Want to be inspired by entrepreneurs who are doing something great? Then read on. Each day we feature new entrepreneurs who are passionate about their business and who are living their dream.
Today’s entrepreneur is Jane Henry of LOOMLAB.
When and why did you start your business?
I founded LOOMLAB in Oct 2009. I’ve always loved wearing scarves perhaps it was the fact that my grandmother always styled them so elegantly to “complete” her looks. However, I was frustrated with the current selection of scarves in the market. What I wanted was not available. I wanted scarves that would inspire. Scarves that would tell their own stories. Scarves that were thoughtful and modern.
I saw an opportunity and thus, LOOMLAB was born. With scarves as blank canvases, I was able to combine my love of art and technology to create wearable stories. LOOMLAB scarves support our need for personal self-expression.
What do you love about being an entrepreneur?
The challenge and the sky is the limit on what you can set out to do!
Describe your business in 20 words or less.
LOOMLAB: it’s modern-day accessory science, with a dash of old-timey alchemy: scarf design inspired by innovation and imagination.
Where do you get your inspiration from and how do you stay inspired?
I try to stay tapped in to all facets of life culture, news, tech, travel, music, etc.! I read anything and everything I can get my hands on. I’m always investigating, seeking out new places to visit, searching for new discoveries.
What is your biggest success or accomplishment you’re most proud of in your business?
I get such a thrill when I see my customers rocking their scarves. It is such a compliment. And I love to see how they styled it. At LOOMLAB, I build a story into each product. It could be a pictorial narrative, hidden details, messages to decipher or decode, or a scientific formula. I love the light-bulb moment of personal recognition or the discovery, when someone makes a connection with the scarf.
What advice would you give other entrepreneurs when they are first starting out?
Surround yourself with a network of people who are great at what they do. A business is not formed in a bubble. It is the strength of your network that helps carry you to success.
There is no right or wrong way to do something business is mobile and changing. Write your own rules, be nimble. Stay true to your vision, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Take risks and always keep in mind, failure is part of the process.
Do what you love.
Where do you see your company in three years?
I would love to do more collaborations and collective design experiments. I see LOOMLAB maintaining it’s indie status, keep growth small and thoughtful.
Do you sell your products wholesale and, if so, what is one strategies that you use to get your products in stores?
Yes, I find that the best way to get into stores has been my participation in independent design shows Unique LA, Renegade, Bazaar Bizarre, etc. Scarves are tactile. It helps to get the product in hands. It is hard to re-create the tactile feeling online.
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