Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna McCartney.
Joanna, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started making linen dresses in 2014, after a very hot summer and an unsuccessful search for cool, comfortable dresses that were beautiful, functional and something that I could run errands in, walk the dog, pick up the kids, run to the market, etc. I was tired of dresses that weren’t built to be functional, versatile, keep me cool and still feel presentable.
I discovered the magical properties of linen and it’s many benefits, keeping you cool in the summer, warm and dry in the winter and it’s effortless aesthetic. I began making the dresses myself and selling them at a market (Artists & Fleas) in Los Angeles. I also began documenting my dressmaking journey on Instagram, which helped me build a supportive community of customers, friends and fellow makers. Now, my linen is woven to my custom design in a centuries old linen mill (in Europe) and my dresses are ethically made by skilled seamstresses in Los Angeles, who make a living wage and a wonderful final product. It is exciting to support our local economy and offer fair wages for a well-crafted garment.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Each step, from sewing dresses myself, to selling at a market, to selling online, to taking a commercial warehouse and office has been filled with challenges. The transition from being a home sewer to having my dresses made by professional seamstresses was probably the most challenging aspect for me initially. But I genuinely love my dresses, so that motivation really pushed me out of my comfort zone and learn to be tenacious. The process has taught me that doing a lot of research and asking a lot of questions makes a big difference to accomplishing achievements.
As a woman business owner, it was definitely challenging getting my questions answered with larger companies for sourcing and callbacks, but nothing is impossible and you have to be persistent and patient, which is probably the best advice for anyone starting out – if you have the confidence, persistence and patience, you’ll get there!
We’d love to hear more about Pyne & Smith Clothiers.
Pyne & Smith Clothiers makes garments crafted from 100% European flax linen, designed in a classic, timeless style. All of our garments are designed, cut and skillfully crafted in small batches, here in Los Angeles, California. Our linen is custom-designed, woven and milled at a linen mill in Europe. We care about our planet, we craft our garments sustainably in small batches and we send our linen scraps to a local textile recycling plant.
I’m proud that as a small business, we can make a difference to our local economy by having our garments made here. I’m proud that by spending a little time collecting our linen waste and sending them to a textile recycling center, we avoid impacting landfill sites. I’m proud that we offer functional, comfortable, beautiful and well-made garments to women in sizes XS-XXL.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I love to read! Mysteries or historical fiction are my favorite books to have on my bedside table. I do listen to a lot of music and podcasts – I’m a big fan of BBC Radio 4 Desert island discs. Instagram is a big part of my business. I love connecting with people on there and am equally inspired by seeing Pyne & Smith dresses styled, worn and lived in!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pyneandsmith.com
- Email: joanna@pyneandsmith.com
- Instagram: @pyneandsmithclothiers
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pyneandsmith
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