okay, so my favourite blogger in the whole wide blogosphere is a woman named Joanna Williams. in her own words, she is: 'L.A. via Texas. Born to be wild. Married with a cat. Owner of a textile studio.' i think she is super cool, finger on the pulse, sophisticated loveliness; a girl who's got it all figured out (even though she assures me she hasn't). i like that she is always bringing something unique to her blogposts, rarely reposting anything from anywhere else, but instead pulling images from her inspiration folders and posting her favourite editorial spreads from italian vogue circa 1995 or a russian home from a back issue of World of Interiors (a story i was equally as smitten by, but you don't see me going the distance of scanning it and sharing.) she appears passionate in her everyday and has a very keen eye for what she does. best wardrobe going (see her closet visit feature)and look at that hair! without even knowing her i find myself valuing her opinion and totally admiring her from afar. having recently launched my etsy shop, i thought it was high time i asked her a little about how her business works; how she got there and where she's going. i feel intermittently lost myself and am in total awe of someone who's got so much going on. here's what she dished out for me- thank you Joanna! *i have gushed about her and her blog- keep feeling fascination- previously, here & here.
1) What is it exactly that you do?
I own a Vintage Textile Studio selling textiles to designers dating from the 1920's to 1980's. I also design a line of embellishments that are made in India and sold to designers. They use them for inspiration to make product.
2) What were you doing before kneeland co.? /How did kneeland co. start?
3) What did you want to be when you grew up? ;)I was working as a freelance fashion writer and trend consultant for various publications and brands. Before that I was the West Coast Trend Correspondent for Stylesight.com where I reported on trends in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Uruguay, Paris and London.
A fashion designer,or so I thought!
4) How do you deal with the ups and downs of having your own business? How do you keep the momentum flowing in the quiet moments (if there are any)?
There are definitely moments where the momentum dies down but I just put one foot in front of the other and power through, even though it can be difficult. Some months are busier than others so learning how to grow the business and get more clients is a constant learning process and challenge, but I enjoy it. I have one intern and other than that I do everything on my own and there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. When you own your own business it's constantly on your mind. I definitely think about it constantly because it's my life and I'm responsible for every aspect of it. I work with people face to face so I have to understand different personalities, tastes, etc. There are many different aspects that can be challenging but I just stay focused on push forward because I love what I do and I believe in it. But trust me, I'm still figuring things out!
5) How do you keep things interesting, moving forwards? Like how does a collaboration with Anthropologie happen?
I think it's important to meet new people and collaborate with like-minded individuals. I'm lucky and grateful to have an amazing community of talented and supportive friends here in LA (and beyond) that are very inspiring and we do a lot of fun things together. Putting yourself out there is not only great because you get to meet new people, but you get to learn about new things and opportunities!
6) Where do you see yourself/your business in the next five years?
Well I hope to conquer the European market in the next year. I would also love to have a line of product, whether it's accessories or apparel or home goods I'm not 100% sure just yet. Mostly, I just want to be happy with what I'm doing and be able to sustain myself and my business!
7) What would be a total dream scenario for you with kneeland co.?
To have Prada, Dries van Noten, Marni, and Isabel Marant as clients!
Oh wow, she is amazing!!! Also loving your online shop!!!
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