03/30/2023
✨a note about women owned businesses ✨
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I was beyond lucky to work with half a dozen or so women-owned small businesses through high school and college. Instead of more traditional “teenage” jobs, I was somehow able to wrangle some pretty great opportunities with various entrepreneurs.
My first job when I was 16 was for a woman who designed and produced a line of tumbled glass jewelry. My job included making wire jewelry components, cutting glass, soldering jewelry stands, and making the actual jewelry. My next job was as an assistant floral designer at a flower shop. That business was a one woman show as well. I sent her an email asking if she was looking for help. She hadn’t been, but decided to take me on anyway, and it was one of the most fun jobs I ever had. She even let me paint a mural on the side of her building. When I went to college, I had the honor of interning for two amazing women who were designing a line of modest fashion and taught me so much, and more importantly became mentors to me in the fashion industry. As a side gig later on, I worked for a woman who made monogrammed kids accessories, helping her with production. She was the inspiration for this post, actually, because she instilled a deep love of piles in me; seeing your work complete and stacked up neatly is simply the best feeling. 🤗
All these women gave me a chance and taught me skills I still use to this day. They gave me a chance, made space for me, and allowed me opportunities to learn and grow in my work and my knowledge. They took my ideas seriously even when I was just a kid. Most importantly, they shared their process with me. A process is sacred. It’s what sets you apart, gives you a competitive edge, and differentiates your work from others. And I feel all those jobs, all those bosses and mentors and lovely women in my own process every day.
I don’t think 16 year old me expected this is where I’d be almost 20 (😱) years later, but I sure do use a lot of skills that 16 year old me took the time to learn in my own work. Feels a bit like coming full circle, and I was just thinking about that. I’m pretty grateful.
