ON BUSINESS:

How and when did Paloma’s Nest start?

Paloma’s Nest started in October of 2007, on a whim.

While I was pregnant with my daughter Paloma (now 3 1/2), I had pushed aside my aspirations to sell my art work after many frustrating experiences trying to sell in the wholesale world. I had planned to be a full-time mom, but during the early months with a newborn, I discovered this world of handcraft and online shops and blogs that began to grow and expand…

I thought “if these designers are finding an audience for their work online, maybe I can, too?”

I had a studio full of pieces that needed a home, so I set up shop just for kicks, to see what would happen. I chose a name for the shop “Paloma’s Nest,” out of thin air, and within a week I sold out of everything I had tucked away in the studio. Suddenly my products were being featured on blogs around the world, and I figured it was now or never! I got some fresh clay, dusted off my tools and got back to work, designing and producing the products that are now the heart of the Paloma’s Nest collection. I seized the opportunity and have never looked back.

What is your average day like at Paloma’s Nest?

My mornings are dedicated to working in the studio. It is during these hours that I craft all of our orders by hand- custom pieces and our original designs that we keep in stock ready to ship. I have an amazing studio manager who oversees our ordering and shipping process, and a production manager who keeps us on track in the studio. Together we run a well-oiled machine, serving about 200 clients a week on average.

What is your favorite part about your work?

Creating pieces that I envision will be shared with future generations. I want to make things that people will save, not just for the beauty of the piece, but because of the memory and meaning attached to it. My favorite part of my day is when I am hand stamping custom orders and I have a moment to imagine where this piece will be someday: in the hands of this couples’ grandchildren?

Three things that are must-haves as a business person?

-Employees or partners you can trust, who believe in your brand as much as you do. Bonus points if they are smarter than you.

-Drive and determination to get you through the ups and downs of self-employed life. It is incredibly gratifying to be your own boss, but also the most difficult job you will ever have.

-Lunch. Don’t forget to feed yourself and take care of the machine that is your body.

What/who inspires you? Where do you get your creative vision?

I am inspired by the past; by tradition and history, architecture and culture. I am constantly learning, and refining my aesthetic to make modern handcrafted products with timeless appeal.

What is your best piece of business advice to other creative small business owners?

Create longevity in your business by offering a product or service that transcends trends and fads.

What is next for Paloma’s Nest?

We have plans to dramatically increase our wholesale offerings over the next few years, which would include participating in the major gift and handcraft shows each season. We also hope to debut a line of home furnishings and home accessories, and to expand our current line to include collectible dinnerware.

Do you have any favorite blogs that you’d like to mention?

I may be a bit late to the game on this, but I just recently discovered Babble.com – a great source for modern families, covering topics from kids health to mom’s fashion. A breath of fresh air and a great daily journal of news and information.

Do you support any charities that we could mention?

Paloma’s Nest is a proud supporter of Kiva. We commit a portion of our proceeds  from every sale each month to an entrepreneur who is in need of a loan in order to grow their own business. We love that through Kiva we can help others help themselves and create successful companies in economies throughout the world.

For more information and to see her fabulous work, visit her website http://www.palomasnest.com

and blog, http://www.palomasnest.com/blog. And to see her Family Interview, click here.

Photos are behind the scenes of Paloma’s Nest studio and were submitted by Caroline Colom Vasquez.

Note from Joy: I hope this feature has inspired you tremendously, especially if you’re in the struggle of balancing family and business. I can relate so much on what Caroline is talking about with motherhood and business. I am touched at how humble she is and I applaud her for all her accomplishments. I also absolutely LOVE her art studio! Doesn’t it make you want to spend the day with her and watch behind the scenes? Thank you so much Caroline for taking part in this very inspiring interview!

If you would like to nominate a mom/dad entrepreneur for a similar interview please let us know! Also let Caroline know your thoughts! And please tell us what you think about the interview, ( questions you’d like to see asked, do you like the two topics split up, etc.). We thrive on FEEDBACK!

More inspiring interviews coming soon!