Today we’d like to introduce you to Milja Brown.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Hello, I am Milja. I am a Serbian-born girl living in Texas with my husband and our daughter Ivana May. I have always been interested in the arts. A few years ago, I discovered how amazing sewing is. I started Ivana May Timeless Co. to create cute dresses for my beautiful girl. I am self-taught, with a side of online education here and there. It still amazes me that I can turn beautiful fabrics and thread into something timeless. In 2020, I got involved with the amazing handmade community and became a Pattern Designer for Vintage Little Lady Co. I have never enjoyed myself so much! I was learning new skills, and I wanted to do this long-term for the first time in a long time. I got to work from home and have the flexibility to fit in with my family’s needs.
I fell in love with creating designs for others, and in June 2022, We started Ivana May Timeless-Children’s Boutique. I am located in a little Historic town – Bastrop, TX. My dream was to create a go-to brand for families. Elegant enough for a special occasion, yet durable to play in the garden. Just like I remember it from my childhood in Serbia, all of my designs are one-of-a-kind – heritage pieces as they can easily be handed down to younger siblings or relatives and even to the next generation. Each Ivana May Timeless dress is designed and made by me in natural organic fibers with all the details handstitched with love.
I’m also passionate about supporting all things handmade and lovingly crafted. I love items with stories behind them and developing relationships with those who created them. I was always thinking about all the beautiful things from Europe I couldn’t find here, so we got the idea to bring a piece to Bastrop so everyone could enjoy the unique styles, patterns, and quality. We collaborate with small family businesses and designers from Europe- Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and Turkey. Our focus is to keep the essence of timeless clothing for young girls & boys. Our Children’s Boutique features a unique handmade collection of traditional European children’s clothing, and our original designs are high-quality, fun, and unique designs for boys & girls. Designed to be long lasting, made for running, playing & climbing – for your little ladies & mini explorers.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It isn’t easy to start your own creative business and make a living as a Fashion designer – Store Owner. It’s much easier to have a full-time day job with a steady monthly paycheck – that’s for sure. But if you dream of starting your own creative business, it’s worth the hustle, time, energy, sweat, and probably a few tears once in a while. Define your dreams and go for them. Chasing your dreams will bring you true happiness that can be shared with the world.
- “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of our hands upon us. Yes, the work of our hands establish thou it.” -Psalm 90:17
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I love the small business industry and am happy to share my story and help others achieve their dreams. Hours of dressmaking have led me here- a place where sewing and creating something by hand has a meaningful, inspiring story. I am here to share some of the things I have learned. While many were learned from classes and books, most come from long hours of trial and error, doubts, pitfalls, sleepless nights, and many valuable lessons. Enjoy your life doing something that makes you happy, cheers you up & gives you all the freedom you want.
- “I don’t design clothes; I design dreams.” -Ralph Lauren.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think it’s essential to have a supportive network around you. The successful artists, creatives & business owners in your life will give you the tools, inspiration, and amazing support for your path. I was blessed with an amazing friend and mentor, Leah Pitkin from VLL, with who I shared the skills, knowledge, and experience along my designing journey. Having a mentor in your life will help you achieve more than you would.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ivanamay.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ivanamaytimeless/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ivanamaytimeless/
Image Credits
Photographer: Milja Brown, Model: Ivana May Brown
