We were lucky to catch up with Ian James recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ian, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
From a young age, my parents stressed the idea of “Black Excellence” and always putting your best foot forward, especially around those outside the black community. My mom especially would drive this idea of excellence into my upbringing and that I would have to work twice as hard to get half of what mainstream white society would get. Growing up, I mainly attended predominantly white schools, and I had it in my mind that I had to be the best to counteract negative stereotypes. I held those ideas with me into adulthood when in spaces where people do not look like me. Over the past few years, I have learned not to be excellent in spite of others but to be successful for myself and my happiness.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I started making leather goods in 2013 as a hobby business and continued to make products as I moved all around the country and pursued a career in hospitality. During the pandemic, I lost my job and used my severance to open a small brick-and-mortar store. It was amazing being to handcraft a collection of bags, accessories, and home decor pieces in-store while engaging with customers. Hearing customer feedback and providing custom orders accelerated my knowledge and techniques for the craft and I was able to constantly refine my aesthetic. In 2022, I moved to a larger location, where I continue to produce the products in-store while featuring other makers/artists. I now have a wonderful production manager and social media manager who assists with the business.
In 2024, I officially started my journey into fine art with sculpted leather wall pieces. I have had the wonderful opportunity to be featured in several Bay Area galleries and exhibitions. I look forward to seeing how this adventure progresses!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Perseverance. Being a small business owner requires bouncing back after setbacks, disappointments, and heartache. Though my store and workshop look fun from the outside, much of what I do is monotonous and not glamorous or exciting. I think it is essential to persevere through the struggles and hard work and find joy wherever possible.
2. Having a mind for business and creativity. Unless you have financial backers or someone to run your business, it is important to prioritize analytics, strategy, and the backend work of the craft as much as the creative side. I love being purely imaginative, but I also need to factor in profit margins, merchandising, taxes, etc. to keep the lights on that will allow me to create.
3. Learning not to take things personally. If someone says no to you, it’s usually not about you personally. There could be so many reasons why someone may not buy, or a store or gallery rejects an application, or an institution turns down a proposal. Many times, it may not align with their current needs, or they may not feel like the work is not to a certain standard. However, it is not about you as a person. Rejections will hurt, but I take time to reflect and better my product for the next opportunity.
A message for those just starting on their journey: surround yourself with people in your field who are starting out, but also more experienced. You need a support system to bounce ideas off each other, learn from, receive guidance, and even commiserate with. Finding community is essential.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
The main challenge I have been tackling this year is the vitality of my business. With the never-ending rise of fast fashion and free next-day shipping, socio-political turmoil, and a lack of trust in the economy, consumers are not spending like they used to. So many small businesses are closing their doors or severely scaling back. I have felt the strain and have contemplated my options of closing or moving. I love my storefront and the community I have fostered, but it’s hard to remain hopeful when all my colleagues (and myself) struggle. Luckily, I have some great opportunities on the horizon. However, I urge everyone to shop local and small businesses as those dollars go directly back into your community economy.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianjamesmade/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianjamesmade/
Image Credits
the last image (man in coat with crossbody bag) image credit is Meika Ejiasi
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
