A switch! Fall in Bloom
It has been quite awhile since I have blogged. But so many changes have come about in this past year for Aisling Designs. I sadly gave up on upholstering, seeing as though it truly is a dying art to most. Even ripping apart new manufactured chairs in blogs and photos to show people the difference on how cheaply modern age furniture is built, basically of particle board stapled together. It is sad, but, with changing times, there has to be a new and unique way to look at concepts.
It took me awhile to brainstorm. How can I possibly stick to design, and still be closely involved in textiles? While trying to muster up a new idea; I went back to corporate for a very short stint at Ivie; on behalf of Albertsons. Needless to say; it was horrendous. Everything I hate about corporate was present. Over- processed concepts. And, by far too many executives. While the mid-aged,star eyed professionals hoped that their hard work and efforts would be recognized,and matched with a promotion. None of this was the case. I was so miserable, I put my notice in for over a month. Trying to be respectful as there had been tons of movement and layoffs due to political issues. I was slapped in the face (metaphorically speaking). By the Ad Director I was working for, who no longer wanted me there if I was out. there is no sense of achievement or loyalty in places like these.And just like most goods, it seems that great paying,salaried corporate jobs with stipends are gone too.
So, I took my sabbatical. Trying to revive my conscience of my own existential crisis. Continuing to ask myself: “how can I do this”? “I am a single mom”, “it’s so freaking selfish”!! “suck up your needs and go back”! I have come to the conclusion in my mid- thirties that I am not a good fit in such environments. The rigidity and lack of autonomy allows for no growth or sense of accomplishment.
When you have a ton of free time, me, personally, started to re-think Aisling Designs. What could I do to make a viable product that people could deeply resinate with? I pulled my sewing machine out and started making blankets. From there; I thought, what would possibly make my blankets stand out from every other blanket you see on the internet, or, Easy? Or when people visit Aisling Designs? Well, I started dot add concepts from upholstering to my baby blankets. When you upholster; lets say an arm of a chair. You first have to sew the textile in all the curvature areas and then stapled them. Most people enjoy decorative tacks; too. Instead of tacks. I use a method of triple binding with layers of satin and embroidery, paired with fringe of some sort. It makes for a truly aesthetically pleasing blanket. And, it to me is timeless. As there is nothing but deep thought in the layout of each, and, clever color schematic pairings for each one. Truly, sometimes the design I go with takes longer to concept than the sewing itself.
I love all the designs I have created. And have trademarked. The one above is called “Nesting Sparrows“. It’s gender neutral and quite elaborate, yet not too busy.
While learning from my past mistake with upholstering, thinking build a website and they will come (not true). I have been out and showing my line eagerly to consumers and business owners alike. Many people have mentioned that I should try and get Anthropology to carry them. (Quite a compliment)! Yet, like most artists it really takes some solid confidence to show your art. And, while not everyone will appreciate or see the beauty in it; others will.
After showing my small line to local business owners here in Boise, Idaho. I was asked if I could make bedding. I reluctantly said yes. I have a few duvets that I have done, and am currently showing at West Elm for Pop-ips scattered through the months of September and October. I have also started to go to vendor sites, as an effort to gain brand recognition and build traction. It is a ton of work!! Yet, doing something you are passionate about hardly feels like work at all. I still do get incredibly nervous about showing product and the vendor sites I have attended were really small scale; which is good when you are new. Still, nerve racking to the typical introvert! I have found that the more exposure I gain the more wholesale accounts I am gaining, and, confidence; too. It seems to be the best equation of marketing your product: face to face and of course having an online presence. 
I am not sure yet what the next steps will be for Aisling Designs, but, I do know that persistence is key! And, I am excited about sharing with you all how I came to morph concepts and why.
Stay tuned, and please subscribe to my blog and like my page. As I will be doing a giveaway in the next week!!
