CAREER SPOTLIGHT: DANA GIBSON

Today's career spotlight is on a designer who's a personal favorite of mine. I first met Dana at a trade show in 2012, right when I was getting my boutique off the ground. I fell head over heels for her colorful designs and have been decorating with her pieces ever since. It's been a joy to follow the evolution of her line and to see the cool collaborations that have come her way, including a recent fabric and wallpaper partnership with Stroheim. If you've ever contemplated designing your own products for the home (like me!), you'll be hanging on every word. Say hello to Dana!

Name: Dana Gibson Longenderfer

Age: 48

Title: Founder and designer, Dana Gibson
Location: Richmond, Virginia

How did you get started as a designer? Did you get a degree in design or textiles?
I wish I had known I wanted to design home products but I went the liberal arts route.  I actually majored in English and Studio Art and then went on to graduate school in English. I didn’t think art was going to carry me very far, but I always loved it.

I love that you're a fellow liberal arts girl. (I studied French!) Have you always known you wanted to design your own products? 
After graduate school, I taught writing and English literature at a school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This choice was based on an adventurous spirit paired with my more practical side. During the summer break, I took art classes including ceramics, which I fell in love with. I was so happy and content in the studio! Making beautiful objects was a much better fit for me than managing a classroom of teenagers — I knew I had found something I loved.

When did you know you were ready to make a go of it? 
I really didn’t know much about how the industry worked. I just knew from seeing what was out there that what I was making was different and filled a niche market so I charged ahead.

That's awesome! You're such a go-getter. Tell me about the process of designing a piece from start to finish.

Usually I am inspired by something in the marketplace, say an Hermès tray. I don’t want to copy that tray — I just want to reinvent it a bit. I consider color, pattern, and scale. I love mixing an ethnic print with something as tailored and traditional as a serving tray. By the end of the process, my tray doesn’t look like a copy but a nod to a classic home product. 

I love how playful your work is. Have you always been drawn to color?
I respond strongly to color. It's exciting! But I like it in small doses when I'm decorating. One of my favorite artists, Vuillard, painted in neutral ochres and umbers but there are slivers of color where light falls in his paintings. That's how I like color to perform in a room. I like to start with a neutral base on the sofa and chairs then add touches of color. I like the surprise that color can offer.

Collaborations, design work, trade shows... You've got a busy schedule. How do you stay organized?
I keep paper by my bed for late night note taking. Writing that thought down allows me to go back to sleep, but often I can’t read my scrawled writing! I have two employees who help me in the studio and a bookkeeper. But I still do a lot of the marketing myself on top of design work and the minutia of every day like lost boxes or damages. I’m busy all day which I like.

Like you, I'm better when I'm busy! Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I look at all of the applied arts as well as fine art. Sometimes I notice a color combination that is unusual — like a navy blouse and a turquoise scarf — and work it into my collection somehow. My eyes are always roving. I go to flea markets and into my friends' homes.  Trend spotting just occurs because my eyes are wide open and I’m lucky enough to be exposed on a regular basis to the finest design in the world through trade shows and designer markets. I have fashion pictures tacked to a board above my desk beside vintage fabric cuts. I also keep binders  full of rooms I’ve seen in magazines and I use Pinterest and Instagram. All of these inspire me.

How would you describe the person who's decorating with Dana Gibson items?  
She likes color and usually wants to preserve a majority of the items she’s had over the years. She wants a room facelift rather than a complete redo. Old antiques are easily  updated with bold modern fabrics from my new Stroheim line. A wall in a vibrant print adds just the right note, revitalizing the room. The customer who likes my line of products is usually used to fine things in her home but she doesn’t want her house to look like her mother's. She is smart, vivacious, and optimistic about life.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?  
I love when customers say they love my stuff.  I do hear this a lot but I absolutely never tire of it. I want people to be happy with their choice and when I hear that a product I made actually enriched their lives, my job is done.

And the least fun part? 
The least fun part of my job is dealing with customers sometimes. I should have a customer support department but usually I’m the one fielding their grievances. Being tolerant and kind on the phone is a lost art for some. The majority of my customers are not like this but when it happens, it’s definitely a bummer.

Do you have any future goals for the business? 

I’m designing a line of furniture with a company called Miles Talbot and am about to sign with a company that makes rugs and lighting. I hope to continue with fabrics, paper, and my own studio line. My plate is pretty full and I’m very satisfied. It’s what I wanted to do for a long time, create products that are exciting and life-enhancing.

I can't wait to see all those projects come to fruition! What's the best advice you've received along the way? 
Do what you love and follow your bliss. This saying was popular a dozen years ago and holds true!

Keep up with Dana Gibson:

Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest

Today's career spotlight is on a designer who's a personal favorite of mine. I first met Dana at a trade show in 2012, right when I was getting my boutique off the ground. I fell head over heels for her colorful designs and have been decorating with her pieces ever since. It's been a joy to follow the evolution of her line and to see the cool collaborations that have come her way, including a recent fabric and wallpaper partnership with Stroheim. If you've ever contemplated designing your own products for the home (like me!), you'll be hanging on every word. Say hello to Dana!

Name: Dana Gibson Longenderfer

Age: 48

Title: Founder and designer, Dana Gibson
Location: Richmond, Virginia

How did you get started as a designer? Did you get a degree in design or textiles?
I wish I had known I wanted to design home products but I went the liberal arts route.  I actually majored in English and Studio Art and then went on to graduate school in English. I didn’t think art was going to carry me very far, but I always loved it.

I love that you're a fellow liberal arts girl. (I studied French!) Have you always known you wanted to design your own products? 
After graduate school, I taught writing and English literature at a school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This choice was based on an adventurous spirit paired with my more practical side. During the summer break, I took art classes including ceramics, which I fell in love with. I was so happy and content in the studio! Making beautiful objects was a much better fit for me than managing a classroom of teenagers — I knew I had found something I loved.

When did you know you were ready to make a go of it? 
I really didn’t know much about how the industry worked. I just knew from seeing what was out there that what I was making was different and filled a niche market so I charged ahead.

That's awesome! You're such a go-getter. Tell me about the process of designing a piece from start to finish.

Usually I am inspired by something in the marketplace, say an Hermès tray. I don’t want to copy that tray — I just want to reinvent it a bit. I consider color, pattern, and scale. I love mixing an ethnic print with something as tailored and traditional as a serving tray. By the end of the process, my tray doesn’t look like a copy but a nod to a classic home product. 

I love how playful your work is. Have you always been drawn to color?
I respond strongly to color. It's exciting! But I like it in small doses when I'm decorating. One of my favorite artists, Vuillard, painted in neutral ochres and umbers but there are slivers of color where light falls in his paintings. That's how I like color to perform in a room. I like to start with a neutral base on the sofa and chairs then add touches of color. I like the surprise that color can offer.

Collaborations, design work, trade shows... You've got a busy schedule. How do you stay organized?
I keep paper by my bed for late night note taking. Writing that thought down allows me to go back to sleep, but often I can’t read my scrawled writing! I have two employees who help me in the studio and a bookkeeper. But I still do a lot of the marketing myself on top of design work and the minutia of every day like lost boxes or damages. I’m busy all day which I like.

Like you, I'm better when I'm busy! Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I look at all of the applied arts as well as fine art. Sometimes I notice a color combination that is unusual — like a navy blouse and a turquoise scarf — and work it into my collection somehow. My eyes are always roving. I go to flea markets and into my friends' homes.  Trend spotting just occurs because my eyes are wide open and I’m lucky enough to be exposed on a regular basis to the finest design in the world through trade shows and designer markets. I have fashion pictures tacked to a board above my desk beside vintage fabric cuts. I also keep binders  full of rooms I’ve seen in magazines and I use Pinterest and Instagram. All of these inspire me.

How would you describe the person who's decorating with Dana Gibson items?  
She likes color and usually wants to preserve a majority of the items she’s had over the years. She wants a room facelift rather than a complete redo. Old antiques are easily  updated with bold modern fabrics from my new Stroheim line. A wall in a vibrant print adds just the right note, revitalizing the room. The customer who likes my line of products is usually used to fine things in her home but she doesn’t want her house to look like her mother's. She is smart, vivacious, and optimistic about life.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?  
I love when customers say they love my stuff.  I do hear this a lot but I absolutely never tire of it. I want people to be happy with their choice and when I hear that a product I made actually enriched their lives, my job is done.

And the least fun part? 
The least fun part of my job is dealing with customers sometimes. I should have a customer support department but usually I’m the one fielding their grievances. Being tolerant and kind on the phone is a lost art for some. The majority of my customers are not like this but when it happens, it’s definitely a bummer.

Do you have any future goals for the business? 

I’m designing a line of furniture with a company called Miles Talbot and am about to sign with a company that makes rugs and lighting. I hope to continue with fabrics, paper, and my own studio line. My plate is pretty full and I’m very satisfied. It’s what I wanted to do for a long time, create products that are exciting and life-enhancing.

I can't wait to see all those projects come to fruition! What's the best advice you've received along the way? 
Do what you love and follow your bliss. This saying was popular a dozen years ago and holds true!

Keep up with Dana Gibson:

Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: ALEX THOMPSON, PERSIFOR

I'm so, so, so excited about this career feature for several reasons. Persifor is one of those brands that's just a perfect fit for Design Darling. The colors, the patterns, the silhouettes... Everything is beachy and happy and has my name written all over it. The founder, Alex, worked for the likes of J.Crew and Lilly Pulitzer before venturing out on her own. She's one of the hardest working women I know and yet she's also the most down-to-earth, making her a total breath of fresh air. We sat down in her Upper East Side apartment to talk all things business and baby (she's seven months pregnant and cute as can be!). Without further ado, meet Alex!

Name: Alex Thompson

Age: 34

Title: Founder, Persifor

Location: Upper East Side, New York

What was your first job ever? Have you always wanted to design clothing?

I worked on the sales floor of J.Crew in Greenwich in high school. My mom is an interior designer and I've always had an interest in fabrics and prints. She would go to pick out fabrics and I would always envision them on clothing. It was something inherent in my DNA but I wasn't sure in high school or college how that would translate.

Where did you work before launching your own line?

My first job out of college was with a small preppy dress designer named Vanessa Fox. It was a small company so I did everything from design to sales. Then I became a merchandiser of accessories at J.Crew and then an accessories designer at Lilly Pulitzer. I got a real sense of the business, how to build a line, the importance of branding, margins, pricing, and creating a lifestyle around the brand.

Now that you've launched Persifor, tell me about the design process for a given collection.

I work a full year and a half in advance. The process usually starts with print development and color selection as well as choosing silhouettes for garments and accessories. I submit the artwork and design and get a first sample back. I send back my comments and wait for a second sample, which is usually close to how the finished product will look. Then there's a photo shoot for the lookbook and line sheets and it's time for trade shows. 

And it's a one-woman show?

It's a one-woman show! Hopefully two by the beginning of summer.

(Editor's note: apply here!) 

That's so impressive. How do you stay organized?

iCal, handwritten to do lists, and a leatherbound notebook that I bring with me everywhere.

Inspiration can strike at any time! What's inspiring you right now?

Travel is my number one and it's also the basis of the brand. All the dresses and tops are designed to be packed up and worn anywhere. I just got back from Harbor Island, which was a source of inspiration for Resort 2015.

How would you describe the woman who's wearing Persifor?

Classic, clean, vibrant, elevated. 

Vibrant is a good choice. So much color! What does a typical day look like for you?

I get up, walk the dog, come back with coffee, and answer emails from China early in the morning. Then I start working with customers and stores or source in the garment district. Every day is different! Right now I'm trying to get everything done before the baby arrives. 

You are going to be the cutest mom of all time. What's the most fun part of your job?

The most fun part is being able to travel, meet customers, and see an item through from start to finish. It's cool when one of my designs becomes an everyday part of someone's life.

And the least fun?

The day-to-day minutia: accounting, data entry, paperwork...

I hear you! What's one "pinch me" moment you've had so far?

When Anthropologie placed an order for our product!

That must have been surreal. When will you know you've made it?

I don't think you ever know! There's always so much room for growth — change is a constant. But I'm a big believer in celebrating the little wins along the way. It helps you move past the not-so-great days!

That's great advice. Any other wisdom you've picked up along the way?

Treat people as you would like to be treated. Stay focused on your vision. It's so easy to get distracted at trade shows and think, "Do I need to be doing pink and green hippo prints?" or whatever other people are doing. But you have to be true to your aesthetic — that's why I got into this to begin with! 

*All photos by Rebecca Dale 

Keep up with Persifor:

Facebook  //  Instagram  //  Pinterest  //  Twitter

I'm so, so, so excited about this career feature for several reasons. Persifor is one of those brands that's just a perfect fit for Design Darling. The colors, the patterns, the silhouettes... Everything is beachy and happy and has my name written all over it. The founder, Alex, worked for the likes of J.Crew and Lilly Pulitzer before venturing out on her own. She's one of the hardest working women I know and yet she's also the most down-to-earth, making her a total breath of fresh air. We sat down in her Upper East Side apartment to talk all things business and baby (she's seven months pregnant and cute as can be!). Without further ado, meet Alex!

Name: Alex Thompson

Age: 34

Title: Founder, Persifor

Location: Upper East Side, New York

What was your first job ever? Have you always wanted to design clothing?

I worked on the sales floor of J.Crew in Greenwich in high school. My mom is an interior designer and I've always had an interest in fabrics and prints. She would go to pick out fabrics and I would always envision them on clothing. It was something inherent in my DNA but I wasn't sure in high school or college how that would translate.

Where did you work before launching your own line?

My first job out of college was with a small preppy dress designer named Vanessa Fox. It was a small company so I did everything from design to sales. Then I became a merchandiser of accessories at J.Crew and then an accessories designer at Lilly Pulitzer. I got a real sense of the business, how to build a line, the importance of branding, margins, pricing, and creating a lifestyle around the brand.

Now that you've launched Persifor, tell me about the design process for a given collection.

I work a full year and a half in advance. The process usually starts with print development and color selection as well as choosing silhouettes for garments and accessories. I submit the artwork and design and get a first sample back. I send back my comments and wait for a second sample, which is usually close to how the finished product will look. Then there's a photo shoot for the lookbook and line sheets and it's time for trade shows. 

And it's a one-woman show?

It's a one-woman show! Hopefully two by the beginning of summer.

(Editor's note: apply here!) 

That's so impressive. How do you stay organized?

iCal, handwritten to do lists, and a leatherbound notebook that I bring with me everywhere.

Inspiration can strike at any time! What's inspiring you right now?

Travel is my number one and it's also the basis of the brand. All the dresses and tops are designed to be packed up and worn anywhere. I just got back from Harbor Island, which was a source of inspiration for Resort 2015.

How would you describe the woman who's wearing Persifor?

Classic, clean, vibrant, elevated. 

Vibrant is a good choice. So much color! What does a typical day look like for you?

I get up, walk the dog, come back with coffee, and answer emails from China early in the morning. Then I start working with customers and stores or source in the garment district. Every day is different! Right now I'm trying to get everything done before the baby arrives. 

You are going to be the cutest mom of all time. What's the most fun part of your job?

The most fun part is being able to travel, meet customers, and see an item through from start to finish. It's cool when one of my designs becomes an everyday part of someone's life.

And the least fun?

The day-to-day minutia: accounting, data entry, paperwork...

I hear you! What's one "pinch me" moment you've had so far?

When Anthropologie placed an order for our product!

That must have been surreal. When will you know you've made it?

I don't think you ever know! There's always so much room for growth — change is a constant. But I'm a big believer in celebrating the little wins along the way. It helps you move past the not-so-great days!

That's great advice. Any other wisdom you've picked up along the way?

Treat people as you would like to be treated. Stay focused on your vision. It's so easy to get distracted at trade shows and think, "Do I need to be doing pink and green hippo prints?" or whatever other people are doing. But you have to be true to your aesthetic — that's why I got into this to begin with! 

*All photos by Rebecca Dale 

Keep up with Persifor:

Facebook  //  Instagram  //  Pinterest  //  Twitter

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: BRANDY PHAM, JEWELRY DESIGNER

I'm so excited for the third career feature on Design Darling! This one was particularly fun to shoot for two reasons: 1) the designer is a woman of many, many talents and 2) she has an adorable five-month-old son who was content to hang out in my lap throughout the interview. That's kind of as good as it gets for a Tuesday afternoon, you know?

But back to that comment about many talents. Brandy Pham is a jewelry designer extraordinaire — you've seen me wear her Lovely ring here, here, and here. But she's also the cutest new mom you've ever seen, taught herself calligraphy just because (hello, 101 in 1001 list!), and offered Rebecca and me a latte from her kitchen the moment we walked through the door. And yet she didn't make me feel bad about myself at all; in fact, I left her apartment feeling completely inspired by her graciousness and work ethic. I know she'll inspire you as well!

(Editor's note: Brandy, please teach me your secrets for flawless skin! Oh and I'll babysit Theodore any time.)

Name: Brandy Pham

Age: 30

Title: Cofounder and creative director, Brandy Pham

Location: Upper West Side, New York, New York

What was your first job ever? Have you always been into designing jewelry?

My parents own a nail salon in Miami and I worked for them doing manicures and nail art from the time I was thirteen years old. After college, I knew I wanted to work in fashion. I came from a clothing background so jewelry was a happy accident.

How did you wind up launching your own company?

I would come home and complain about my day job every night to my husband. I started making jewelry on the side and giving it to friends and family but my husband was the one who gave me the push I needed to set a deadline to quit my day job and really go for it. I started off on Etsy and before long was growing a wholesale business.

I wouldn't know the first thing about designing a piece of jewelry. Where do you start?

Inspiration can strike anywhere at any time. I pick away at my favorite details and examine my love for clothing and interiors. That's where the needle pieces in my collection came from — my sewing machine was broken and I missed creating clothes so I was paying homage to my first love, fashion. I love the idea of wearing it on your heart or hands, the double needles you need for sewing machines.

That's so cool! What happens after you have your lightbulb moment?

I start sketching and spec-ing it out, which gets pretty technical. You have to know the fit of the fingers or wrists to determine how we make our molds. Then it goes into casting — we use brass and sterling silver and it's all done in New York. It takes months to become a model at our factory in the diamond district. Each piece touches so many different hands: the person who pours the metal, pulls it out of the cast, hand polishes it, and of course packages and ships it — that part is all me! 

I love that it's such a collaborative effort from start to finish. How would you describe the girl who’s wearing your jewelry?

The Brandy Pham girl is elegant but young, modern, and cool. It doesn't matter how old she is — she has a great aesthetic and loves beautiful things. And I think we tap into the luxury market at an accessible price point. 

It makes sense to design for what you know! What does a typical day look like for you?

My son Theodore wakes up anytime between 3:30 and 6:30 a.m. Once I feed him, I try to stay up! I do an hour of yoga or Pilates, shower, have fruit and coffee, check my emails, and catch up on the news. It's my "me time" while the boys are sleeping! Then I fulfill online orders and follow up on wholesale accounts. Two or three times a week, I make runs to our factory to check on production and quality with Theodore in tow. 

You're such an inspiration to new moms. How do you stay organized?

It's hard with a new baby! I tend to organize backwards depending on the date a particular shipment is due. But day to day, I'm really working around his feeding schedule and nap times. I'm a pen and paper girl — I still use a written calendar and use a ton of Post-It notes.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of your job?

The fun part is actually designing, which is only about 10% of what I do. 90% of it is production and selling. In a perfect world, I'd have someone helping with sales. I love doing it myself because it's my product and I of course love every piece but it is definitely grueling. I was super pregnant at our last trade show! 

What's one "pinch me" moment you've had so far?

One moment that was really big for me was when a buyer for Anthropologie walked into our booth at a trade show wanting to place an order and already knew what pieces she wanted. The fact that she had already had her eye on us before the show was pretty cool! She just asked for line sheets, gave me her card, and said her assistant would contact me the next day. I remember looking down at her card and trying not to freak out in front of her!

That seriously gives me goosebumps! 

It was so surreal. Two days after labor, I was back in my apartment, packing two hundred pieces for Anthropologie. 

That's incredible. What's the best advice you've received along the way?

To stay true to myself and to do what I feel is right. In the beginning, I designed what I thought would sell. But now I only design pieces I want to wear, which has made the collection so much stronger.

When will you know you've made it?

We're a really young brand and I try to appreciate every little milestone. My husband and I can be really hard on each other; he motivates me to want to get into certain stores and things like that. We're trying to just keep setting goals and continue to cross things off along the way. The other day I had a really happy moment: we saw a girl on the Lower East Side wearing my necklace and I had to do a double take. That's the whole goal: to design jewelry and have people wear it. But to see it in person on a complete stranger? That was pretty awesome.

*Styling by Bespoke Only, photography by Rebecca Dale

Keep up with Brandy Pham:

Facebook  //  Instagram  //  Pinterest  //  Twitter

I'm so excited for the third career feature on Design Darling! This one was particularly fun to shoot for two reasons: 1) the designer is a woman of many, many talents and 2) she has an adorable five-month-old son who was content to hang out in my lap throughout the interview. That's kind of as good as it gets for a Tuesday afternoon, you know?

But back to that comment about many talents. Brandy Pham is a jewelry designer extraordinaire — you've seen me wear her Lovely ring here, here, and here. But she's also the cutest new mom you've ever seen, taught herself calligraphy just because (hello, 101 in 1001 list!), and offered Rebecca and me a latte from her kitchen the moment we walked through the door. And yet she didn't make me feel bad about myself at all; in fact, I left her apartment feeling completely inspired by her graciousness and work ethic. I know she'll inspire you as well!

(Editor's note: Brandy, please teach me your secrets for flawless skin! Oh and I'll babysit Theodore any time.)

Name: Brandy Pham

Age: 30

Title: Cofounder and creative director, Brandy Pham

Location: Upper West Side, New York, New York

What was your first job ever? Have you always been into designing jewelry?

My parents own a nail salon in Miami and I worked for them doing manicures and nail art from the time I was thirteen years old. After college, I knew I wanted to work in fashion. I came from a clothing background so jewelry was a happy accident.

How did you wind up launching your own company?

I would come home and complain about my day job every night to my husband. I started making jewelry on the side and giving it to friends and family but my husband was the one who gave me the push I needed to set a deadline to quit my day job and really go for it. I started off on Etsy and before long was growing a wholesale business.

I wouldn't know the first thing about designing a piece of jewelry. Where do you start?

Inspiration can strike anywhere at any time. I pick away at my favorite details and examine my love for clothing and interiors. That's where the needle pieces in my collection came from — my sewing machine was broken and I missed creating clothes so I was paying homage to my first love, fashion. I love the idea of wearing it on your heart or hands, the double needles you need for sewing machines.

That's so cool! What happens after you have your lightbulb moment?

I start sketching and spec-ing it out, which gets pretty technical. You have to know the fit of the fingers or wrists to determine how we make our molds. Then it goes into casting — we use brass and sterling silver and it's all done in New York. It takes months to become a model at our factory in the diamond district. Each piece touches so many different hands: the person who pours the metal, pulls it out of the cast, hand polishes it, and of course packages and ships it — that part is all me! 

I love that it's such a collaborative effort from start to finish. How would you describe the girl who’s wearing your jewelry?

The Brandy Pham girl is elegant but young, modern, and cool. It doesn't matter how old she is — she has a great aesthetic and loves beautiful things. And I think we tap into the luxury market at an accessible price point. 

It makes sense to design for what you know! What does a typical day look like for you?

My son Theodore wakes up anytime between 3:30 and 6:30 a.m. Once I feed him, I try to stay up! I do an hour of yoga or Pilates, shower, have fruit and coffee, check my emails, and catch up on the news. It's my "me time" while the boys are sleeping! Then I fulfill online orders and follow up on wholesale accounts. Two or three times a week, I make runs to our factory to check on production and quality with Theodore in tow. 

You're such an inspiration to new moms. How do you stay organized?

It's hard with a new baby! I tend to organize backwards depending on the date a particular shipment is due. But day to day, I'm really working around his feeding schedule and nap times. I'm a pen and paper girl — I still use a written calendar and use a ton of Post-It notes.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of your job?

The fun part is actually designing, which is only about 10% of what I do. 90% of it is production and selling. In a perfect world, I'd have someone helping with sales. I love doing it myself because it's my product and I of course love every piece but it is definitely grueling. I was super pregnant at our last trade show! 

What's one "pinch me" moment you've had so far?

One moment that was really big for me was when a buyer for Anthropologie walked into our booth at a trade show wanting to place an order and already knew what pieces she wanted. The fact that she had already had her eye on us before the show was pretty cool! She just asked for line sheets, gave me her card, and said her assistant would contact me the next day. I remember looking down at her card and trying not to freak out in front of her!

That seriously gives me goosebumps! 

It was so surreal. Two days after labor, I was back in my apartment, packing two hundred pieces for Anthropologie. 

That's incredible. What's the best advice you've received along the way?

To stay true to myself and to do what I feel is right. In the beginning, I designed what I thought would sell. But now I only design pieces I want to wear, which has made the collection so much stronger.

When will you know you've made it?

We're a really young brand and I try to appreciate every little milestone. My husband and I can be really hard on each other; he motivates me to want to get into certain stores and things like that. We're trying to just keep setting goals and continue to cross things off along the way. The other day I had a really happy moment: we saw a girl on the Lower East Side wearing my necklace and I had to do a double take. That's the whole goal: to design jewelry and have people wear it. But to see it in person on a complete stranger? That was pretty awesome.

*Styling by Bespoke Only, photography by Rebecca Dale

Keep up with Brandy Pham:

Facebook  //  Instagram  //  Pinterest  //  Twitter

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: TAMRA SANFORD, EVER SWOON

Thank you all for the amazing feedback on Design Darling's first career feature! I have some really exceptional women lined up for the next few months and I can't wait to keep sharing their stories with you. We could all use a little extra #girlpower, don't you think? 

Today's spotlight is on Tamra Sanford, an event planner extraordinaire and one of the feistiest, most fabulous women I've gotten to know since moving to New York. She founded her company Ever Swoon in 2012 and has taken the wedding industry by storm, landing her in New York Magazine's little black book for preferred wedding vendors after just six months in business. Being an event planner is totally one of those careers that I would have listed as a dream job as a little girl so it's pretty neat to see Tamra making those dreams a reality. I'll let her take it from here!

Name: Tamra Sanford

Age: 30

Position: Founder and owner of Ever Swoon 

Location: Tamra's SoHo apartment and home office

What was your first job ever? Were you always interested in event planning?

I taught ballet and interned for the Texas Rangers but I've always been planning events on the side! My grand idea at the ballet studio where I worked was to use an extra room to host birthday parties for kids.

So you've always had a bit of an entrepreneurial streak. How did you wind up launching your own company?

I moved to New York and started working in product development at a major beauty company. I continued planning events on the side, volunteering for charities, and planned my own wedding. Eventually it caught on with other women in my company and through my blog. I started hearing from people, "Can you help me plan my wedding?" Finally it occurred to me that this is something I'm really good at — why don't I take the leap?

And that was back in 2012. What does a typical day look like in 2014?

It sounds so cliché but there really isn't a typical day. I could be doing venue visits all over the city (or outside the city!), appointments for flowers, photographers, videographers, stationery, or meeting with clients in my studio. I like to take one day a week where I have no meetings and can just sit at my desk and get shit done. 

That's great advice for anyone who's self-employed. I'm taking notes! How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is somebody who wants to enjoy the process of wedding planning, the experience of being a bride. I love hearing each person's story and pairing them with vendors that will make the process special for them. I build relationships with each couple, letting them know they're heard and really becoming a friend to them in the months leading up to their wedding.

You told me earlier that you're juggling more than 20 weddings this year. (Congrats!) How do you keep everything organized?

I live by Google Docs. My clients are able to access their budget sheets, contracts, planning documents — everything lives in one place. Quickbooks is a must-have as a small business owner; you can photograph your receipts and upload them to Quickbooks instead of holding on to them and having to sort them at the end of the year. And some of my clients like to create a joint board on Pinterest for planning. 

What's it like to be self-employed in the wedding industry?

Well, the wedding industry is pretty much run by innovative small business owners. Every day I'm surrounded by inspiring and successful entrepreneurs. Whether you've been in the business for two months or fifteen years, we're constantly teaching each other new things. Right now I'm launching this group called Downtown Wedding Revolution. I'm partnering with all these amazing women: a wedding dress salon, a beauty concierge, a stationery company, a jeweler, a floral designer. We all started getting together because we realized we were sharing a lot of the same downtown clients and we all look at the wedding industry in a different light. It's a very approachable, laid back, fun, and business-savvy group.

The shoes Tamra wore to her wedding!

That's so exciting! What's the best advice you've received along the way?

Not everything is going to be perfect, no matter how much planning you do. It's how you handle it and react to challenges in the moment. That's a must in this business!

(Editor's note: Tamra is definitely a roll-with-the-punches kind of girl! When we couldn't get the right lighting in her studio, she offered to climb out onto her fire escape to capture the portrait above. Love it!)

When will you know you've made it?

In some ways, I feel like I already have made it! I really love what I do. But I never want to feel comfortable. I always want to feel like there's something else I'm chasing!

Keep up with Tamra:

Ever Swoon  //  Facebook  //  Instagram  //  Pinterest  //  Twitter

*Photos by Rebecca Dale

Thank you all for the amazing feedback on Design Darling's first career feature! I have some really exceptional women lined up for the next few months and I can't wait to keep sharing their stories with you. We could all use a little extra #girlpower, don't you think? 

Today's spotlight is on Tamra Sanford, an event planner extraordinaire and one of the feistiest, most fabulous women I've gotten to know since moving to New York. She founded her company Ever Swoon in 2012 and has taken the wedding industry by storm, landing her in New York Magazine's little black book for preferred wedding vendors after just six months in business. Being an event planner is totally one of those careers that I would have listed as a dream job as a little girl so it's pretty neat to see Tamra making those dreams a reality. I'll let her take it from here!

Name: Tamra Sanford

Age: 30

Position: Founder and owner of Ever Swoon 

Location: Tamra's SoHo apartment and home office

What was your first job ever? Were you always interested in event planning?

I taught ballet and interned for the Texas Rangers but I've always been planning events on the side! My grand idea at the ballet studio where I worked was to use an extra room to host birthday parties for kids.

So you've always had a bit of an entrepreneurial streak. How did you wind up launching your own company?

I moved to New York and started working in product development at a major beauty company. I continued planning events on the side, volunteering for charities, and planned my own wedding. Eventually it caught on with other women in my company and through my blog. I started hearing from people, "Can you help me plan my wedding?" Finally it occurred to me that this is something I'm really good at — why don't I take the leap?

And that was back in 2012. What does a typical day look like in 2014?

It sounds so cliché but there really isn't a typical day. I could be doing venue visits all over the city (or outside the city!), appointments for flowers, photographers, videographers, stationery, or meeting with clients in my studio. I like to take one day a week where I have no meetings and can just sit at my desk and get shit done. 

That's great advice for anyone who's self-employed. I'm taking notes! How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is somebody who wants to enjoy the process of wedding planning, the experience of being a bride. I love hearing each person's story and pairing them with vendors that will make the process special for them. I build relationships with each couple, letting them know they're heard and really becoming a friend to them in the months leading up to their wedding.

You told me earlier that you're juggling more than 20 weddings this year. (Congrats!) How do you keep everything organized?

I live by Google Docs. My clients are able to access their budget sheets, contracts, planning documents — everything lives in one place. Quickbooks is a must-have as a small business owner; you can photograph your receipts and upload them to Quickbooks instead of holding on to them and having to sort them at the end of the year. And some of my clients like to create a joint board on Pinterest for planning. 

What's it like to be self-employed in the wedding industry?

Well, the wedding industry is pretty much run by innovative small business owners. Every day I'm surrounded by inspiring and successful entrepreneurs. Whether you've been in the business for two months or fifteen years, we're constantly teaching each other new things. Right now I'm launching this group called Downtown Wedding Revolution. I'm partnering with all these amazing women: a wedding dress salon, a beauty concierge, a stationery company, a jeweler, a floral designer. We all started getting together because we realized we were sharing a lot of the same downtown clients and we all look at the wedding industry in a different light. It's a very approachable, laid back, fun, and business-savvy group.

The shoes Tamra wore to her wedding!

That's so exciting! What's the best advice you've received along the way?

Not everything is going to be perfect, no matter how much planning you do. It's how you handle it and react to challenges in the moment. That's a must in this business!

(Editor's note: Tamra is definitely a roll-with-the-punches kind of girl! When we couldn't get the right lighting in her studio, she offered to climb out onto her fire escape to capture the portrait above. Love it!)

When will you know you've made it?

In some ways, I feel like I already have made it! I really love what I do. But I never want to feel comfortable. I always want to feel like there's something else I'm chasing!

Keep up with Tamra:

Ever Swoon  //  Facebook  //  Instagram  //  Pinterest  //  Twitter

*Photos by Rebecca Dale

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: JENNIFER TAYLOR, JACK ROGERS

This is probably the most excited I've been about a new blog feature in the history of Design Darling, which is seriously saying something! Today I'm kicking off a series of interviews with women whose careers I admire and whose work ethic inspires me. I know they'll leave you inspired as well! 

Our first guest is Jennifer Taylor, a dear friend of mine and the resident social media whiz at Jack Rogers. I love seeing a 23-year-old following her passion and being damn good at what she does. Without further ado, meet Jennifer!

Name: Jennifer Taylor

Age: 23

Position: Social media and public relations associate, Jack Rogers

Location: Jack Rogers corporate headquarters, New York, NY

What did you study in school? Have you always been interested in social media?

I studied journalism and mass communication at Samford University in Alabama. I didn't take a social media course until my senior year. Obviously people our age have always been early adapters on social media but I never considered it a career option until taking that course! It was around that time that brands and publishers alike really began embracing social media as a marketing tool. My mom and I remember a conversation we had as I was beginning my job search. I told her that even though I wasn’t sure what a job in social media would look like, I thought it would be so cool to manage the digital presence for a brand that I personally love. It just goes to show that you never know what will happen with those “dream job” ideas that come into your mind when you’re 21 years old!

How did you wind up working at Jack Rogers? 

Out of college, I interned for instyle.com and became a freelance editorial assistant there. I was the instyle.com editor's assistant and worked with the senior partnerships and promotions editor, who oversees their social media and content marketing strategy — I learned so much! Then I worked briefly at a start-up before the position at Jack Rogers opened up. I've worn Jacks since high school and followed their social media since the beginning. I knew an opportunity like this wouldn't come around again so I applied, did a phone interview, and landed an in-person interview. The rest is history!

My readers will love that you landed a job with your dream company at age 23. What’s it like to work at Jack Rogers?

I've absolutely loved my time here! I genuinely love coming to work every day. The office is so bright and happy — very true to the brand except that we're in New York, not Palm Beach! Jack Rogers is also a much smaller company than I think people realize, but that's been a huge plus for me. I report to our e-commerce manager and work closely with our graphic designer. But I've gotten my feet wet in a lot of different areas and gained experience in ways I wouldn't have at a larger corporation so early in my career. One of the coolest things I've done is work with our CEO and e-commerce manager to produce our spring 2014 photoshoot. We conceptualized and styled looks on models and still life shots that will be used across the company this season. It was definitely hectic but I loved every minute of it. Oh and did I mention the photoshoot took place in Miami in December? I don't think a business trip gets any better than that!

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I'm definitely not a morning person — I try to sleep as late as I can. Before I get out of bed, I read The Skimm (if you don't subscribe, do so now!) and scan Twitter to see what's going on in the world. Then it's a quick shower, coffee in my apartment, and taking the 6 train to the office. I come in, have a second cup of coffee, schedule social media content for the day, and respond to emails. Every day is different. I work heavily with the e-commerce team and our three stores in New York, Atlanta, and East Hampton to promote and market their initiatives in the social space. I also do a lot of back-and-forth with bloggers and editors to see how we can collaborate with them! There's a lot that goes into those collaborations, so it's always very rewarding to see a project through to completion.

How do you stay organized and productive? Any apps you can’t live without?

I’m a to do list person. I have a black Moleskine that is my absolute go-to for staying organized, jotting down ideas, and taking notes during meetings. I also live and breathe by my iCal for appointments and reminders both in and out of the office.

Tell me a few tasks on your current to do list.

We're really focused on an upcoming Facebook promotion — I wish I could say more about it but let's just say it's an "all hands on deck" situation for Jack Rogers and another brand as well. I've dedicated most of my time lately to organizing the collateral and strategy for this campaign so I'm excited to share it soon! We've also launched a technology on our website that lets us pull in customers' Instagrams tagged with our hashtag, #lovemyjacks. Now that it's warming up in certain parts of the country, we're seeing a lot more photos as our customers pull their Jacks out of the closet for spring. It's my job to edit the submissions we receive and decide which ones will live on our site or repurpose across our own social media accounts. We noticed through social media that many of our customers are wearing Jack Rogers at their weddings, whether it's a pair of sandals with the bride's new monogram to dance in at the reception or bridesmaids' gifts or a little pair for the flower girl. So we just launched an entire weddings and parties section on the website! Part of this section includes the help of a dedicated weddings and parties stylist, who happens to be me! Brides who are planning to include Jack Rogers in their wedding can email me with questions or styling advice for their big day and submit their wedding to be featured on our social channels. It's been incredibly fun so far!

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

I get to interact with so many people over the course of one work day between my coworkers at our headquarters, the managers at our retail stores, and bloggers and customers through social media. I've met so many people just through Instagram and Twitter! It's pretty cool to communicate with bloggers and customers on behalf of the brand.

Do you have a favorite social media platform?

Instagram — our customers are always uploading the most beautiful pictures under #lovemyjacks. And I love Pinterest for a quick break during the work day — it's a breath of fresh air that's still totally part of my job!

How would you describe your personal style during the work day?

I'd say the office dress code is relaxed classic — not extremely corporate like an investment bank or a law firm, but definitely well put together. It's really an accurate reflection of the Jack Rogers brand. My closet is full of bright colors and bold patterns from Anthropologie, J.Crew, and Milly. I tend to gravitate toward skirts and dresses, but recently my standard work look has been a printed top with a jacket, J.Crew Minnie pants, and Jack Rogers booties or wedges depending on the season.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were younger?

I still need to work on this but I wish I hadn't spend so much time in college comparing myself to friends in different majors or on different career paths. Everyone's experience is different — if you're pursuing a career in digital media, you aren't going to have the same job search as your friends in education or finance or nursing. Don't compare yourself to anyone else — that's as true now as it was in college! With hard work and persistence, you'll find the right opportunity for you.

And the best advice you’ve received along the way?

The principal of my high school gave this simple advice: Be nice and work hard. It's basic but so true and something I always try to keep in mind. Treating other people with respect and working hard at every task you're given is a must in the real world. Whether it's developing a new social campaign or helping someone in sales rearrange the showroom, I try to tackle every project with the right attitude. My parents always remind me of the importance of humility and expressing gratitude for the opportunities you've been granted. I'm very thankful for their example! A very practical tip: always write a thank you note after an interview. In this day and age, a thank you email will usually suffice, but I always appreciate and remember a handwritten note. 

(Editor's note: Jennifer is legitimately the kindest person I've ever met. Southern hospitality is alive and well!)

 

When will you know you’ve “made it?”

I'm so fortunate to be where I am at 23. With social media still a relatively new career path, it's difficult to say when I'll know that I've made it. The space is constantly changing and evolving. I do know that I never want to be comfortable in a position but rather always learning and striving to improve. I do hope to one day manage a digital, content, or social media marketing team for a brand I love. Right now I'm just excited to be where I am and doing what I love!

Follow Jack Rogers:

Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter

*Photos by Rebecca Dale

This is probably the most excited I've been about a new blog feature in the history of Design Darling, which is seriously saying something! Today I'm kicking off a series of interviews with women whose careers I admire and whose work ethic inspires me. I know they'll leave you inspired as well! 

Our first guest is Jennifer Taylor, a dear friend of mine and the resident social media whiz at Jack Rogers. I love seeing a 23-year-old following her passion and being damn good at what she does. Without further ado, meet Jennifer!

Name: Jennifer Taylor

Age: 23

Position: Social media and public relations associate, Jack Rogers

Location: Jack Rogers corporate headquarters, New York, NY

What did you study in school? Have you always been interested in social media?

I studied journalism and mass communication at Samford University in Alabama. I didn't take a social media course until my senior year. Obviously people our age have always been early adapters on social media but I never considered it a career option until taking that course! It was around that time that brands and publishers alike really began embracing social media as a marketing tool. My mom and I remember a conversation we had as I was beginning my job search. I told her that even though I wasn’t sure what a job in social media would look like, I thought it would be so cool to manage the digital presence for a brand that I personally love. It just goes to show that you never know what will happen with those “dream job” ideas that come into your mind when you’re 21 years old!

How did you wind up working at Jack Rogers? 

Out of college, I interned for instyle.com and became a freelance editorial assistant there. I was the instyle.com editor's assistant and worked with the senior partnerships and promotions editor, who oversees their social media and content marketing strategy — I learned so much! Then I worked briefly at a start-up before the position at Jack Rogers opened up. I've worn Jacks since high school and followed their social media since the beginning. I knew an opportunity like this wouldn't come around again so I applied, did a phone interview, and landed an in-person interview. The rest is history!

My readers will love that you landed a job with your dream company at age 23. What’s it like to work at Jack Rogers?

I've absolutely loved my time here! I genuinely love coming to work every day. The office is so bright and happy — very true to the brand except that we're in New York, not Palm Beach! Jack Rogers is also a much smaller company than I think people realize, but that's been a huge plus for me. I report to our e-commerce manager and work closely with our graphic designer. But I've gotten my feet wet in a lot of different areas and gained experience in ways I wouldn't have at a larger corporation so early in my career. One of the coolest things I've done is work with our CEO and e-commerce manager to produce our spring 2014 photoshoot. We conceptualized and styled looks on models and still life shots that will be used across the company this season. It was definitely hectic but I loved every minute of it. Oh and did I mention the photoshoot took place in Miami in December? I don't think a business trip gets any better than that!

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I'm definitely not a morning person — I try to sleep as late as I can. Before I get out of bed, I read The Skimm (if you don't subscribe, do so now!) and scan Twitter to see what's going on in the world. Then it's a quick shower, coffee in my apartment, and taking the 6 train to the office. I come in, have a second cup of coffee, schedule social media content for the day, and respond to emails. Every day is different. I work heavily with the e-commerce team and our three stores in New York, Atlanta, and East Hampton to promote and market their initiatives in the social space. I also do a lot of back-and-forth with bloggers and editors to see how we can collaborate with them! There's a lot that goes into those collaborations, so it's always very rewarding to see a project through to completion.

How do you stay organized and productive? Any apps you can’t live without?

I’m a to do list person. I have a black Moleskine that is my absolute go-to for staying organized, jotting down ideas, and taking notes during meetings. I also live and breathe by my iCal for appointments and reminders both in and out of the office.

Tell me a few tasks on your current to do list.

We're really focused on an upcoming Facebook promotion — I wish I could say more about it but let's just say it's an "all hands on deck" situation for Jack Rogers and another brand as well. I've dedicated most of my time lately to organizing the collateral and strategy for this campaign so I'm excited to share it soon! We've also launched a technology on our website that lets us pull in customers' Instagrams tagged with our hashtag, #lovemyjacks. Now that it's warming up in certain parts of the country, we're seeing a lot more photos as our customers pull their Jacks out of the closet for spring. It's my job to edit the submissions we receive and decide which ones will live on our site or repurpose across our own social media accounts. We noticed through social media that many of our customers are wearing Jack Rogers at their weddings, whether it's a pair of sandals with the bride's new monogram to dance in at the reception or bridesmaids' gifts or a little pair for the flower girl. So we just launched an entire weddings and parties section on the website! Part of this section includes the help of a dedicated weddings and parties stylist, who happens to be me! Brides who are planning to include Jack Rogers in their wedding can email me with questions or styling advice for their big day and submit their wedding to be featured on our social channels. It's been incredibly fun so far!

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

I get to interact with so many people over the course of one work day between my coworkers at our headquarters, the managers at our retail stores, and bloggers and customers through social media. I've met so many people just through Instagram and Twitter! It's pretty cool to communicate with bloggers and customers on behalf of the brand.

Do you have a favorite social media platform?

Instagram — our customers are always uploading the most beautiful pictures under #lovemyjacks. And I love Pinterest for a quick break during the work day — it's a breath of fresh air that's still totally part of my job!

How would you describe your personal style during the work day?

I'd say the office dress code is relaxed classic — not extremely corporate like an investment bank or a law firm, but definitely well put together. It's really an accurate reflection of the Jack Rogers brand. My closet is full of bright colors and bold patterns from Anthropologie, J.Crew, and Milly. I tend to gravitate toward skirts and dresses, but recently my standard work look has been a printed top with a jacket, J.Crew Minnie pants, and Jack Rogers booties or wedges depending on the season.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were younger?

I still need to work on this but I wish I hadn't spend so much time in college comparing myself to friends in different majors or on different career paths. Everyone's experience is different — if you're pursuing a career in digital media, you aren't going to have the same job search as your friends in education or finance or nursing. Don't compare yourself to anyone else — that's as true now as it was in college! With hard work and persistence, you'll find the right opportunity for you.

And the best advice you’ve received along the way?

The principal of my high school gave this simple advice: Be nice and work hard. It's basic but so true and something I always try to keep in mind. Treating other people with respect and working hard at every task you're given is a must in the real world. Whether it's developing a new social campaign or helping someone in sales rearrange the showroom, I try to tackle every project with the right attitude. My parents always remind me of the importance of humility and expressing gratitude for the opportunities you've been granted. I'm very thankful for their example! A very practical tip: always write a thank you note after an interview. In this day and age, a thank you email will usually suffice, but I always appreciate and remember a handwritten note. 

(Editor's note: Jennifer is legitimately the kindest person I've ever met. Southern hospitality is alive and well!)

 

When will you know you’ve “made it?”

I'm so fortunate to be where I am at 23. With social media still a relatively new career path, it's difficult to say when I'll know that I've made it. The space is constantly changing and evolving. I do know that I never want to be comfortable in a position but rather always learning and striving to improve. I do hope to one day manage a digital, content, or social media marketing team for a brand I love. Right now I'm just excited to be where I am and doing what I love!

Follow Jack Rogers:

Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter

*Photos by Rebecca Dale