October 13, 2009
designer caroline colom vasquez
I came across the work of Caroline Colom Vasquez's brand Paloma's Nest - there's also an etsy shop - via Nathalie from Imprintables on a photo shoot (she's going to be featured in an upcoming issue of real living). I loved it instantly. I thought you might too. (Oh, and Caroline lives in Austin, Texas, which seems the place to live if you're a creative, artsy type. Definitely going on my list of places to visit.)
Which five words best describe you? Witty, innovative, patient, observant, determined.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first "real" job was at age 15, working in a small boutique/gallery in my hometown of Mystic, Connecticut. It was there that I discovered a world of handcrafted art and design, surrounded by the most splendid of items, special packaging, and creatives. By working in such a supportive environment throughout my teen years, I learned to see the potential in creating a product and a business from my art. The entrepreneurial seed was planted, and now, years later, it has come to fruition.
What’s been your best decision? To not over-plan. Have a dream and the intention to make it come true; but take risks, educate yourself, put your best ideas out there, and take the leap. So many great ideas are never realized because someone thought they "couldn't."
Who inspires you? Paloma's Nest is active in contributing to other entrepreneurs all over the globe through Kiva.org. To see people make a decision and commitment to bettering themselves and their situation is very inspiring, and is something I am so proud to be a part of.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Being your own boss is the most difficult job one can have. It can take every inch and ounce of your soul to do what you love, but it is worth every bit of it.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Martha Stewart. I'd love to "talk shop" with her.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I dream that my designs will become heirlooms, that the pieces I create for my clients will be passed on to generations. I hope that by creating pieces that hold such personal meaning, our brand and my designs will be able to experience longevity. I'd love to live to see this generation of brides and clients pass on their Paloma's Nest pieces to their daughters and sons.
What are you reading? Ummmm....this goes back to the question about "what I've learned." My days are so full with business and family life that I rarely have a moment to pick up a good book! If I did, it would most likely be a large heavy art book, or an old favorite like The Prophet by Gibran; both sources of great inspiration for me.
images paloma's nest