We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Catherine Potdevin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Catherine below.
Catherine , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
While I have been an artist since my teens, it wasn’t until my 50s that I began to monetize my work. Prior to this, my quilts were a gift I shared freely with friends and family, a practice that seems a bit ludicrous in hindsight. However, in the quilting world, this is quite the norm – it’s even frowned upon to sell handmade quilts rather than give them away. My first sale to a non-family member happened at my gallery show at Garel Fine Art in Manhattan Beach. This event marked a significant milestone, as it coincided with the official launch of my artwork brand, SpencerManon, and was also the first time I had ever showcased my work in a professional setting. I wasn’t just nervous about how the brand would be perceived; I was also plagued by the fear of what would happen if no one bought a piece. Luckily, we had an amazing show – selling a total of six quilts!
Our first official client was a friend who had seen our lookbook, and wanted to buy a quilt for her mother. She was specifically interested in our quilt “La Frida,” as her mother is a huge fan of the artist who inspired the piece: Frida Kahlo. She reached out to us, and bought the quilt at the gallery the next day. The feeling was really bittersweet. On one hand, it was incredibly validating to know that someone appreciated my work enough to invest in it. On the other hand, parting with that quilt was tough—it held sentimental value and had taken a fair amount of time and effort to create. That first sale was more than just a financial transaction; it was the beginning of a new chapter in my artistic journey. It represented a shift from giving my art away to valuing it, and it was a powerful affirmation of my decision to turn my passion into a business.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My artistic journey has taken several twists and turns. I was first introduced to art during my undergraduate years at UC Davis when a friend convinced me to join her in a general education art course. I quickly fell in love with the creative process. Although I was an English major, I started taking every art class I could, eventually graduating with a double major in both English and Art Studio. Over the years, I pursued my creative passions whenever possible, predominantly working with acrylic paint on canvas to create pieces ranging from animals and storybook references to portraits.
Later, I shifted my focus to repurposing thrifted denim. I experimented with fabrics, paint, and embroidery to transform old jeans into new artistic creations. This is where the initial idea for my brand, SpencerManon, was born. However, I put it on hold to focus on raising my two children. It wasn’t until 2018 that I found a new passion for quilting. While browsing a local Goodwill, I stumbled upon a collection of boardshorts and thought, “This would make an amazing quilt.” I began taking quilting classes at the South Bay Adult School and joined my local quilting guild. The rest, as they say, is history. After several years of quilting for myself and building a substantial inventory, I started to consider reviving my dream of SpencerManon. Around the same time, my daughter Estelle was finishing her Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation at Loyola Marymount University, and she happily offered to handle the business side of things. From there, we started SpencerManon, a brand focused on premium, hand-crafted quilts that are meant to redefine the quilting world while still embracing traditional techniques.
As we began to envision the brand, and research the industry, we found several problems that we hope to address. For starters, the quilting industry is known for being traditional and somewhat stagnant, with the average age of quilters around 60 and limited new entrants due to high barriers to entry. Additionally, the industry generates a significant amount of textile waste through faulty production, excess inventory, leftover scraps, and improper handling. With my artistic background and passion for environmental sustainability, I aim to bring a fresh perspective to this traditional craft. By creating modern quilts that resonate with a younger audience and utilizing thrifted and pre-loved fabrics, we are carving out a new space in the crafting world. Although we are still in the early stages, our vision includes expanding into fabric lines, quilting workshops, and eventually, cross-crafting.
When envisioning our brand, the phrase “Not Your Granny’s Quilts” often comes to mind. People frequently assume that quilting is limited to monotone, traditional pieces. However, consumers’ reaction to seeing our pieces is quite the opposite. With unique center panels, and sometimes raunchy fabrics, our quilts are meant to be a bit out there. We hope that as new people discover our brand, they will learn more about the rich history, culture, and innovation within the world of quilting, and perhaps even become fellow crafters.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
As I mentioned earlier, SpencerManon was first established in 2005 with the vision of transforming preloved denim into wearable art. When I initially started the business, I was often advised—and sometimes pressured—to prioritize scaling over my own enjoyment. This advice gradually steered me away from what I cherished most: the creative side. It made me believe that it was impossible to start a business while maintaining my artistic integrity. I struggled to envision a future for the company where I didn’t have to sacrifice my personal passions and enjoyment.
I believe many artists face this dilemma, feeling they must give up what they love to be successful. However, this is a misconception. Restarting SpencerManon with a vision that aligns with my artistic goals has been incredibly rewarding. Having a business partner who is passionate about the operational side has allowed me to concentrate on the creative aspects, and has even gotten me excited about what scale looks like for us. It’s crucial for artists to have a clear vision of what they want their brand to represent and ensure they don’t compromise their personal enjoyment for success. Balancing artistic passion with business needs is not only possible but also essential for sustainable fulfillment.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
One book that has influenced my entrepreneurial mindset is Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why.” Often considered a rite of passage for entrepreneurs, this book fundamentally shifted my understanding of how consumers perceive brands and the importance of building a brand with a strong “why” and purpose. For a new brand like ours, it was crucial to identify what sets us apart and understand the core reasons behind what we do. “Start with Why” was instrumental in helping us develop a targeted brand strategy and shaping how we want to be seen by our audience. The insights from this book have not only clarified our brand’s unique selling points but also provided a clear framework for future decision-making. Understanding our purpose has been invaluable in guiding us toward a more focused and cohesive brand identity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spencermanon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencermanonart/
