Meet Lady Jane Maker
FOUNDED BY
THE INTERVIEW
Written by Boston Women’s Market & Emily Viloudaki
Boston Women’s Market: Can you tell us a bit about what led you to begin your journey with Lady Jane Maker? Was there an aha! Moment?
Emily Viloudaki: My journey has been more of a slow burn. I started LJM after graduating college with a STEM degree in 2017. Jane is my middle name, after my maternal grandmother, who raised me and taught me to knit at a young age. I rediscovered my love for fiber arts after college and wanted to pursue a small business in the space. It gives me a creative outlet outside my 9-5 and exposure to more diversity. I opened my Etsy shop in late 2017, did my first market in 2021, and have been learning on the job since!
BWM: For many women starting out in the entrepreneurial world, there can be a lot of self-doubt. Do you have any personal stories about how you conquered self-doubt? What guidance would you give to others?
Emily: One of my favorite sayings is ‘I will always bet on myself.’ I’d be lying if I said I don’t still experience self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the like. But there’s a certain strength in knowing you can always count on yourself. I channel this often when taking a new risk or pursuing a new idea with my business. I suggest finding a similar mantra, and recalling it outloud when you feel that self-doubt creeping in. Another good one is “Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man.” How hard could it be? Boys do it.
BWM: Many women begin their small business journey as a way to seek fulfillment they may not be getting in their 9-5 job. Others aren't sure where to begin and need help "digging deeper" to find what it is that fills their cup. What are some steps someone can take today to begin that journey of discovery?
Emily: First, you’ll want to narrow down what is ‘missing’ for you to feel fulfilled. Then you can figure out how to ‘fill it.’ You can examine this by looking at your values, your goals in life, where you draw inspiration, or where you see an unmet need.
It’s important to remember that for some, fulfilling this ‘missing’ piece could be pursuing an entrepreneurial dream. AND remember that you are allowed to enjoy free time without being ‘productive.’ You don’t need to be ‘good’ at something to enjoy it and hobbies can be, well, hobbies!
BWM: We think the stories of failure are just as important as the stories of success. Can you talk about a time that you failed in an entrepreneurial venture or objective? How did you face and overcome this failure? What was the lesson learned?
Emily: One of my biggest goofs was doing my first ever knitwear market outdoors, in mid-August. It was HOT - I mean, who wants to buy a wool hat in 90F heat? I barely made any sales, but was still proud of my first ever market setup - it was this huge dream I’d had for 3 years. I learned how to better identify my target audience and environment, which served me well in markets planned later in the year.
BWM: Do you have a favorite moment so far with Lady Jane Maker? Where you really felt like you were on the right path?
Emily: Yes, I have a few! I love making the perfect custom piece for customers who need sizing or material accommodations. Knowing I made something special for someone where they feel seen and accepted is the best feeling. I also love meeting other knitters in the wild, and handing out stickers or candy canes to basically every kid that comes by my booth.
BWM: How have you continued to manage the growth of your business while also finding time and ways to invest in yourself?
Emily: This is def a work in progress. My business is a one woman show, and balancing it with my other obligations is hard, but doable. I have to remind myself to ‘whole ass one thing (at a time).’ I’m fortunate that my business came from an investment in myself; taking time to practice self care by doing fiber arts. I took it a step further and created LJM, but my love for the craft remains. When my business is in the off-season, I find more time to invest in other personal life stuff, which helps in balancing all the spinning plates.
BWM: From one small business owner to another, what is your favorite go-to business tool or resource you can recommend to our community?
Emily: My current fav tool is Motion (not sponsored lol) - I use it to sync my work, personal, and small business calendars. It’s been so helpful in managing when I do certain tasks and having it all written down. Desktop is best, I’ve yet to figure out the app. For digital creative tools, I mostly use Canva, Procreate, Cricut Designspace, and Lightburn. My current favorite podcast is “Making Good: Small Business Podcast” and I loved the Masterclass by DeBrosse when I was just getting started with a knitwear business. Artisan’s Asylum in Watertown is a great local resource for using heavier machinery and pursuing other creative hobbies.
I also make it a point to support other small businesses, particularly ones owned by BIPOC women. Directories and sites I use to find these businesses are the BWM website, Boston Business Women, and Black Owned Boston.
GOODS WE LOVE
Boo Garland & Mushroom Garland
Mini ghosts, mushrooms and pom poms are hand-felted wool. Each garland measures up to 7' in length and the individual decorations can be adjusted by sliding along the string.
