We were lucky to catch up with Jillian Maifert recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jillian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I wish it was like that from day one, but I worked at this business for over 3 years before I actually paid myself. During these first few years I reinvested my profits into material testing, building inventory, and creating my structure for in-person shows and markets. I look back at these first few years and am thankful for the time that was pretty much trial and error; trying out products that didn’t work, paying booth fees for shows and markets that were not profitable…all those things taught me how to be better, what to move forward with and what not to do. I also had a full time job in addition to working on my creative business, so the growth pace was slow since I was only working on creating during the evenings and on the weekends.

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 was introduced to the ice dyeing technique during my time working for Anthropologie on the visual side of the business. In 2018 I left that job to take a break and focus on my family, and after a few months I started working in dyeing projects. The process is so much fun and the results are unique each time! I use ice to melt powdered pigment dye into fabric and this creates a watercolor effect with beautiful patterns.

Later that year I took the plunge and opened my Etsy shop, mainly focused on selling dyed wall art. The following year I added apparel to my selection, and now I offer a bit of both. My apparel selection is mostly lounge based with robes, caftans, dresses, and accessories, and I still occasionally work on dyed wall art pieces. I am currently working on adding woven wall art that incorporates dyed rope and fibers.

In addition to my online selection I do take on custom work. I have dyed robes for bridal parties, caftans for girls trips and matching sets for new moms and babies. I can chose the colors for custom pieces but the ice always melts the pigments together in unique ways, which is what I love most about this process!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In 2020 there was such a big push to support local, creative, small business during the pandemic, which was great! I think there are still things you can do to support your favorite artists, even if you can’t spend money on the goods they offer. Supporting them through social media, sharing what you love about their product, or even sending a kind message of support can be the boost someone needs to know that what they are doing is meaningful and appreciated.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me it’s knowing that I have created something that inspires someone. Whether it’s hearing from a customer that they had never seen ice dye before and they find beauty in one of my pieces, or leading a workshop and showing others how to dye their own pieces and seeing their amazing results. Art is so subjective, but knowing that someone enjoys what I’ve created is the best feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.etsy.com/shop/nestinprogressdecor
• Instagram: @our.nest.in.progress
• Other: I also sell my dyed apparel at 2 small businesses in Dallas: Mosaic Makers Collective in Bishop arts, and Makers Connect near the Dallas Arboretum

Image Credits
Tanner Garza