Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hill.
Jennifer, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story actually begins in Chicago, IL. where I was born and raised. I was raised in a very creative household. Both of my parents were very hands-on for any household and school projects. I watched my big brother drawing amazing pieces and enter drawing competitions. Simply put, I wanted to be just like them. From that, I believe the seed was planted and my love for creativity began to blossom.
My creativity blossomed at that time but then somehow down the line, I lost sight of it. I went on to college to earn a Bachelors’s degree in Marketing and Logistics, then later a Master’s in Education. When I began teaching, that love slowly crept back inside of me as I was striving to keep my students engaged in lessons but was limited by the demands of the school system. After getting married to my wonderful husband, Erik and having children, I believed that I no longer had time for any type of creative outlet. After completely engulfing myself in becoming a great mom and making the best choices for our two children, I realized that I desperately needed that type of outlet back in my life and I needed it like oxygen. I needed to create and let out so much that I hadn’t for years. So I decided to do something about that need.
It’s funny how people say “it’s like riding a bike” and in this case, it was true. It was true because creativity was a part of my foundation. I believe that if you have a true foundation in something, in particular, you can never truly lose it. Soon after, I asked a dear friend and educational mentor of mine to teach me how to machine embroider. She laughed and enthusiastically said “Sure”. I had a sewing class in high school where I learned basic sewing skills and when combined with my new machine embroidery skills I was ready for a new journey.
This is precisely when Lola King was born. February 2015, I jumped back into sewing anything I could get my hands on. I began creating unique pieces and growing in my skill and willingness to go beyond the basics. Over the years, I have been requested to created pieces for many individuals and organizations (some very well-known). I create unique, custom and personalized pieces and gifts as well as branding pieces for companies looking to enhance their visibility.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ll answer this question as Langston Hughes wrote, “Life for me, ain’t been no crystal stair.” I’ve had many bumps along the way, even breaking my hand only about nine months into creating Lola King. That was quite a setback but I was so determined to get that part of me back. I remember telling my surgeon who happened to be the doctor who puts all of the pro-Chicago athletes back together from injuries that “I just want to hold my babies and be able to sew again”. After much physical therapy and regaining movement in my hand, I had a new lease on life and I took off with Lola King and never looked back.
Please tell us about your business.
My business is lovingly named after my two children, Lourdes (Lola) and Kingston (King). Many people initially think my name is Lola King which is pretty funny when I see it in emails. Within Lola King, I sew, embroider, embellish and specialize in heat press vinyl. Some of my most memorable pieces are kid’s letterman jackets and personalized baby blankets that have been gifted to many children of NBA and WNBA athletes. I am most proud of the quality of my creations which are all handcrafted. I believe what sets Lola King apart from others is the uniqueness of the creations. I like bold imagery and am known to embroider over the seams. In essence, I am proud to push beyond the standard boundaries of this craft.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
As an educator, I have always believed in being a lifelong learner and that is what I see myself as with Lola King. I guess you can say that I’m always “starting over” in that I am constantly assessing the quality, value, and uniqueness of my creations as well as the financial efficiency, marketing strategies and management of the business itself. I have learned so many lessons along the way about the business and myself that I would not actually want to start differently. I’m grateful and happy with the growth of my business and excited for the future of Lola King as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lolaking.com
- Email: lolakingcreations@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolakingcreations/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Lolakingcreations/
Image Credit:
KT Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
