Meet Susan Holland of the Quilted Monkey in Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Holland.

Susan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got started in the retail business when I lived in New York City. My brother Greg and our friend Beth were
opening their second retail store, The Down Quilt Shop. Greg asked me if I would work in the store for the Christmas Season, which I did. I got hooked and worked there for 13 years. The job was a lot of fun and very creative.

My husband and I were making a move to Los Angeles and I wanted to continue to do what I enjoyed doing, hence, the Quilted Monkey was born.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The first challenge was a personal one and that was living a more laid-back lifestyle. I was used to the fast pace of New York City. It took a few months for me to adjust to LA living, but I did. Now, I love living here.

The second challenge was much bigger. INTERNET SELLING!!! Retail was changing in a very big way. The manufacturers you are buying from are now selling online and they have become your competition.

Once I got over the shock of how the industry was changing, I decided don’t get mad just figure out how to make my business work for me.

I now find local artisans that don’t sell online. I’m always looking for that great product that people have to come to me for.

There is always a way, you just have to give yourself the time to figure it out.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with the Quilted Monkey – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We specialize in indoor/outdoor eco-friendly machine washable custom size rugs. I love this product. The designs, colors, and durability set these rugs apart from others.

We also sell a variety of other rugs (cotton, wool, poly…) as well, also in custom sizes.

The Quilted Monkey also has a variety of other items such as gifts, bedding, baby and kids clothes, and more. Most of these products come from local artisans which is great because the product is not what you will find online.

I think I’m most proud that I’m still in business after 14 1/2 years.

I don’t know if this sets me apart from others but I can say I love my customers (wheater they buy or not). I enjoy getting to know them, I always have an open ear for them. Many of the customers say they feel a good energy when they are in store. Just yesterday a Mom, Dad, and 2 young teens were in the store. The girl said to her Mom, “I like it here, I want to stay and hang out.” I take that as a compliment.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I don’t have any set future plans at the moment, however, I think I will finish writing the book I started,
“It’s all in your head or is it?”

I also think about being a consultant for small business owners or maybe being a coach on understanding the power of oneself… I love helping people and without being so bold, I know I’m good at it! 🙂

Many things to consider…

Pricing:

• Rugs $29.00 and up
• Baby Items $12.00 and up
• Sheet Sets $89.00 and up
• Gifts $10.00 and up
• Pillows $39.00 and up

Contact Info:

• Website: thequiltedmonkey.com
• Phone: 310-587-1566
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/thequiltedmonkey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theQuiltedMonkey/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/storemonkey?lang=en

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.