Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Riochet Wearable Art

Monday I had the opportunity to interview Jill Pillot, the owner of Ricochet Wearable Art as a homework assignment for my Entrepreneur class.



Jill is remarkable.  She is a talented designer specializing in transforming existing clothing into wonderful creations. She has had her shop at 1610 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402 for 16 years and it is full of her and other artist's creations. She teaches adults and an after school program. She is also a partner in a shop in Noe Valley in San Francisco. In addition, Jill sells at a number of local shows and will have a booth at the Canada Designer Sale on Saturday Sept. 29.



Jill shared what she loves about being a fiber artist and running a business - everything but the computer stuff.  She thinks success comes from desire, passion, and dedication to the success of the business. She works 12 – 15 days, sometimes less. and doesn’t spend time watching TV or on the computer for entertainment. She says "If your only focus is making money, you are probably not in the right business, since it is not an easy business to grow, and it requires lots of dedication prior to seeing results."


Clearly Jill loves what she does. She puts me in mind of the saying "Do what you love and you will never work another day in your life."

Jill gives back to the community in a number of ways.  She works with at-risk youth teaching them to sew and giving them the ability to create and have their creations be a public expression, building self confidence. Jill also takes interns from a number of local colleges and takes them under her wing providing a welcoming introduction to the fashion industry. 


Jill has a lifelong vision she would like to fulfill of creating a school or camp for foster children where they would have an opportunity to explore and create, and in the process build self-esteem. I think this powerhouse of a woman will make that vision a reality.



Please stop by and visit Jill's shop, check first to make sure she's open and not at a show.

Ricochet
Categories: Children's Clothing, Women's Clothing  
1610 S El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 345-8740
http://www.ricochetwearableart.net

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