Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Jones.
Alana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I knew I wanted to start a business. I married an artist and we’d dreamed of creating something together since we met, but it wasn’t until I became a mother that I discovered what I wanted to do. Shortly after giving birth to my second son, I spent a lot of time looking for nursing-friendly tanks for the hot summer in Texas. When I didn’t find what I was looking for, I got my husband’s sewing machine out and began making my own. I was hot and holding an infant most hours of the day; I never felt more motivated to create simple clothing that didn’t cling to me while I sweat. I had heard about how incredible it is to wear flax linen in the summer and felt determined to create the perfect linen top for me AND all mothers. Shortly after falling in love with wearing linen, I experimented with making linen bath and hand towels. I shared them with friends and family and after everyone fell in love with them, I opened up alanamae studio. Opening my online shop also came from my desire to make functional, high quality goods that will last.
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?
I do feel fortunate for how smoothly things have gone to this point, though that’s not to say, there haven’t been a few bumps in the road. The first version of my shop was confusing, not user friendly and took many iterations before finally getting it right. At times, I have over extended myself, trying to do it all, and have learned to delegate wherever possible. I have also had to learn patience, for instance, one time I rushed a photoshoot to get a new product listed only to find that I didn’t have any quality images for the listing. I’ve learned so much from trial and error. If something didn’t work, I tried something else. I’ve enjoyed the process and know I’ll continue to tweak and improve as I go.
Please tell us about your business.
I design, cut and sew a variety of linen goods out of my home studio. I use 100% linen for its durability and versatility. My products range from a selection of home goods to clothing items. All the products I offer in my shop are made to order and I only sell things that I have tested and personally use in my own home and everyday life. I am proud to offer products to those who are looking to be more eco-conscious and trying to lessen their carbon footprint.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
One short term goal of mine is to have my own website. I have had great success being a part of the Etsy community and it has been a wonderful learning tool as well as an amazing place to start. It has opened my eyes to the importance of exposure and the incredible things that can happen when you collaborate with others. I have had the chance to work with a variety of people and I look forward to collaborating more in the future. I don’t have any solidified big plans in the works yet, but I know no matter how many things change I want to keep my standards and values at the heart of my business. When I started this business I intended to make quality, handcrafted products independently. However, I know there is nothing wrong with asking for help. I just know I always want to be a part of the creating and making process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/alanamaestudio
- Email: alanamaestudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanamaestudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alanamaestudio/
Image Credit:
Alana Jones, Jayna Clay
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