Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhiannon Griego.
Rhiannon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The inception of Ghost Dancer came through a creative day with Leslie Crow of Heyoka Leather in 2008. I was fostered in creating with my hands through her guidance, and shortly after, I began to pursue my design work. I had always made jewelry but finally found the right time to experiment with this endeavor.
Ghost Dancer started off as a jewelry line that was intended from the start to branch out into multiple mediums. I had always found much inspiration in the exodus of many creatives from the cities in the early 1970’s who wanted to return to the land, connect with nature, homestead and resourcefully build what they needed. This has been a fundamental theme with my line as anything I’ve wanted but have not found, I’ve made it myself.
This desire is what propelled me to study with my mentor, a master weaver and after a year, began weaving my own textiles. Ghost Dancer has since evolved into a line that makes home decor, jewelry, wearable woven artwork, and fine art. There is always evolution and a desire to develop more skills as an artist, designer, and businesswoman.
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, I’ve learned to adapt to the ebb and flow of not only retail but the path of an artist. As it’s dependent on the market and consumers, there naturally is much to consider when designing and understanding how clients approach handmade goods. Some years have been better than others.
More recently, I decided to tackle the status quo by offering high-quality handwoven garments as a means of encouraging individuals to slow down their consumer habits, invest in goods made with thoughtful care and cease to buy into any specific trend.
Mainstream fashion is rooted off of trends, and within my own style, I approach investing in garments as a means of collecting and refining the closet.
This has been a great obstacle as handmade goods are not always cheap. Textiles, if handmade, take countless hours and educating the consumer mind as to why my work is priced at what it is overwhelming most of the time. It’s inspiring to educate and remind people to thoughtfully consider a handwoven garment, but it’s been a difficult learning curve.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Ghost Dancer is a handmade luxury line made in my studio in Ojai. All of my work comes from my hands. I view my business as more of a functional art experiment that is comprised of handwoven textiles, handmade jewelry and soon to be luxury jewelry line.
I specialize in one of a kind textiles, for both wearable means and home decor. My work has adapted a Bohemian spirit to it and is special that it’s there are not many businesses handweaving their own textiles here in the States.
I’m proud that every piece that has ever found a home was made my town hands, with my integrity and spirit are woven into it or beaded into it. I spend anywhere between 24-120 hours per piece, and this is what clients invest in, my essence translated into tangible beauty.
What has set me apart so far is the fact I do it all start to finish. I’m in the studio and behind the computer running the business. I am my business. There is no trend to Ghost Dancer; this is a lifelong investment for my clients as I honestly believe these will carry their elegance through the next 40-100 years.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, absolutely. La has received my work very well, and there are many industries to delve into it. I really believe the city is incredibly fertile ground for all creatives with nature so close by and great weather!
Pricing:
- Home Goods $200-$800
- Woven Clothing $375-$1400
- Jewelry $85-$700
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ghostdancercollection.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @THEGHOSTDANCER
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theghostdancer/
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.
