http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_...

I'm really excited to announce my work is being featured in The Studio Museum in Harlem store from April 2nd-June 28.So if you happen to be in Harlem, New York check it out.www.studiomuseum.org.

Here's the article in their magazine  "Studio: Spring 2009":-)

by Jeff Lewis , Public Relations Intern

The Studio Museum store is pleased to feature Dahlia Soleil for this season's Introducing, a new initiative to highlight and support the work of young emerging designers. Dahlia Soleil Collection by Paulette Jemmott-Wiley represents a legacy of brilliant handmade crochet, and most prominently features a line of hats.Each one is unique in design, vibrant in color and beautifully detailed, while being practical and wearable.Inspired by the landscapes of her childhood in Barbados, jemmott-Wiley incorporates in her work many of the colors and images she saw growing up: the bright blue of the sky, the multitude of trees and insects, the texture of avocados and lemons, and the color of mangoes, butterflies and ladybugs.

Each hat reflects a small piece of who she is and where she is from.

With no formal training, Jemmott-Wiley was taught to crochet at age five by her grandmother, and is a third generation crocheter.Both her grandmother and mother create intricate projects that take weeks to complete, which in past years earned her mother numerous medal, including gold in the annual National Independence Festival of Creative Arts competition in Barbados.

Jemmott-Wiley created Dahlia Soleil following her daughter's birth in 2002 and named the collection after her.Jemmott-Wiley's desire to stay home with her daughter led her to start her own business of handmade creations and sell them at many artisan markets and street fairs of New York.As her daughter has grown, so has the business.

Jemmott-Wiley went full-time with the collection in 2006, just as her daughter entered kindergarten.In 2007 she sold 1,500 hats and hundreds of embroidered tops.To form her style, she says, "I pay attention to what every-day folk are wearing."She loves exciting and innovatively mismatched colors."O love bold and bright next to what might be considered dull and drab.My styles tend to lean more toward feminine and functional...I try really hard to make sure my products feel good to the touch and fit just right to look great."Jemmott-Wiley is especially thankful for the support of Amy and Ronen from Artists & Fleas in Williamsburg, Brooklyn."They provide a wonderful space and affordable venue for independent artists like myself to sell our work,"she says.

Jemmott-Wiley admits that running a small business is hard work and requires a lot of time and energy, but she is very happy to be her own boss, and says that "to be able to visualize a product and create it for the market is liberating.My customers are amazing and continue to support my work season after season without fail.I'm proud to be working in a medium that is truly handcrafted."

I never in a million years thought I would be crocheting full time for a living...actually being a small business owner was not on any of my priority list. In high school or college. I was rather content with working odd jobs until I found that "perfect job"...you know...the one where I don't work very hard but get paid extremely well. Boy was I dreaming. Unless you win the lottery or have a huge trust fund...you will be working for your pay. And you work even harder when you own your own business.

My job is never done. And I wear every hat that's needed when a job needs to get done. I am literally a one-woman-show. I make everything...pack everything...ship everything...create all graphic design work...shoot all my pics...research and find ad offerings...scout new yarns...design new patterns...keep in touch with customers...pay all bills...build my own website...research new online venues...etc. And this is all after I take care of my 6 year old daughter.

I will not lie and say this is easy. Its the hardest I've ever worked in my life. Rarely I think..What the heck did I get myself into?? The hours are long and like any successful business it keeps getting more and more challenging. The orders keep growing. There's a constant worry that a design chosen for the current season might not take off like I thought it would. I'm constantly watching my back for copiers...there's no lack of designers looking for "inspiration" for their next product ((which could very well be the one I've worked my ass off to design)).

I have no regrets though. I'm celebrating 2 years working full time and I am extremely proud of my accomplishments. None of my hats have been seen in any magazines during this time or endorsed by any celebrities...which is pretty awesome since the consumer I love is the one that appreciates what I make and take great pride in wearing my creations.My repeat customers season after season is what keeps me pushing forward stronger and stronger. You really do need to love what you do...it makes all the difference in the world.

Even when my fingers are sore I love to watch something take shape from a thin line of yarn. And I get an adrenaline rush when a new design ((after months and months of trouble shooting)) is finally ready to be custom made in any color your heart desires. There really is a thin line between love and obsession. I love/obsess over my work.

Who knew an "old woman craft"...which I thought it was when my grand-mother taught me at 5 years old...would be the vessel of my income. And a pretty decent one at that.

Trust and believe in your work. Others will recognise your passion in it and want to partake in it.

Paulette
Dahlia Soleil Collection
www.dahliasoleil.com
www.dahliasoleil.1000markets.com

 

Check out the Dahlia Soleil Collection every Saturday & Sunday at Artists & Fleas...Williamsburg, Brooklyn New York. www.artistsandfleas.com

129 N6th St...between Bedford and Berry. Take L train to Bedford Ave...walk one block. 12pm - 8pm. All major credit cards accepted.

Join the mailing list... mailinglist@dahliasoleil.com and check out www.dahliasoleil.com for new product and customer pics updated monthly.

Sincerely

Paulette Jemmott-Wiley