We were lucky to catch up with Erin McAllister recently and have shared our conversation below.

Erin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

It’s hard to believe I have been working in textiles for 21 years. Becoming an expert in the field takes a really long time. It is ever evolving and I continue to learn every day. This is something I am incredibly grateful for as it continues to inspire me and I love what I do.

My education at the Kansas City Art Institute was in Fiber art. We started by learning the basic elements of textiles and fibers, from structure and properties of material, to conceptual design, process and execution, I learned what makes a fabric and how to physically make and design them with my hands.

In 2006, we were not required to learn computer programs for textile design. The world was changing and although I could physically weave, dye, print and make textiles, the industry was looking for designers with digital experience. I was certain that I’d jump into a textile design career directly out of college, but instead I moved into sales.

After college, I began an entry level position learning the textile sales industry from the ground up. My education was fantastic, but we did not dive into industry.

Working for my first textile company, DesignTex, I began the second educational path of figuring out what textiles are in society, who buys them, where they are needed, what type goes where, etc. Although interesting, I initially struggled with this type of work because I am a formally trained artist and was not prepared for a desk job.

Having my creative art work on the side helped push me through and I found balance through analytical work during the day and creative work at night. This continues today! I have continued my creative fiber art and my textile sales career is at an all time high.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am an artist and interior design professional. My career is selling luxury textiles and wallpaper direct to interior designers for their projects. You will find me traveling often through Colorado, Utah and Wyoming meeting with the best of the design industry showing our latest collections in home decor.

My objective is to become an extension of their firm. I shop, source and assist with projects and fill libraries with stunning textiles and wallcoverings for their resource palette. In addition to working direct with designers since 2007, I also worked as an interior design associate. Being on both sides of the field gives me first hand knowledge and understanding. I know what it is like to wear many hats in a fast paced work environment.

One of my favorite parts of this job is working with women and the LGBTQ in small businesses. The majority of my clients are in this category and being able to support their growth and help empower them is something I cherish.

When I am not running around the region showing fabulous new product, or running around the country seeing family and traveling with my musician husband, I am making art. Last year I burnt myself out trying to do everything at once. This year I am working on doing a little bit less over a longer period of time…although it doesn’t look like that when you look at my calendar.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Learning the hard way was the top strategy of my youth and I am grateful for this because you don’t forget! To this day I am learning lessons and hope to continue this for a long time. Life is learning.

Something I am unlearning is the idea that there is a final goal or end point to achieve success. There is a quote on my desk “life is a process…not an outcome. Everyday I am becoming.” A lot of my work is based around projects and there is a beginning and an end. Often, I would end a big project feeling like “what’s next”? Always seeking for bigger, better and higher doesn’t equal happiness.

In another example, the work we are doing is never done. I get overwhelmed at all the things I have to do, or want to do and never feel like I can get “there”. But what is “there”? All we have is today. Slow down and enjoy the journey. There is always more to do, but it’s important to stop and smell the lavender.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

It is insane to me that there is not more finance strategy taught to creatives. I wish there were more classes and courses taught by creatives on basic finances, running a business, investing, taxes, etc. These topics have always been tough for me because I like to be up in the clouds, painting and singing, but this is so important for life. I wonder where I would be today if I had this knowledge early in my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erinkmcallister.com/
• Instagram: thibaut_design_erin; erinkmcallister_art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-mcallister-3a57b9a/

Image Credits
Nikki A Rae