One of our long time goals when we started 16th & B was to create a series highlighting women in business. We wanted to create a space on our blog that women can come to and learn from each other.
So here we are kicking off our Entrepreneurial Women Series with local babe, Cherise Rivera.
She started her company She Weaves out of her Baltimore, Maryland home in November 2017. In less than a year, She Weaves has already been featured at Athropologie pop-up shops and bridal fave, BHLDN.
We interviewed this rockstar and got a peek into her studio, as well. She has great advice for creatives, especially about the importance of sticking to your guns when first starting out. Read on for the full interview.
Bonus! To celebrate our blog re-launch, we are hosting a giveaway via our IG handle (@16thandbarton) and one of the giveaway items will be the beautiful She Weaves piece at the end of this post.
1. How did you start She Weaves?
I started She Weaves with my future mother in-law’s vintage Northfield loom from the 70’s. I was going through some major transitions at the time, quitting my job of four years and trying to figure out what was next. It became my creative outlet in a time of much needed self-expression. She Weaves developed from there.
2. What is the driving force in your creative process?
There’s a strong sense of self-expression through my work and I enjoy being able to share that with my followers. There’s also a strong sense of connection with people when you’re creating something for their space. It’s extremely personal and it’s that connection and wanting to make something that is going to become a part of their history. Something really special that is not just another thing on the wall. Something designed to be cherished forever and based on the relationships I develop with my clients, it is really special because we are creating it together.
3. Do you have a favorite piece?
Yes, the first piece I ever made. It’s large and lots of pink! Pink represents femininity which I think is just so perfect! If you know me, you know that pink is my favorite color and that I am a huge fan of supporting other women and girl power in general. I think my first piece is a huge representation of what She Weaves was always going to be. Funny, I’m just realizing that now.
4. What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I had to give myself any advice, I think I’d tell myself to do life exactly the way I did it, because everything I experienced, turned me into the person I am today. And maybe to save more money! That’s a good one.
5. One tip you would like to give to someone thinking about starting their own business?
Know what you want your brand to be and don’t stray away from that. Be very clear with how you want to represent your brand and don’t let other people’s input muck up your identity. Just stick to who you are and what you want.
6. What were a few unexpected roadblocks you encountered, and how did you get through them?
I feel like I’m running into roadblocks all the time due to this being She Weaves first year but I think mainly with my process, there was a lot of reworking, taking a step back and figuring out how to make sure it was as clear and straightforward as possible. That took a lot of trial and error for sure. Something that helped me was learning other entrepreneurs stories and learning that they all made mistakes in the beginning. Knowing that nothing is perfect the first time you try it. So just learn from your mistakes and move forward.
7. Who do you look up to the most for inspiration? AKA your spirit animal?
That’s a tough one! I have so many! Definitely a mix between Karen O, from the yeah yeah yeahs. Adina Mills and Frankie from “Grace and Frankie”.
8. Where do you see She Weaves in the future?
It would LOVE to be making custom pieces for boutique hotels in the future! That would be future She Weaves #goals.
9. Where can we find you and your fabulous creations?
Currently, I am only on Instagram (@sheweaves_). Also, I’m doing custom work and occasionally, you’ll see me at some pop-up shops around the Baltimore area. Eventually, I’ll be opening an Etsy. Checkout my Instagram for updates!
Cherise is known in the DC/Baltimore-area for her collabs with wedding planners and brides. Below is a piece she created that was featured on BHLDN. (Photos are pulled form her @sheweaves_ feed)
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
So here’s the fun part – she made a custom piece that our readers can win! As I mentioned above, we are hosting a giveaway so head to our IG (@16thandbarton) for instructions. The piece she created (shown below) reflects the colors and overall vibe of our brand relaunch and we could not be happier with it. To be honest, we are sad to see it go. It looks even more gorgeous IRL.
Are you or anyone you know a Boss Babe who wants to be featured for our series? If so send over an email to 16thandbarton@gmail.com. Let’s chat!
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