Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Louise Thompson.
Jessica Louise, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started out making clothing for myself and friends in the kitchen of my first apartment in LA. I’ve never been one of those girls who loves to shop. For myself, it has always been preferable to have an idea and realize that in to a tangible object. If I wanted a specific garment I would always just try to make it, even though my sewing skills were not amazing at that time.
I was making one of a kind pieces and putting them in consignment shops around Los Angeles and in San Francisco. Every month I sold more pieces. Eventually started making proper collections and offering standard size options. In the beginning I only made smalls because that was my size, and dress form size. I did not pattern anything, just draped and made each piece one of a kind.
Eventually I was scouted by a sales rep and got into a showroom in the Calmart. This is where I really started my business and really started my education in fashion. I was picked up by Nordstrom and literally made that first order all by myself. Which in retrospect was insane. My background was in studio arts so I knew nothing really about the apparel industry. I had to learn kind of quick. Being at Fille Showroom was my essential starting point and I will forever be grateful to Missy Arko who took a chance on me where most people might have not.
After a few years I had established a loyal customer base and a solid boutique wholesale clientele. I have done licensing designing collections under my brand name for retailers like Hot Topic and branded Halloween costumes for large Halloween chains.
I have been living and working in DTLA for over a decade opening a retail store/design studio in 2013 which was my entire world until this past November. All of the tenants were forced to move unfortunately due to the building being sold.
I thought about doing another retail space but decide to go back to being a private design studio. I prefer working with clients in an environment where I can focus all my attention on just them and their projects. As well as focus on all of my projects without outside distraction.
Often I get hired for freelance projects working for shows, commercials, and special artist projects. My only stipulation is that I have creative input. I am not a tool. If you want someone else’s dress made exactly how that person designed it then I am not who you would hire. However, if you have an inspiration for a project and allow me to design it I will give you one hundred percent of my abilities to create something perfect for you.
The past few years I have been photographing my own work. www.jessicalouiseimagery.com Photography site & www.shopjessicalouise.com retail site.
So today my current studio is in the same neighborhood I have had my business in since 2004. I’m looking forward to see what the remainder of the year brings.
Has it been a smooth road?
What creative field has a smooth path? I watch allot of documentaries about favorite artists and creative people. In every case their story all has a similar narrative. There is a point in their career where they have failed / lost everything/ or are totally broke. I feel as a designer and an artist our first compulsion is to create above all else. Sometimes the outcome of creative compulsion does not necessarily translate to financial success.
One of my personal struggles has been learning to balance business with creative. It’s hard managing everything while trying to design. The headspace needs to be perfect for ideas to flow the way they need to, in my experience. Every day is a struggle in creative fields.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jessica Louise Inc. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in creative women apparel and accessories. I would say I am probably know for separates, head pieces and creative imagery.
As far as what I am most proud of. Having created a world where I can be hyper creative. Working really hard every day without getting burnt out because I love what I do so much.
What sets you apart from others? My personality 🙂
That old adage do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I really try to apply that to all aspects of my business and personal life. I love my clients and will go out of my way to make them happy. If it means doing a custom pattern adjustment so their garment will fit better or just hand writing a note of appreciation to their orders.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I moved from Northern California in 1998 having grown up in Santa Cruz then later moving to the Bay Area I spent the majority of my life there until coming to LA. It is like another world here. LA was a very hard transition from the Bay Area.
I would say the thing I like the most about LA is the weather, I’ve been spoiled by the consistently perfect temperature. I love the culture and the great diversity of our city. And I love most of the people. I work around and have met some of the most interesting amazing characters. I have had some of the greatest conversations with complete strangers. As far as business goes I’m blocks away from the garment district and this area is full of resources for the garment industry. This is invaluable for my business.
What I like the least is typical. The Traffic. I moved DTLA 8 years ago because I was tired of driving an hour each way to get to my studio, when I only lived 15 minutes away. I live literally around the corner from my studio so my am commute is about 30 seconds.
Also the indifference. Every time I go out to a restaurant/etc I’ll and see people at tables with friends and on dates staring at their phones. I went to The Perch (which has amazing views and great ambiance) and the entire time we were having brunch a table of girls were taking selfies and not interacting. I see this allot and it’s just gross.
I’m one of those weirdos that leaves their phone at home when I go to events. I don’t need a video of a live concert that I can see with my eyes and experience in real life. I know that this behavior is a worldwide pandemic, but it’s really bad in LA.
Contact Info:
- Address: Jessica Louise
117 W 9th St
STE 201
LA CA 90015 - Website: www.jessicalouise.com
- Phone: 2134891066
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: jlbeaverton
- Facebook: jessicalouiseclothing
- Twitter: jlclothing
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jessica-louise-los-angeles-3
- Other: http://www.jessicalouiseimagery.com/
Image Credit:
All Photographs taken By Jessica Louise
With the Exception of Portrait image of Jessica Louise which was taken by Michelle X Star
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.
