Meet Jean Elliott

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jean Elliott. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jean below.

Jean, 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?

This is a great question. Growing up, my sister and I were the only ones in our immediate family who looked alike. We are both Chinese adoptees, while our parents and extended family are not. Not resembling those around us was just part of our experience. However, we were incredibly fortunate to have loving and supportive parents, which is why, as a child, I never felt that my identity as a woman or person of color hindered my success.

As I grew older and became more self-aware, I began to notice how people treat each other differently. I also reflected on the subtle (or not so subtle!) remarks and treatment that went unnoticed in my childhood when it was clear to others that my sister and I didn’t look like anyone else around us.

Being effective and successful in spaces where you don’t resemble others, or can’t relate to others, comes from having a strong foundation and meaningful community. Many people find that sense of belonging through religion, culture, or hobbies. For me, I’ve found some of my communities within my family, the Chicago Asian community, Asian adoptee community, and entrepreneur/small business groups I’m part of. These strong foundations allow me to navigate the world with confidence, even when I don’t look like the people around me.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I like to start at the beginning! I was adopted from China, grew up, and went to college in Oregon. During the pandemic, I got married and moved to Chicago. I studied product design and development and worked as a product developer for three years at two different companies. Eventually, I wanted to see what I could do on my own and started my own business. This of course was after a long conversation with my mom, who told me the worst that could happen was failure and that now was the time to take risks, I took the plunge—and that’s how Tanjerine Studios was born!

I’ve always loved the tactile nature of sewing, and now I’ve been doing it full-time for a few years. My brand focuses on two things: upcycling- I make upcycled quilted jackets, and Asian formalwear. I make a lot of QiPaos for weddings and special events, often for community members, friends, or clients who want custom pieces made just for them.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’ve learned that networking is about building genuine connections, not just talking to anyone. It’s about finding people you truly like, who can become friends as well as business contacts. This shift has helped me focus my efforts, trusting that things will happen naturally without forcing what doesn’t feel right.

Two other skills that have helped me get to where I am are rolling with the punches and being a good listener. Flexibility can be tough for people, myself included! I used to be pretty uptight in high school and college and would worry when things didn’t go as planned. But in a constantly changing world, inflexibility can be a recipe for being left behind. Worrying changes nothing! As for listening, I can be quite the yapper sometimes, but I’ve learned you gain much more when you take the time to listen.

Some of the best advice I heard from a MAIP (Multicultural Advertising Internship Program) speaker was that most people WANT to help you. If you come across as genuinely interested, it really makes a difference. It never hurts to reach out and ask for something—at worst, you’ll get a “no” or no response at all. Of course, there’s a way to do this that doesn’t make it seem like you’re just trying to get something from the person.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I fear that I am a bit directionless at the moment. Still successful enough in what I am currently doing, but not really sure about what my goals for 2025 are. I like the idea and security of a goal, but don’t have anything on the docket at the moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tanjerinestudios.net/pages/gallery
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanjerine.studios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-elliott/

Image Credits

Chicago Fashion Week Kick Off Event:
Left to Right: Carrie Lannon (Chicago Fashion Week organizing member), Jean Elliott, Talia Choi (My Co-lead for Asian Fashion Show Chicago), Veronica Medrano (model wearing an outfit by Kaine), Kaine Bautista (Designer of Kaine)
Photo: Chicago Fashion Week

Green Dress:
Model: Anelya Niyazbekova @lotusbabymoon
Photographer: John Ng https://www.john-ng.com/
Dress designed and made by me

Luvabulls QiPao (red dress with dragon):
Dancer: Savannah @saysavannah
Dress fabricated by Melissa Familara
Dress designed by me
Photo: Luvabulls Media

Purple Dress:
Client: Lisa Wong
Dress designed and made by me
Photo: Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)

Quilted Jacket:
Client: Emma Rosenthal

Painted Duolingo Shoes:
Client/Photos: Duolingo