2011 was a year of big changes... If up till last February, I was trying to squeeze my design work into all my evenings, weekends and lunch breaks from my day-job, starting early last year I managed to win some time for my growing
business.... From February of 2011 I cut back to half time at my day-job, and never looked back...
Here is the year 2011 in pictures...
February - beginning to job-share.
Even though the year started with a burn-out, cutting back on the day-job time changed how work and feel...
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| Outside the window - rainy Vancouver sunset |
March - new products follow shortly!
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| QtBeach canvas totes |
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| Emma bag |
... and were launched to buyers at the Spring shows. My first ever vegan, washable line of canvas totes....
April - Working at home helps to get to know some of the visitors....
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| She would come and hang out on the window ledge |
May - all set up for Epic Expo....
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| Hitting the runway for the first time! |
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| Telejournal did a brief episode about us |
June - launching TRIFFtextiles summer range called Oh, Acid Wash Yours..
Bleach painted jeans, re-worked into handbags.
July - sketching, experimenting and starting the new collection ( F/W 2011 Cebrellex).
I was ready to take a different direction with my designs. I wanted to keep the core features, like pleats, punched holes and the strength of my builds, but I also looked towards working with new shapes, exposed stitching and new finishes. Oh, and multiple zippers too!
July/ August - four dreamy days on the beach at the Harmony Arts Festival, West Vancouver
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| All set up - and showing some designs of Cebrellex for the first time |
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| Returning customer agrees to pose for a shot with her Renata bag |
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| Live music at Harmony Arts |
September - hitting the road for much needed R&R. First time in Alberta~
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| look-out in the mountains |
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| first night + fireplace! |
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| view from the campground... |
October - the new, long awaited sewing machine arrives!
My sewing has not been the same ever since.
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| on the right - Duerkopp Adler. |
And - we launch!
After a few weeks of frantic sewing, we are ready to unveil the all new F/W 2011 Cebrellex; my third collection! We hit the runway at
Vancouver Eco Fashion Week.
November - Holiday season.... More new products!
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| Telia recycled fur clutch |
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| Big Skinny belts |
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| For the home - patchwork cushions |
Make It Vancouver was our final show of the season - we had an amazing time, as always...
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| Make It Vancouver, Winter |
... and got some great press!
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| Vancouver Sun features an article about Make It |
December - Local-E Pop up shop brightens up the neighbourhood for three weeks!
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| Our corner at Local-E |
We had a blast at this small collective of Indies. I am sure, mulled Holiday wine, helped too!...
And, off to Sunshine Coast, BC for pre-Holiday breather...
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| Gibsons, BC |
So, there... It has been a remarkable year, proving, that the path I chose... could just be the right one!.. For 2012, I intend to travel a bit more - and be significantly better at staying in touch with people around. Lift my head and smell the roses. Share the simple moments of everyday enchantment.
Happy 2012...
Posted by Jolanta
http://jolavdesigns.com
What a wonderful, successful year! I am very happy for you. Love the changes you made and how it made you a happier person! I am impressed by your passion and am a happy customer that is planning on returning.....
ReplyDeleteAs for the travel, you need to come to this part of the continent.... we got some roses for you to smell here, the sky is blue, the sun is (always) shining, and you have some people that you need to stay in touch with!