I had the pleasure of meeting Jan on twitter and I instantly took interest in her clean modern designs. I purchased one of her fabrics in which I’m making a bulletin board out of right now. It will definitely be the “pop” needed in our kitchen.
Jan’s main focus in her work is organics. Her designs are professionally printed on 100% organic cotton sateen, organic cotton/hemp blend canvas as well as a 50/50 cotton linen blend. Her committment to using organic fabrics sets her a part from other fabric designers.
So let’s meet Jan and learn more about her growing business, Daisy Janie.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a 39-year-old surface/fabric designer who dabbles in multi-tasking, risk-taking and tiny, tiny, tiny bit of procrastinating. I’m married to the man of my dreams, and we have a soon-to-be 12 year old boy (I’m ready to stop the clock on his age). We have 2 cuh-razy doggies who make my heart bigger everyday, except for Mon-Sat at 2:15 when mail comes. My degree is in Marketing, and it comes in handy with some of my big ideas.
How and why did you create Daisy Janie?
Daisy Janie was created in late 2004, as my painting business ‘Fresh Paint’ with a business partner was dissolving. Initially, I continued painting jobs for my clients, but the physically demanding nature of the work prompted me to seek out other creative options. I started sewing & selling handbags to pass the time until I figured out what I wanted to do, but the handbags sold so well that they actually became the business! In 2005, I wanted to differentiate my handbags by using original fabrics, so I started designing & printing my own. With feedback & inquiries about fabric, fabric, fabric, I began offering my fabrics for sale and haven’t look back since.
Where did the name originate from?
I’ve always loved daisies b/c of their simple beauty – very much “what you see is what you get.” (They were the only flower we had at our wedding 15 years ago.) And “Janie” is a nickname of mine from a few close friends and my husband. I love the sweet, earthy, feminine vibe the name ‘Daisy Janie’ evokes.
What is a typical work day for you?
I get-up before the ‘house’ needs me, check email and follow-up on everything I can. After morning family routines, I check my running to-do list for the most pressing items and jump in! I keep a lot of plates spinning throughout the day and stop for snack & sanity breaks periodically. Family routine starts back-up again after school…from then until bedtime, I fit in what I can when I can. Rinse, wash, repeat.
How do you keep distractions at bay?
Basically, I turn off and tune out when I really need to focus. It’s truly as simple as that. I actually have the opposite problem in that I become so immersed that I forget to peek outside my world!
What are your best selling pieces/designs?
My top-selling fabric of all time is Bloom, followed by Maxie, Lulu and Audrey in the Damsel collection. In the Urbana collection, Boxwood, Georgia and Annika are the hot numbers.
bloom
Who/what are your inspiration?
Inspiration for my designs is a multi-layered, multi-faceted, complex notion (just like that description!). On a very broad level, raw talent and unbridled passion are very palpable and stirring for me. I can get lost in art forms whenever I sense these two. On a more basic level, I am always moved by Mother Nature’s creatures, rhythms & patterns. I don’t feel as though I’m ever at a loss for finding beauty & appreciating what’s in front of me, and consciously or not, it all finds its way back to my work.
Do you have any business advice that worked well for you that you’d care to share?
Balance. You have to find a balance between work & family & the rest of the world. Unchecked self-absorption begets more self-absorption…it’s a vicious cycle b/c you never step outside yourself long enough to know there’s more to the world than your deadline, your project, your work. Stop taking and give back instead. You’ll be much happier when you share yourself; your work will feel lighter, your ideas will flow and you’ll become much more efficient & effective. Took me 10 years to figure that out!
What are your favorite hobbies?
Working out & running, hiking, taking pics (I wouldn’t call it photography b/c I’m not that knowledgeable; I just like to snap fun angles and close-ups), laughing with my family and friends.
What’s currently on Jan’s wish list?
I don’t really have anything on my ‘buy’ list – of course I haven’t tried on any of my jeans yet this season so that could change in a week. More than anything, I’d like to get some projects done around our house. Lots of unfinished business!
Name your top 3 website/blogs.
Scoutie Girl
Café Cartolina
Print & Pattern
Thank you so much Jan for sharing you and your work with us!
website | etsy shop | blog | twitter | flickr
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Hi, my name is Bridgett and I'm the owner of 
she such a sweet person! Loved reading this interview. Thanks you ladies!
wonderful interview! when i first read about jan on modish a few months ago, i was instantly inspired and in awe of her talent, her motivation, and her generous nature. thanks for keeping me feeling inspired
i recently met jan and was struck by how freely gives of herself and her knowledge. so, in addition to being an incredibly talented designer, she has a spirit that is magnetic and will surely attract good things to her life and business.
loved reading this!
One of my favorite people. Pleasure to read more about her- always. Thanks to both of you for sharing!
Thank you again for this opportunity Bridgett! Your blog and designs are so wonderful, I’m happy my fabric went to a good home. Please send pics when you have your project completed.
There’s that clever Jan–at it again! Love her quick-witted humor…besides all of her beautifully crafted designs! Great advice on the balance bit–surprising how rewarding it is to actually let go and give a little bit up once in a while. Nice post–keep ‘em coming!
I concur along with everything that everybody has stated, the significant thing is to look at the idea from a several standpoint (as I complete almost all of the moment). Other than that, you’ve got got a pretty superior blog here, hold up the very good work.job