Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Pearson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jill. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I knew I wanted to have my own business from an early age. For a long time, I assumed it was because I liked being the boss or thought it would make me rich. Then I read an interview with Donna Karan where she said that her business gives her a place to put her ideas. I had already had my business by then, but what a light bulb moment, it changed my perspective on things and made it more joyful!
I also I knew that I wanted to do something in fashion. I thought I could go to FIDM and figure out what exactly that was. My dad had other ideas, aka “I’m not paying for that!” (It’s ok Dad! Everything worked out anyway!) So, I went down to the California Mart, got a job, worked until I decided to go back to school and ended up back in retail. (I had several retails jobs-from the age of 15)
I spent 7 years with a small retail company that ended up being an important influence in my career path. I pushed my way into a part time sales position which turned into an assistant bookkeeping position which turned into being the right hand to an owner of 9 stores. This was the real stuff and has an impact on what I do today.
I did leave, though, and spent two years working for a company whose product I disliked but learned so much and got to travel all over Asia. That was a good time until it wasn’t and then it seemed like it was time to pursue my DREAM!
So, in 1992 I left and started my own business. As luck would have it, my timing was good! It was the early 90’s and things in fashion were goooooood! My sister and I handmade jewelry with freshwater pearls and sterling. I called it Wasabi and built a sushi bar for my first trade show. I sold to Barneys, Bloomies, Nordstrom, Anthro and Sundance Catalog to name a few well known retailers. But the stores that put me on the map and made my business successful were the ones whose names most people wouldn’t know. Elisa B, Coverings, Scentsational, Twist and so many more independents who are stars in their communities. It is the independent retailer that will support the small designers and companies with a personal passion and help them grow and sustain their business. This is a role I am playing out at Homage now that I am on the other side
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to success is never going to be smooth. When you work for someone, a lot of the bumps in the road are managed by someone else. But to be self-employed means to be, above all, resourceful and resilient. We survived being stiffed by high profile stores, employees stealing our designs, huge ups and downs in the economy and major pressure to design, design, design! Each struggle brings new knowledge and strength, you just need to figure out how to channel the energy and find the silver lining.
Homage – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The simple answer is: Homage is a gift and jewelry store. We are located on an historic tree-lined street in Old Pasadena with a spectacular view of our City Hall. Our block is nearly all independent retailers and 7 of us are women! We are known for our selection of unique products from small studios. Our goal is to curate items that you will not see in a lot of stores and present them in an inspiring way.
Our approach with customers is to welcome them into our store as though it were our home. Our priority is to make you feel appreciated and comfortable. We know a lot about the artists and makers and companies that we represent and love to provide product information as well as personal anecdotes and stories about the designers.
As a full time, designer for over 25 years, I understand how important it is to nurture and support the artists that we work with. We buy our merchandise to make sure we have the right combination of the right products. I choose lines based on many factors, including the personal relationship we have with the artist. I think this perspective of being an artist and wholesaler for so many years helps me to understand my business on a deeper level.
I work very hard to find unique items by traveling to shows and visiting as many stores as I can. I go to flea markets, shop on-line, look for new designers when I am traveling and respond to all artists that send me line sheets. You never know where the next big thing is going to come from!
In the 2.5 years that we have been open, we have tried to offer a place to shop where touching and seeing a product is worth the trip to a brick and mortar. We try to offer an experience that is more elevated than the norm, starting with the product and ending with our signature gift wrap.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Personal success is happiness and freedom. I had a very successful business, both monetarily and within the industry, for many years and I started over with Homage in 2015 and couldn’t be happier even though we are building it from the ground up! I can put my ideas to work daily and have a chance to influence and be influenced by the personal interactions I have with customers and artists.
When I meet artists for the first time, whether they be seasoned or just starting out, I look for their passion. All artists are at different levels of knowing who they are and what they have to say, but when the passion and their inspiration is revealed through their words, expressions, laughter and of course, the work, then that is a good place to start.
Pricing:
- We have a wide variety of prices starting at $5.00 up to $1,000.
- Our pricing reflects the unique quality of each item.
- Our pricing reflects the care and service provided by our team.
- Our pricing includes free signature gift wrap.
- And you don’t have to pay shipping costs when you shop a brick and mortar!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2 East Holly Street
Pasadena, CA 91103 - Website: http://homagepasadena.com/
- Phone: 626-440-7244
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homagepasadena/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homagepasadena/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/homagepasadena
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/homage-pasadena
Image Credit:
Erica Perry, Paul Munoz, Jill Pearson
Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.
