Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Ouellette. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I grew up in my mother’s vintage clothing boutique. She taught me about style and how to appreciate the design elements in each piece of vintage fashion. She began her career in vintage fashion with a collection of hats. As a child, I loved to study them and wonder how they were made. I was fascinated how each hat reflected the era in which it was created. Her historical millinery collection includes – early motoring caps, flapper cloches, and collapsible top hats.

In middle school and high school I was wearing vintage before vintage was cool. My classmates would ask me, “Where did you get that?” and I would reply “It’s antique,…vintage.” Then they responded shockingly “You are wearing old clothes??”
Vintage fashion always seemed more interesting to me, and made of a better quality. I loved to style my daily school fashions with vintage pieces, and mix vintage with new.

My passion for style and fashion led me to study costume and fashion design at the University of Missouri – Columbia. After graduation, my first jobs were working in fashion in New York City. I found working in the fashion industry quite concerning. Some of my early work experiences exposed a hidden side to the industry, such as unfair labor practices, use of unsustainable materials, and unethical production processes. So, I decided to begin a fashion business my own way and address those issues. My first millinery atelier was in set up in my apartment.

I began by experimenting with new ways to use sustainable materials. I applied my millinery experience and design sensibility to create more comfortable, durable hats, headbands, and hair accessories. My focus was and still is on the fit, quality, and versatility of the designs. I’m inspired by nature, vintage fashion, and my NYC life, to make wearable art that is irresistible, timeless, and will stand the test of time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My designs are eye catching. They capture your heart because they are made by my team of artisans that love what they do. I believe you can feel the difference when you wear one of our pieces. There is magic in them.

Our wearable millinery sculptures are ethically created in our ateliers in New York City and the Dominican Republic. The well-being of my workers has always been very important to me. I maintain a hands-on approach by working daily in our NYC atelier and visiting our atelier in the Dominican Republic throughout the year. This allows me to insure my-coworkers have what they need and receive fair, ethical pay and benefits.

Running both studios has allowed me to expand my creative capacity and reinforced my unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, worker well-being and the couture techniques that define the enduring legacy of my brand.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Our heirloom quality defines my brand and our loyal clients praise the durability and value our accessories. Maintaining our incomparable standards in design and fabrication is the basis for our client’s trust.

Also, our products are adjustable, allowing the wearer to achieve the perfect fit, and many of our designs have movable aspects. This provides our clients with many different looks per product. Styles that have multiple looks are more valuable since clients can express themselves in more ways than one.

My signature style requires advanced millinery skills. I teach our artisans couture methods that have been passed down from generations of milliners. The core design elements are created by hand, like small sculptures. Unlike fast fashion, they require time, our most valuable asset.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Sewing, in the fashion industry, is often replaced with glue and other short cuts to reduce costs. At Jennifer Ouellette Art, it’s impossible to replace human hands and minds. Manual sewing and attention to detail are the foundation of our products. The time required to sculpt our designs can not be rushed. The dedication of our highly skilled people is an integral part of creating our designs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenniferouellette.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenoart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferOuelletteArt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-ouellette-40422522/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsAxyJwddMf-1xlXFhnkbkw

Image Credits
Sandrine Lee Randy Ryan Carolyn Carter