We recently connected with Jamie Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents have always had the belief that having a hobby in life is a very important thing. From a young age I saw both my father and mother use their hands and minds to create using whatever medium was available. This could have been because we were a family of 7 with limited funds, or maybe because they truly saw potential in everything. If I saw a bunk bed in the Pottery Barn magazine that I loved, my dad would build it. If we’d go to the modern art museum and I’d see a painting that inspired me, my mom would sign us up for painting lessons so we could learn to paint something similar.

I would flip through the American Girl Doll magazine hoping to be able to own so many of the clothes I saw displayed on the pages, and when I knew I wouldn’t be able to, I did what I had seen modeled my whole life, and I went to my sewing machine. I guess you could say this is where my love of sewing first began. Throughout the years while my family was navigating turbulent waters and addictions, I leaned heavily on my sewing machine. My hobby would help me process, explore, and create.

As I’ve gotten older, my hobbies have continued to be a source of joy and community. From gardening, to bread baking (thanks to the Pandemic), to lamp making, to table building, (and so much more). These skills continue to allow me to develop, grow, and see that there is so much more to life, and that we can do this not only in a job or a career, but in a sunny room on a Saturday morning, threading a needle to begin a new project…a gift my parents quietly gave me.

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’m Jamie Smith, the maker behind Lady James. Lady James, the name itself, is a blend of who I am and who I’ve always wanted to be. My best friends call me “James,” a nod to my more tomboyish side, but I’ve always loved the softness and elegance of being a “lady” — the kind who hosts tea parties and wears dresses made out of drapes, Sound of Music-style. Lady James is where those two worlds meet: rugged and refined, playful and practical, imperfect and beautiful.
These days, I create custom one-of-a-kind quilt coats and other handmade goods, all with the goal of making people feel a little bit homesick. My work is deeply personal, often repurposing vintage quilts and materials that carry stories of their own. I love helping clients transform heirloom fabrics into something wearable and meaningful — it’s part fashion, part preservation, and all heart.
What sets Lady James apart is that everything I make is infused with story — my own, and often yours too. I’m not chasing trends; I’m chasing what I love most, which is feeling like you just got a hug. Whether it’s a coat that reminds you of your grandmother’s house at Christmas or a piece that becomes your new go-to on chilly mornings to get the newspaper (does anybody do this or is it just in movies?), my goal is to create pieces that feel like home. I hope Lady James leaves you a little homesick.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Easy. Goodwill.com.

I so wish I had discovered this gem earlier in Lady James’ earlier years. You can find SO many incredible things on this site — vintage quilts, fabric, old tablecloths just begging to be turned into something magical, and all kinds of quirky, unexpected treasures. It’s like a thrift store treasure hunt, but from the comfort of your couch.

As someone who loves repurposing and giving old things a new life, Goodwill.com has become one of my go-to resources. It’s affordable, sustainable, and you’re supporting a good cause while fueling your creativity. Win-win-win.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Simply put – shop local and use the items! Literally. Buy from the people in your community who are pouring their hearts into their work, and then actually use what you buy. Wear the handmade coat. Hang the art. Eat the bread. Take the meal over in the handmade ceramic. Let these beautiful things live a life outside of a shelf or a drawer.

Supporting creatives isn’t just about the transaction — it’s about valuing the story, the time, and the soul behind each piece. It’s choosing something made with care over something mass-produced. It’s seeing art not as a luxury, but as a part of everyday life. The more we treat creativity as essential — not extra — the more we’ll see artists and makers thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ladyjames.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__ladyjames/
• Linkedin: Jamie (Keiser) Smith