Today we’d like to introduce you to Julianna Donovan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Julianna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started with a hat. I had been crocheting for over 10 years (mostly scarves, blankets, rectangle items) and I wanted to be able to make a hat for my husband (back then my boyfriend) for Christmas. A few months before, when my mom and grandma were visiting me in Salem, they taught me how to crochet a hat. We sat there in my living room making hats. Like anything in life, it takes practice to be perfect, so I made a few practice hats, and I would wear them around.
A few times, people would ask me where I got my hat, and when I told them I made it, they asked to buy one. I couldn’t believe someone wanted one of my practice hats. In late 2011, I opened my Etsy shop. I had been a buyer on Etsy, so I was a little familiar with the site, but I never thought I would actually have anything to sell. I listed a few items, took a few fuzzy photos, and I was open for business.
Throughout the years, I kept consistently adding new items to the shop and just kept going. Almost seven years later Salem Style has grown to more than I would have ever expected it to be.
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 have been a few challenges along the way. I have has a few designs I thought were amazing, completely flop. A few of my yarn suppliers either discontinued the yarn I was using or in one case, the production facility changed, and with that, the quality.
The biggest struggle has been juggling having Salem Style with working 9-5 and also attending grad school at night.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Salem Style – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Salem Style is current a line of accessories for women and men who want to keep cozy in style. The most popular items are pom pom hats, infinity scarves, and the iced coffee cup cozy.
Crochet tends to be thought of as being “granny”, but these accessories are fresh and modern. They’re incredibly easy to wear and makes getting through the winter season a little bit easier. Each piece is handmade by me, with precise attention to detail so they are made to last.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The plans for the future are to keep going! I am looking forward to the holiday season (because they’re always crazy, but incredibly exciting). I am also currently working on expanding and growing a team. There are a few new designs that I have been working on, and I have also been thinking about expanding to offer other types of products.
Pricing:
- Hats $32-$40
- Scarves $44-65
- Iced Coffee Cup Cozies $11
Contact Info:
- Website: www.salemstylestudio.com
- Email: lianna@salemstylestudio.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/salemstyle
- Facebook: facebook.com/salemstylestudio
- Twitter: twitter.com/salem_style
- Other: www.salemstyle.etsy.com
Image Credit:
Corinne Landry with CE Photographee https://cephotographee.zenfolio.com/
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
