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!

A Family Interview with Caroline Colom Vasquez. This is truly an inspiring interview.

1.  Tell us about yourself and what do you do?

I am owner and designer of Paloma’s Nest, a line of handcrafted modern heirlooms and home furnishings. We are the creator of the original Ring Bearer Bowl™, having conceived of the concept of employing a ceramic piece, instead of the traditional pillow; in the process, we also created a new take on a wedding tradition that swept the bridal industry over the past years.

In addition to our Wedding Collection, Paloma’s Nest also offers ornaments, tabletop products, stationery, and the newest Little Bird Collection, for Baby &Family.

2. Where do you live and where do you work?

We live and work in Austin, TX. Some call it the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and it is known for its vibrant culture and art scene.

ON FAMILY:

1.  Introduce us to your family. What do you love about your family?

I am married to a wonderful, handsome man from Buenos Aires, Argentina. We have a daughter, Paloma, who is 3 1/2. We have a busy, fun, bilingual and bicultural household full of creative energy and love.

2. Do you have any fun family traditions? (birthdays, holidays, vacations, etc)

I grew up in a house steeped with traditions, and my brand Paloma’s Nest is based on my love of those traditions.  For example, our “YOU ARE SPECIAL TODAY” plate is a throwback to my own childhood. The plate makes appearances in our home on birthdays, or other special days of celebration (like yesterday, when Paloma tied her shoes for the first time!).

2.  What is your favorite family meal or a typical family meal?

Pancake breakfasts are big in our house on the weekends. Holidays are based around food, including a yearly paella at Christmastime. We also make traditional Argentine dishes  such as empanadas and steak milanese throughout the year. My husband built a traditional Argentine parilla (grill) in our backyard for asados.

4. What is your family’s favorite place to eat out?

We are so fortunate in Austin to have one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in the country. And, Austin is hometown to the Wholefoods empire. We are a city full of “foodies.” It is impossible to name just one favorite place to eat out- it is certainly part of the lifestyle here. We do have several favorite local family-run taquerias that serve both traditional Mexican food and/or TexMex. We also love Enoteca, a cozy authentic Italian bistro, and The East Side Cafe, where they harvest their own vegetables from the garden behind the restaurant. On a rare date-night, we head downtown to sample some of the trendier bars and tapas places, or to the Highball- a 1950’s style cocktail lounge with a bowling alley in the middle.

5.  When it comes to clothes, where do you shop for Paloma? Favorite boutique store? Favorite online store?

My favorite brands for Paloma include Tea Collection, Room Seven, and Matilda Jane…but I make a game out of finding them all on Ebay, so I don’t break the bank! I also thrift-shop and seek out handmade pieces for her, both online and at craft shows- one of my favorites is Little Citizen Clothing http://www.littlecitizenclothing.com.

6.  Describe your ideal family vacation.

The ocean. A cool breeze. A great view. Sleeping in.

7.  What are your dreams/goals for your family?

My goal for my family is to find balance and to continue to find joy in what we do. Being an “entrepreneurial family” (together we are running two businesses), sometimes it is easy to feel like all we do is work. I hope someday we can learn to incorporate much of our business into our lifestyle in a way that is fun and productive for everyone in our family.

8. Any advice to other families/parents/soon-to-be-parents?

Soon after Paloma was born, I started my business. I didn’t plan it that way, but destiny happens and opportunity knocks when you least expect it.

I thought for sure that I would need to hire childcare help, and I tried it for a few months. It was only in retrospect that I decided instead to delegate office work by hiring a studio manager for my company.  Instead of hiring someone to be with my child, I found someone to help me grow my company, thus leaving me with time to be a mom.  This was a huge realization for me and one of the best decisions I ever made.

ON MOTHERHOOD/SELF:

1.  What was your childhood/upbringing like?

I grew up in the small historic New England town of Mystic, Connecticut.  I learned to appreciate antique treasures early in life. I grew up in a house that had been built in 1863, full of art and history. Education was a priority in my family; my grandparents are shining examples of hard work and dedication. My hometown taught me that items holding special meanings and stories are meant to be cherished so that they can be shared with future generations – a philosophy that I carry on today at Paloma’s Nest.

2.  How do you balance motherhood and work? / What is your average day like as a mom?

I try to keep a strict schedule on weekdays, working in the studio in the mornings while Paloma is at pre-school, and then dedicate a few hours to emails/office work in the afternoon or late evening.

Like most moms, I feel like I am in constant motion, always with 14 different things happening in my head at one time. Always juggling to write a business deal, wipe a tear, serve a meal, or prepare for whatever is next! But I am living my dream as a designer, and also as a mother- so I wouldn’t have it any other way.

4.  Describe your personal style when it comes to fashion?

I find that my personal style evolves over time as I study different periods of art history and design as it relates to my own work for my product lines. I pick up little ideas and inspiration from each decade I study and translate it into my modern closet and current look. My daily uniform may consist of an easy slip-on dress in a great pattern,  a pair of boots or ballerina flats, a favorite pair of “statement “earrings, and a hand crafted leather bag.

5.  Where do you like to shop for yourself? Favorite boutique store?

I do a lot of thrift store shopping (I find it relaxing- the thrill of the hunt!)

When I see something that works for me/ my body type/ my lifestyle, I buy it, as I don’t give myself much free time for shopping excursions just for me. I’m not one to buy a whole outfit from one place- I’m more of a gatherer. TJ Maxx has always been good to me for filling in the empty spots in my closet.

6.  What are the three must-have items for the modern mom?

An iPhone, some great shoes, and a day off.

7.  List three things you love

-Sparkling water. Currently La Croix with lime or grapefruit.

-Figure painting from a live model.

-Motown.

Don’t you just love her?! Stay tuned for Part II where she’ll discuss her business, tomorrow.

Photos provided by: Caroline Colom Vasquez