April 15, 2016
Made in Mayhem
Maker Spotlight
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting history behind it?
Made In Mayhem came from a state of mind of when we are being creative and brainstorming. This is a reminder to us that our designs are a product of lot of work.
Have you always been passionate about design?
I have designed all sorts of things since I was a little girl. My dad had a printing shop and I loved making all sorts of paper goods with the scraps. I used to make lunch menus and have a weekend “bed and breakfast” at our childhood home. I would pass out my menus to my two brothers and parents around 11am, and I would make them amazing grilled cheese sandwich and chocolate milk. Many years later I went to school for product design and I am now making my dreams come true with my line of leather accessories.
When did you start working in this particular craft/field?
After 10 years of working in the R&D departments of multiple footwear brands, traveling all over the world and discovering new leather factories, I knew my next move was going to be working independently with great leather tanneries and amazing leather craftsmen. I started it all 3 years ago and I’m happy to be working on something I’m so passionate about.
What has been your proudest/favorite moment since creating your business?
My proudest and favorite moment was the day I quit my job to work full-time on my own business. Every day after has been a blank canvas and I create my own path one day at a time.
How does the city you live in influence your work?
Orange County and Los Angeles contrast so much when it comes to the vibe and the environment. I spend a good amount of time in Orange County surrounded by nature, the beach and the amazing surf, but I also spend my time in the city of Los Angeles where inspiration comes from different places. I get to meet and talk “design” with vendors and our manufacturers every time I’m in town, and I find that exchange so exciting and exhilarating. When I am designing and selecting colors I’m always trying to find the balance between the city lifestyle and the freshness of nature.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
We have a uniquely modern take when it comes to small leather goods. Our customers love our colors and our slim wallets, like the Washington, Carr and Madison.
What made you take this leap into being your own boss?
I was doing product development for other brands and I was proud of all my achievements but after 10 years I realized I was giving other brands more of me than I was giving myself. I was cheating myself out of succeeding at my own company and I needed to give my brand 100% of my time if I wanted to see 100% of the rewards.
What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?
Do something you are passionate about, make sure it exciting to you. Treat your partners, suppliers and customers with kindness and respect; they are all an important part of your company. If there is an idea that keeps coming back to you make sure you do something about it. I make a list of things I want to do and make sure that I get some of them done every day.
