Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Ellsberg.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Audrey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been interested in fashion and was very picky about what I wore. Growing up, my household was on a Kmart budget when it came to school clothes, so I decided to start sewing my own clothes. It started with little alterations to clothes I already had, and by high school, it was making tops, stenciling and creating appliqués. Eventually other girls started asking me to make them clothes too and I started a little business on Myspace with one of my close friends.
After high school, I moved to Los Angeles and got a fashion design degree from FIDM, but had a hard time finding design work after graduating. With the 2009 economy and sky-high LA rent, I made to decision to work in retail. Within a couple years, I found myself working as a Visual Merchandising Manager for a fast fashion company. I really enjoyed visual and styling, but slowly got burned out on the retail schedule and fast fashion in general. I realized that I didn’t like the idea of disposable clothing and wanted to do something that allowed me to be more creative.
I left my job after 4+ years and decided to start an Etsy shop. I wasn’t really sure what I was doing, or if it would work out, but knew I wanted to pursue my own business. I started out with bralettes because I loved wearing them and knew they’d be a realistic starting point for someone who was running a business out of the corner of my bedroom. I wouldn’t have to buy large amounts of fabric or need a huge workspace to make lingerie, and I’ve always been fascinated with lace.
Over the last 4 years, I’ve learned a lot, mostly from trial and error, and I’m enjoying it more than ever. I now have an awesome garage workspace (movin’ on up!), and my pieces are carried in a few shops around San Diego. I thrive on meeting and working with other creatives and vendors, and it’s really exciting to watch not only the growth of my business but those around me!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are constant bumps along the road but I think it’s par for the course if you want to be a business owner. When I started, I didn’t really have a big vision, I just wanted to make stuff. So I think I spent the first couple years figuring out what I wanted my brand to be and that can be really frustrating. I spent so much time testing out different logos, designs, and finally realized I just needed to go with my gut and feel like I’m really fleshing out my brand now. It can be daunting, but so so important to dial in.
Working alone is also a struggle because you have to rely on yourself to stay motivated and positive even when sales aren’t great. I’ve definitely put time and energy into things that weren’t financially successful, but it’s all a learning process. You need to have the foresight to see your own weaknesses and know when to ask for help or feedback from peers. Collaboration has been really helpful.
Social media is also a constantly changing battlefield. I have a love/hate relationship with it. I am learning more every day about best practices and algorithms. It’s important to seek out resources and stay on top of changes that roll out with these platforms. And again, collaborate and network with the people who are doing it right.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Daisy Hoard – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Daisy Hoard is a handmade clothing business specializing in babewear- lingerie, swim, tops, and bodysuits. I’m inspired by vintage fashion. I’m obsessed with prints, velvet, lace. I like to make clothing that’s playful and makes you feel like a babe.
I’m most known for my bralettes, most of which can be made-to-order. This means you aren’t stuck with the standard ‘small, medium, large’ sizing that many of us don’t fit into. I take your measurements and/or bra sizing and make a custom piece to fit YOU! So whether you’re a 32DDD or a 38A, you can get a bralette that fits and is really cool and unique.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
This year I’m branching out more from lingerie and designing more tee shirts and bodysuits, so I’m really excited to introduce new products. I’m also connecting with more local boutiques so hopefully, you’ll see more of my products in stores to touch and try on!
Another thing I’m looking forward to is connecting more with my customers. I’ve started a newsletter for 2018 which I write myself and hope to share more about my creative process and what’s going on in my workspace, which I lovingly call The Daisy Dungeon.
Pricing:
- Bralettes start at $38
- Bodysuits start at $60
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheDaisyHoard.etsy.com
- Email: info@TheDaisyHoard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaisyhoard
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDaisyHoard/
Image Credit:
Sarah McAllister, Ernesto Ortiz
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