Meet Alicia Hylton-Daniel

Jessica and Eliana, the duo behind J. Hargreaves Industry (JHi), discuss their creative journey, the genesis of their small business, and their vision for the future of independent artists. JHi is a women-owned and artist-run enterprise based in New York, specializing in one-of-a-kind jewelry, art, and soft furnishings that are deeply connected to the narratives of their larger fine art practices. One of their most significant projects, "Girls at the End of the World" (GATEOTW), intertwines themes of feminism, global warming, and political conflict. This collection seamlessly merges fine art with jewelry designs and printed furnishings, aiming to appeal to audiences interested in fine art, fashion, and interior design. Jessica explains that the project originated from sculptural paintings created during Donald Trump's first term as President, which depicted allegorical situations often inspired by old master history paintings. These narratives then evolved into hand-drawn toile-style prints for wallpaper and soft furnishings, such as curtains and cushions. From these prints emerged the concept for "The Aquanaut's Amulet," a diver's helmet pendant, with each jewelry piece serving as a wearable extension of the original drawings. The collection also includes smaller, collaborative 4x6-inch oil paintings on yupo, depicting women in green suits, symbolizing love and support among women amidst an allegorical catastrophe. The green suits, inspired by Jessica's fashion industry background, represent rebirth, and the futuristic material protects the figures from environmental elements. Eliana highlights their intention to present a collection that showcases the full range of Jessica’s creative abilities and storytelling, ensuring that no medium or audience is excluded. Both founders emphasize the importance of consumers connecting with the vision and ideas behind their products, as well as their materiality. Jessica Hargreaves, the founder, was born and raised in South London and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fashion and Textile Design from Central Saint Martins, along with an MFA from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Her art practice consistently features narrative elements that allegorize personal and political emotions. Her love for fashion and adornment influences her installations, which initially appear decorative but reveal humorous, satirical, or disturbing elements. Inspired by vintage animal jewelry, she began wax carving in 2014, leading to jewelry that maintains a direct link to her painting, drawing, and sculpture. Eliana Shoffner, co-founder and Studio Manager, moved from Texas to New York City in 2019, pursuing a career in fashion. She earned a Master’s Degree in Fashion Studies from Parsons School of Design, where her research focused on the art of adornment and challenging the established art and fashion institutions. The genesis of JHi was serendipitous, as Jessica and Eliana met at Sephora in August 2023. Eliana was captivated by a ring Jessica had made, leading to a conversation about art, fashion, and their shared vision for a practice where both could coexist. After a month of planning, J. Hargreaves Industry officially launched in October 2024. Their mission is twofold: first, to establish a sustainable living through authentic and transparent creative processes, serving as a model for independent artists. Second, they aim to create "Some Other Future," an extension of JHi that will act as a selling platform for various multi-hyphenate artists, reallocating autonomy to those who haven't found their place in a single industry or medium. They believe society can support artists by encouraging consumption habits that favor small businesses and independent artists, promoting ethical production, and questioning conventional pricing. They advocate for using social media to discover and share works by independent artists, fostering a creative ecosystem that thrives from within. #JessicaEliana #JHi #ArtistRunBusiness #GirlsAtTheEndOfTheWorld #FeminismInArt #WearableArt #InteriorDesign #EthicalConsumption #IndependentArtists

This article features an interview with artist Kylie Daniel, who discusses her life as a creative, her artistic journey, and her unique approach to art. At 53, Daniel expresses contentment and reflects on a diverse creative past that includes radio announcing, festival MCing, feature writing, and co-owning a guitar teaching clinic, all while consistently painting. She has been actively developing her distinct artistic style for many years. Kylie Daniel draws her primary inspiration from the Australian outback, particularly its vast, unforested landscapes. She finds solace and a sense of simplicity in these regions, viewing them as opportunities to disconnect from modern technology. Her art is characterized as unconventional, moving beyond typical pretty landscapes to focus on the geological formations of the land itself. She aims to capture the earth's surface changes resulting from events like fire, drought, and flood. Daniel incorporates various finishes to emphasize the textures and sheens of the landscape, inviting viewers to engage with her work not just visually but also tactilely, experiencing the physical sensation of the Australian Outback. Her artwork has gained significant recognition through its feature on "The Block," an Australian reality television series focused on house renovations. Following a successful placement last year with contestants Steph & Gian, Daniel's art was again selected for the show this year, with three pieces chosen by Kristian & Mimi. She views this exposure as a validation of her hard work and dedication. Her art was strategically placed in prominent areas within the homes, such as the entry and a hallway, and received positive commentary from judges, including Neale Whittaker. Daniel attributes the ongoing success to the support from The Block, The Block Shop, Artist Lane, and the contestants. Being a Block Shop artist is profoundly meaningful to Daniel, offering validation for her unique artistic style and chosen color palette, which she believes resonates with the public. When asked about her favorite Block couple, she playfully names Kristian & Mimi but also acknowledges the authenticity of Haydn & Ricky. Among artists, she expresses admiration for Jackson Pollock, valuing artists who break traditional molds and pioneer distinctive styles. Daniel finds inspiration in the idea of creating something entirely new and recognizable as her own. Her creative process often takes place outdoors, where she feels most inspired by nature, surrounded by wildlife. While working, she enjoys listening to country rock music, finding that its themes of land and country life align with the imagery she aims to convey in her art. A typical day involves managing her online presence, including social media and website interactions, before heading to her studio. She often works on multiple pieces simultaneously, as her heavy-textured works require several drying applications. Daniel can spend entire days and nights immersed in her art, describing it as her dream job. For holidays, she consistently chooses the Outback, specifically mentioning places like Cobar, Broken Hill, and Dubbo, where the landscape takes center stage. If she were to shop at The Block Shop, her obsession with Manchester would lead her to purchase sheet sets and quilt covers. Her favorite house decorating trend is "Japandi" due to its earthy, warm aesthetic and ease of pairing with furnishings, a style she believes has lasting appeal. Finally, her most cherished artwork is an original piece by Grace Brown, a respected Indigenous artist. #KylieDaniel #ArtistSpotlight #AustralianOutbackArt #TheBlock #HomeDecor #JapandiStyle #ArtisticProcess #InteriorDesign #TexturedArt

Dana Toledo's journey began in Los Angeles, where she established her career as a hospitality interior designer. She relocated to LA from Atlanta in 2014 and developed a strong connection to the city, building her chosen family and professional network. In the summer of 2021, after a 5-month layoff due to the pandemic from a respected design firm, she experienced a pivotal shift. This period, while challenging due to reduced staff and increased workload, offered invaluable creative and professional growth and mentorship opportunities. The shift to remote work in March 2020 freed up commute time, allowing Toledo to rediscover metalsmithing, a craft she had recently picked up. Her enjoyment in interior design involved material curation during the concept phase, appreciating the process of combining diverse materials like metals, fabrics, stone, glass, wood, and wallpaper to form cohesive palettes. This tactile satisfaction translated into metalsmithing, where she found flow and could spend hours filing, sawing, and hammering metal to create jewelry. Upon being laid off, Toledo launched a collection of ten rings, selling seven within 48 hours, suggesting a potential livelihood as an independent artist. However, a mutual decision to end her relationship with her partner put her jewelry plans on hold as she prioritized finding new housing. Initially set on staying in LA, the financial strain of zero income made living alone daunting. She quickly pivoted, signing a lease for a loft in Atlanta three weeks before her LA lease ended. With limited funds and no clear job prospects, she left LA, a city she loved, to return to Atlanta, a place she had previously vowed never to revisit. The initial months in Atlanta were challenging. The city had changed significantly, and she was starting anew, compounded by personal losses earlier that year. Despite anxiety from unemployment and limited resources, perseverance eventually led to positive changes. She secured a website design client, leveraging a bootcamp course she had taken, and received a call for a remote, part-time position from her first interior design job in LA. Toledo credits this turnaround to the principle of starting with what one has and doing what one can. Moving back to Atlanta, though impulsive, proved transformative. She rejected the option of moving in with her mother in Texas, fearing complacency, as her ambitious nature required a catalyst to pursue her dreams of becoming a successful multidisciplinary artist and creative entrepreneur. Toledo later launched Medjo Rebelde, translating to “A Little Rebellious” in Tagalog, a brand born from years of self-discovery and challenging cultural expectations within her Filipino upbringing. Despite early artistic inclinations, her father discouraged art, labeling it “useless,” which led her to abandon art for 15 years. Coming from a family of medical professionals, she pursued a science-oriented academic path, moving from pre-pharmacy to IT, then Exercise Science, ultimately graduating with a B.S. in Exercise & Health Science, aiming for a doctorate in Physical Therapy. Her interest in interior design was initially rejected by SCAD. A year into living in LA, inspired by the city's diverse creative influences, she reconsidered grad school and enrolled in UCLA’s Interior Design & Architecture program, simultaneously starting her career as a hospitality interior designer. This marked LA as a place that allowed her to embrace her creative identity, while Atlanta facilitated its full adoption. The decision to return to school for interior design at 24 was daunting, fueled by fear of family disapproval. After exploring various options, including sports marketing, she found a Craigslist job that launched her interior design career, confirming her path. Interior design became her entry into the creative world, leading her to explore metalsmithing, painting, and eventually apparel design with Medjo Rebelde. This passion project, developed during her transition from LA to Atlanta, emphasizes stepping out of comfort zones and pursuing passions, irrespective of societal expectations, while respecting heritage. She aims to empower Filipinos and Filipino-Americans to break away from traditional mindsets, encouraging self-expression and permission to live authentically, fostering a “little rebellious” spirit. Toledo acknowledges the bumpy but rewarding path to thriving as a creative entrepreneur and building stronger family relationships through living her truth. Toledo finds the creative process itself most rewarding, entering a state of flow where time ceases to exist. Working primarily with her hands in metalsmithing or painting, she values the direct transfer of ideas to a medium. The satisfaction of seeing thoughts materialize into a unique, personal expression, open to interpretation, is a core motivator. To foster a supportive environment for artists, Toledo advocates for active engagement and open-mindedness. Learning about the artist, being present with their work, and recognizing the significant thought and effort invested in concept development and presentation are crucial. She emphasizes that artistic creations, whether by a painter, musician, baker, or architect, are carefully curated and deliberately planned, resulting from extensive repetition and experimentation. Financial support is acknowledged as vital for sustaining artistic endeavors, akin to any business. Beyond financial contributions, she encourages continued engagement, sharing artists’ work with others, and fostering deeper connections through repeated interactions. #DanaToledo #CreativeJourney #InteriorDesign #Metalsmithing #Entrepreneurship #MedjoRebelde #FilipinoCulture #CareerTransition #ArtistSupport

Hannah Bell Tringham, an interior designer based in Los Angeles, discusses her journey into the creative field, the philosophy behind her design firm, and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her passion for creation manifested early, starting from rearranging her childhood bedroom at age 10 and evolving into tracing floor plans by 12. Tringham's natural competitiveness fueled her desire to refine her work and think proactively, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in interior design where she helps clients shape their living and working spaces. Tringham's firm specializes in residential and commercial interior design, characterized by elevated, livable spaces with a casual California aesthetic. She emphasizes a personalized, hands-on approach to each project, rejecting 'cookie-cutter' designs in favor of thoughtful, intentional environments that reflect the client's identity. Her style merges relaxed West Coast elements with clean lines and curated details, earning her clients' trust in both her creativity and clarity throughout the design process. Establishing her business presented significant challenges, particularly as a single woman without additional income. However, Tringham leveraged slower periods to refine her business plan, strengthen her brand, and expand her professional network. Her consistent effort in seeking new clients and opportunities eventually led to the firm's current success, attracting high-caliber projects and clientele. She encourages other women, especially those who are young and single, to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations without waiting for ideal conditions or external validation, stressing the importance of a solid plan, genuine passion, and persistence through difficulties. Beyond her professional life, Tringham shares recommendations for experiencing Los Angeles. A perfect week with a visiting friend would include coffee at Satchi.LA, biking to the beach along the boardwalk, and dinners in Culver City, with Father's Office being a highlight. Outdoor activities like hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains with her dog are essential. Cultural outings involve visits to The Broad or the Getty for art and inspiration, balanced with relaxing pool days. She suggests day trips to Joshua Tree or an overnight stay in Santa Barbara, and catching a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, always concluding at least one day by watching the sunset in Santa Monica. Tringham acknowledges the pivotal role of various individuals in her professional development. Her professors at San Jose State are credited for igniting her early passion and fostering critical and creative thinking. Her two previous bosses were instrumental in building her foundational knowledge in design and providing opportunities for growth, which formed the basis for her independent venture. Special recognition is given to Rebecca Quandt, who serves as a sounding board and a continuous source of inspiration within the design community, highlighting the collective support that contributed to Tringham's achievements. #InteriorDesign #CreativePath #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #CaliforniaStyle #WomenInBusiness #LosAngeles #Mentorship

In an era characterized by gentrification and standardized urban development, the work of businesswoman and real estate developer Dana Hollister offers a refreshing perspective through her distinctive design contributions to Los Angeles. Hollister's career began with the significant renovation of the Paramour estate, a former convent spanning 4.5 acres in Silver Lake. Her approach to this project involved not just remodeling but also meticulously preserving the property's historical essence while infusing it with her unique aesthetic. The estate was transformed with vibrant colors, luxurious fabrics, and antique furnishings, re-establishing it as a prominent landmark in Los Angeles. This early success highlighted her ability to honor a property's past while innovating its future, making it a staple of the city once again. Before her ventures in large-scale estate purchases, Hollister explored her passion for interior design through her shop, Odalisque, on Beverly Blvd. This space served as a crucible for her design philosophy, encouraging her to further her career in interior design. Over two decades, Hollister has applied her creative vision to various bars, restaurants, and retail spaces across Los Angeles, each becoming a notable location for its unique ambiance and style. Her latest and arguably most fitting project is her involvement in the debut of the Grand Belle Suites at the Petit Ermitage hotel. Located in West Hollywood, the Grand Belle Suites offer a novel and extravagant hospitality experience. Hollister was given complete creative autonomy to design these four suites, each named after its dominant color palette: Rouge, Bleue, Verte, and Terrace. These suites are distinct in their themes and patterned details, reflecting Hollister's signature ability to establish a room's atmosphere. They are characterized by rich colors, opulent furniture, and walls adorned with curated artwork, creating a regal and immersive environment. This project marks her return to significant design endeavors after a brief hiatus from such large-scale undertakings. Hollister shares her perspective on hospitality, defining it as an intentional and tasteful invitation to experience the creator's imagination. She is drawn to forgotten architectural pieces with historical integrity, seeking out properties that possess a 'cinematic' quality and 'voices' that speak to her vision. The inspiration for the Grand Belle Suites stemmed from the hotel's owner, Stefan Ashkenazy, with whom she developed a friendship during a challenging period in her life. Ashkenazy's travel stories and artistic sensibility rekindled her creativity, leading her to weave his narratives into the interiors of each suite. Reflecting on the challenges of executing large-scale development projects like the Paramour Estate, Hollister emphasizes the importance of tenacity in progress and a degree of naivete regarding the outcome. She recounts how the ethos of her first store, Odalisque, a 'fever dream of ecclesiastical excess, baronial decay, and bohemian deshabille,' continues to inform her life and business. For her, the ultimate expression of life is to live it according to one's desires. Looking ahead, Hollister expresses excitement about the endless possibilities of creating beauty, indicating a continued commitment to her craft and artistic pursuits. #DanaHollister #InteriorDesign #LosAngeles #HospitalityDesign #ParamourEstate #PetitErmitage #GrandBelleSuites #ArchitecturalRenovation #DesignPhilosophy

Clarissa Lewis, a boutique photographer, shares her journey into photography, highlighting her self-taught approach through "Youtube University" for composition, editing, and DSLR camera usage. She emphasizes the importance of editing in transforming the meaning of a portrait and notes that lacking a professional camera early on was an obstacle, but acquiring one allowed her to learn new techniques. Lewis specializes in portraits for business owners and families, focusing on creating photographic wall art for home or business decoration. Her services include personalized consultations, art placement assistance, and an ordering presentation to select images. She differentiates herself from photographers who merely deliver digital files by providing heirloom-quality canvas artwork designed to be displayed. Lewis advocates for printed portraiture, explaining that it creates an inviting, proud, and warm environment. She shares a personal anecdote about her two-year-old niece's traumatic death and how a gifted canvas portrait provided immense comfort, illustrating the sentimental value and emotional connection wall art can foster, a connection she found stronger than viewing photos on a phone. This experience solidified her belief in the importance of displaying portraits to feel closer and more connected to loved ones. Lewis discusses a pivotal moment in her business, which involved investing in a boutique photography course. This investment enabled her to offer products like framed and canvas photography, enhancing the value she provides to clients by helping them decorate their homes or businesses with personal portraits. This strategic pivot is a significant step in her business journey. Regarding social media, Lewis advises letting existing supporters know about one's accounts. She also recommends following local businesses to gain awareness and potential follow-backs. Maintaining an active presence beyond just posting, by commenting on others' posts, offering motivation, and sending positive direct messages to other business owners, is crucial. She believes that authenticity and genuine interaction on social media lead to reciprocal positive engagement in business. Clarissa Lewis can be contacted via her website, capturedxclarissaphotography.com, and on Instagram at @capturedxclarissa. #ClarissaLewis #BoutiquePhotography #PortraitPhotography #WallArt #HomeDecor #BusinessStrategy #SocialMediaMarketing #EntrepreneurInterview

Kelly Hoppen, a renowned UK interior designer, discusses her career trajectory, marked by her distinctive 'East meets West' design philosophy and a natural aesthetic. Her early life was rich with artistic exposure, fostered by creative parents who frequently traveled to cultural sites and embraced music. This upbringing cultivated an innate interest in design, leading her to observe home aesthetics from a young age and experiment with her own living spaces. Hoppen's professional journey began organically with a kitchen design for a family friend, quickly expanding to designing homes for prominent racing drivers, actors, and musicians. Her career evolved without formal mentorship, though her mother's honest feedback proved invaluable. Hoppen's unique design approach emphasizes balance and harmony through a neutral color palette, which she terms 'East meets West.' Despite being dubbed the 'queen of taupe,' her method involved establishing base tones that allowed for versatile layering of colors and furniture, prioritizing how people live within a space. This consistent approach, which transcends fleeting trends, has been a cornerstone of her enduring success. A significant turning point in Hoppen's career was a full-page profile in the FT’s 'How To Spend It' by Lucia van der Post. This period also saw her win the Andrew Martin award and secure her first book deal, solidifying her confidence and professional standing. Another notable achievement was designing the first-class cabins for British Airways, a project she balanced while raising her daughter and stepchildren. She credits her ability to multitask and her deep passion for her work as key factors in her business's growth, particularly when her children attended boarding school, allowing her to dedicate more focus to her career. Hoppen attributes her success to tenacity and self-belief, despite facing challenges such as dyslexia. She finds joy and continuous learning in her profession, navigating high-pressure environments by embracing new opportunities. Her ventures beyond interior design include participating in 'Dragons’ Den,' though she acknowledges the importance of prioritizing her core passion. Today, clients seek her out for her signature style, and her firm undertakes diverse projects, from private residences to commercial spaces like cruise ships, superyachts, and hotels, always imbuing them with the distinct 'Kelly Hoppen DNA.' Discussing design trends, Hoppen likens them to 'bubble gum,' advocating for individualized spaces that reflect personal lifestyles rather than following transient fads. She notes the current prevalence of eclectic design, emphasizing individuality. Sustainability is a trend she actively supports and integrates into her firm's practices, recognizing the design world's need to catch up with other industries like fashion in this regard. She finds immense reward in her work, particularly her CBE recognition for supporting new businesses and young people in the UK, and her involvement with organizations like The Prince’s Trust. Hoppen dismisses the concept of 'later life' work, emphasizing mental state and belief over age. Her advice includes moving on from unsuccessful ventures, utilizing one's network, and engaging in face-to-face conversations. Currently, she is excited about new collaborations, including a Fired Earth ceramic tile range and a furniture collection with Andrew Martin, alongside ongoing international projects. #KellyHoppen #InteriorDesign #EastMeetsWest #DesignPhilosophy #CareerJourney #Entrepreneurship #DesignTrends #Sustainability #CreativeProcess