KATIE ARMOUR » Plucky Pioneers

Plucky Pioneer Cheat Sheet No.11

Katie Armour — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:48:14 +0000

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.

Be sure to check in tomorrow to see the Thistle & Clover Cheat Sheet—Camilla and Rand’s top picks for film, travel and more! Thank you ladies!!!

(images courtesy of Thistle & Clover and Cherry Patter)

Plucky Pioneer Interview No.8

Katie Armour — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:26:42 +0000

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.

Check in tomorrow for Emily’s Plucky Pioneer Cheat Sheet — her top picks for travel, film, fashion and more! Thank you Emily—you’re such an inspiration!

Plucky Pioneer Interview No.6

Katie Armour — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:54:32 +0000

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.

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)

Plucky Pioneer Interview No.5

Katie Armour — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:53:49 +0000

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

Plucky Pioneer Cheat Sheet No.3

Katie Armour — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:33:16 +0000

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”

Plucky Pioneer Interview No.3

Katie Armour — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:29:46 +0000

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.

Stop by tomorrow to see the MARAIS USA cheat sheet—Catherine and Haley’s picks for film, flowers and more! In the meantime be sure to visit their darling blog HERE—you will adore it!

Thank you ladies!!!

Plucky Pioneer Interview No.2

Katie Armour — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:06:11 +0000

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.

Be sure to stop in tomorrow to see Catherine’s Cheat Sheet — her top picks for art, film, travel and more! Also, if you like The Neo-Trad you’ll LOVE the Rikshaw Design Blog — visit it HERE!

THANK YOU CATHERINE!!!

Plucky Pioneer Interview No.1

Katie Armour — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:45:49 +0000

Welcome to our first ever Plucky Pioneer interview! Every Monday here on The Neo-Traditionalist I’ll be featuring a different “pioneer girl on the design frontier” and I am truly honored to be kicking things off with Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic! The decorating darling and Manhattan girl-about-town not only writes her own wildly successful design blog (I’m a huge fan—read it HERE), but has also managed to found her own successful interior design company. Heather’s fantastically chic eye for design has landed her in the pages of Domino, Lonny, House Beautiful and Elle Decor to name a few and that’s only the beginning! Read on to learn what inspired Heather to start her own business, the ups and downs of being her own boss, and where she hopes to take Habitually Chic in the future. Thank you Heather for all the inspiration! [Above, the stylish Ms. Clawson on a recent jaunt to Paris]

Five words used to describe yourself.

Funny, Optimistic, Busy, Happy, Creative. [Above, a vignette of Heather's all too chic desk during the holiday-card-writing season. Wouldn't you just die for that alabaster lamp?]

What inspires you creatively?

Everything! It could be another designer, something in a store, a museum exhibition, a painting or a flower in the park. I’m a very visual person so I’m inspired by what I see everyday!

Who are your design mentors?

Right now, I consider all the top designers to be my mentors. I love attending lectures like the Women in Design event sponsored by Elle Decor. I learned a lot by listening to the stories and advice of Charlotte Moss, Kelly Wearstler, Michelle Nussbaumer and Holly Hunt. It definitely made me feel better to hear about some of their mistakes as well as triumphs! [Below, a stunning interior designed by Habitually Chic.]

How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?

I never know what to call my style. Traditional with a twist is as close as I’ve come to defining it. I like my designs to look collected rather than decorated so I use a lot of vintage pieces or reproductions. I really like the juxtaposition of piece from the 1970’s sitting next to an 18th-century French chair underneath an abstract painting. Artwork is very important to my work and is the finishing touch that gives a room soul. I want the spaces I design to look like the owner might have had someone come in and style what they already owned instead of like a designer picked it all out for them. I leave at the end of a project and it’s very important that my designs reflect the client and they feel personal to them.

What propelled you to found your own company?

I was laid off in December of 2008 and I had already worked on some projects on my own so it seemed like the best time. Getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to a lot of us last year since it just hastened the decision we were too scared to make on our own! [Below, a handsome bachelor pad designed by Habitually Chic]

Most glamourous part of owning your own company?

I don’t know if anything is really glamorous about owning my own company, but I do like having the option to attend daytime functions and events. I could never do that when I was working for someone else.

Least glamourous part of owning your own company?

The fact that I have to do everything! It takes a lot of work to type up every purchase order and deal with all the other paperwork! And unlike other designers, I’m juggling everything with writing the blog. Sometimes I work from the minute I wake up until right before I go to bed! [Below, Heather snapped with the dashing Thomas O'Brien of Aero Studios]

Best business advice you’ve been given?

Trademark Habitually Chic! Someone already bought the domain name so it was important to me to protect the brand that I am building.

Creative businesswoman you admire?

There are so many but lately it’s Kelly Wearstler. She marches to the beat of her own drummer and doesn’t care what other people think. She thinks outside the box. She is curious and always learning like myself. She visits museums and galleries in every city she visits and collects art and design books. She’s also a great mother and stays home most nights with her family. She said she wanted to be a designer and own her own firm early on and made it a reality. I admire people who know what they want and make it happen!

What keeps your organized and on task?

I have to write everything down! I have a small calendar that sits on my desk and the minute I schedule something, I write it down. I love my BlackBerry but I have to write things down and make lists to keep myself organized. Working from home can be very distracting so it’s a constant struggle to keep on track. I think I’m still figuring this one out but I think an office will definitely help! [Below, an interior by Todd Romano that Heather references as one of her favorites]

Moment you knew you’d “made it”?

I always feel like I’m still trying to make it! But probably the first time someone recognized me in an elevator at the D&D building was pretty exciting! And now to hear designers, whom I admire, tell me that they love my blog is beyond amazing!

Describe your typical work day…

When you work for yourself, there is no typical day but I begin most everyday by answering emails from the night before. My days usually involve trips to the D&D, project site visits, paperwork, conference calls, follow ups, blog posts, and sometimes a fun event at night.

Your dream project?

Hmmm…I’d love to do a room in a showhouse and maybe work on a boutique hotel. I’d also love more bachelor projects. I’m not overly girly in my designs and they fit my aesthetic perfectly! [Below, a vignette by Heather. Love the hyacinths and Diptyque!]

What goals do you have for your business in the future?

I’d love to get an office, even if it’s one that I share. I’d love to grow to be able to hire employees. I’m looking into consulting and other opportunities as meeting with publishers. I would definitely love to see a Habitually Chic book published!

Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?

Just do it! It’s a lot easier to start a side business when you are working for someone else so buy a business book, seek out advice and take your time to do it right from the start. Definitely don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Check back in tomorrow to see Heather’s “Cheat Sheet”—her top picks for film, art, travel and more!

Weekend Plans + Exciting Announcement!

Katie Armour — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:22:59 +0000

Hello there! Just wanted to wish you all a fantastic weekend. Do you have any big plans? Do tell! I’ll will be home cleaning. I never fully unpacked from our move (tisk, tisk) and am eager to start hanging pictures and such.

I also wanted to let you know that starting next week I’ll be launching a weekly Monday interview series! The series is called “Plucky Pioneers” and will feature a different creative female entrepreneur each week. I’m working on it with my dear friend Jane Lilly Warren and it should be great fun. There will be graphic designers, interior designers, textile designers, photographers, illustrators and more! It will be your chance to get to know and be inspired by young women in the art and design worlds who have founded their own companies. This Monday the spotlight will be on someone I know you’ll just adore (if you don’t already…). I can’t wait to begin! Until Monday…

XX Kate “the Neo-Trad”

(images found here and here)