Surround Yourself with People that will Take You Higher

As I sit and write this, it is 3:30am EST and recovering from jet lag.  It is well worth it after returning from India late Friday night after such an inspiring and meaningful week.  I do not say this lightly after the week of global turmoil we have experienced.  My inspiration comes from the warmth and generosity of some very special people I spent time with along the way.

I am reflecting on what a year it has been.  Those that know me well, know how difficult the first 6 months were in 2016.  All I can say is that challenges are an opportunity to grow and learn.

AVILA has been a labor of love in so many ways.  As I try to articulate my thoughts, I can only say that I am incredibly fortunate and blessed to have such an army of supporters in my camp.  

From my husband, who has 100% supported this venture knowing what it could mean for our family.  He made a complete career change and reinvented himself, an inspiration, and is my partner through the good and the challenges.

My factories, through our relationships, have taken the time to really understand AVILA and are working with me through amazing and innovative product. 

My first stores that see AVILA’s potential

My friends and family, who selflessly offer to help whether it is hosting a trunk show, pitching in to and from get my girls to school (and soccer, etc, etc) when I am out of town, offering any support possible.  I have some that I shared this concept with early on with nothing but a cad and a swatch, that pushed me to go for it and consistently check in.  One friend, who spent a weekend with me gauging interest in AVILA to see if would have a positive reaction in the marketplace. 

My friends globally, that took the time to host me in India, and made me feel like family as they always do.  I only wish we were closer in miles.

My web and photography support, and hopefully more in the future, your expertise make AVILA look ten million times bigger than it is.  You completely understand me and the brand, and I cannot wait to see what our future holds together. 

My dear boss who offered me a job completely flexible so I can follow my dream.  She is a woman business owner raising three children and built a company from scratch. I cannot think of a better friend and role model.

My daughters who give me unconditional love.  

I originally planned on this blog being about my product development trip.  However, I cannot even remotely imagine being on this journey without these very special people in my life.  

I thank you for the very bottom of my heart, and want you to know how much you are loved and appreciated.  In this world of uncertainty, the one thing I am certain of is that you are rock stars in my book.  It takes a village.

xx-Susan

Thoughtful & Inspired

I was reading through some emails this afternoon, and came across one from one of my customers reaching out to her franchise stores.  It was a lovely note where she was giving them background on AVILA, and referenced me as a designer.  I have worked with countless designers, and would never put myself in that category- there are only a precious that really own that label- and you all know who you are.  Still, it was surreal to see that written...I have been called a lot of things in business but designer was a first :) 

There was another piece of the email that really struck a chord...she called AVILA thoughtful and beautiful.  Whenever you start a project, you always have a goal in mind even if you do not come right out and say it.  My intent was to try and bring beautiful, artisan accessories to the market that are chic and effortless, and help make a woman feel beautiful on the outside and inside.  

Visiting factories and witnessing innovation and creativity in product development in some very small textile towns is one of the most powerful experiences.  Most of that product never makes it to market, and if it does, it is unattainable and unaffordable.  Big brands have such high margin goals and are stacked with head count (and meetings), it isn't about the product anymore.  The magic from those overseas trips gets lost in the translation and never captured, like lightening in a bottle.  After twenty years, I think I am still naive enough to capture it- or again, at least try.

The bottom line is that while making beautiful, inspired accessories is high on my list, having something to leave my daughters is paramount.  (Or again, at least try!) My oldest daughter really has no interest in fashion, but she loves watching and working with me on a powerpoint deck (with soccer on, of course).  And my little one is a complete fashionista, helping me merchandise our first collection on my office floor. So if anyone is wondering where AVILA comes from, just meet Ava and Lila and it will be clear it is from the heart.

There is still long way to go but excited for the future.  And I cannot thank my friends and family enough for their love and support.  It is humbling to know there are so many willing to help without asking for anything in return...it is all a lot of planning, a lot of luck, and a ton of heart.  

xx-Susan   

Ellie Bing...you are fab!!!

Thank you, Sheila of Ellie Bing, for your support of AVILA in our launch this fall!!!  See you at our first trunk show...and you are right in our backyard, neighbor!!!!! Here's to the beginning of a long friendship!!!  xx