projects.
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
CAMILLA: Telling someone that I owned T&C and then being told in return that they knew and loved my store!
RAND: At T & C, we’re always trying to make our store better. We’re constantly building and expanding our platforms to reach out to new designers and bring in exciting talent to the store. That said, our opening party 2 years ago was an insanely gratifying moment. It was the culmination of about 7 months of prep work. We threw it in our store, which we had just finished renovating. Camilla and I wore matching Lorick dresses and we were surrounded by are close friends and family. We even convinced The Hideout to make Thistle & Clover cocktails for us!
Describe your typical work day…
CAMILLA: Get to work at 12, greet customers, check in inventory, peruse google reader for fabulous new brands and indie designers, greet customers, check off items on my to do list, greet customers, close store at 8pm.
RAND: It completely varies. Right now we’re working on our two year anniversary party & launch of our Thistle & Clover Diaries second issue. So we’re doing a lot of work in Illustrator and editing text from our designers. Not to mention securing alcohol, food and party treats for our attendees!
Your dream project?
CAMILLA: T&C Paris!
RAND: Camilla and I have actually already embarked on one of my big ones! We’ve just started producing our own jewelry line at the store. It’s a small collection of 14k rose gold and yellow gold charms and earrings. One of our designer’s Max Steiner of the ever-popular origami Peace Cranes has been helping us realize this dream!
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
CAMILLA: To expand the T&C client base with more online shopping capabilities (right now we just have select pieces on our covet list).
RAND: I’d like to expand our Thistle & Clover Tailored Event Night programs. Since we opened, we’ve been holding cocktail party/ meet and greets/ trunk shows for our designers and Fort Greene customer base. It’s a really fun way for our shoppers to interact with some of their favorite T & C designers. I’d definitely like to add in an actual structured Q and A component into the mix so there’s a more definitive way for them to share some of their industry experiences.
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
CAMILLA: Just take the risk.
RAND: Find a business partner who you love to work with and who compliments your own style. Starting your own business can be both incredibly rewarding and incredibly trying all at once. It makes the whole thing much sweeter when you have someone to share the experiences with.
(images courtesy of Thistle & Clover and Cherry Patter)
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.
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)
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