Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Gormley.
Jillian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been an artist and a creator and loved making things. I have dabbled in so many different art forms over the years! I learned to sew by hand when I was a teenager and would buy thrift store clothing and cut it apart to make my own new creations, and finally got my first sewing machine in my 20’s. I used it a little but then put it aside to collect dust for ten years while I developed a career as a professional cake decorator. When I left that world to homeschool my son, I pulled out my machine again and once again found a passion for sewing and fabric! At first, I made different types of handbags and beach bags and opened my first Etsy shop in 2017. But at home, I would make cute fun pillows for my kids, and I loved designing my own patterns and trying to make different shapes and designs. Gradually I decided to switch gears and start trying to sell my creations and in 2019 opened Blue Cloud Exchange with my first item, my GIANT set of s’mores pillows! Sales were slow at first and it was a lot of frustration, trial and error, and learning experiences and hard work, but over the last couple of years, my business has really grown and I have now created hundreds of pillows for people all over the world! In early 2021 I moved from New Jersey to Austin and that was a huge adjustment, but having my own business that I could take with me was such a huge help and brought some peace of mind to the process of relocating. I am so proud of Blue Cloud Exchange and how much it has grown and I love being able to do something I enjoy and bring people joy by creating the perfect soft fluffy pieces to complete their rooms!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road for me, there have been many challenges to overcome along the way, especially initially getting started. I had virtually no skills or training in business or online sales and marketing, no skills in product photography, pricing, etc. Pretty much every aspect other than creating my actual products, I had to learn as I went along and there was a lot of trial and error. I am still learning! But it does get easier the longer I work at it and the more dedication and effort I put in. I also had a lot of internal struggle that I think is common among artists in terms of limiting beliefs, valuing my own work, confidence, putting myself out there, charging fair prices for my work and the time and effort I put into it.
Another challenge was moving, not only a long-distance but also into a significantly smaller space. So my workspace got smaller as my business was getting bigger! So my organization skills have definitely been sharpened during that experience!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make plush pillows and decor using super soft and fluffy high-quality materials. All of my designs are my own patterns I designed and created. My shop and designs overall have a soft, peaceful cozy vibe with some fun and whimsy thrown in. I specialize in working with clients to create custom orders and combinations to work perfectly with their design vision. I make a variety of clouds, moons, stars, and hearts in different sizes, colors, and fabrics. My best-selling signature item is my classic soft white cloud in medium size, it is the perfect accent to bedrooms and nurseries. I am most proud of my sets of s’mores pillows (comes in giant and small sizes) and my mushroom cushions. I put the most effort, work, and trial and error into these patterns and I love the finished products I was able to create. My work is unique and special because of my attention to detail and use of the best materials for texture and aesthetic, and the love I put into every piece I make.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned how to adapt and work with different methods of obtaining my supplies and fabrics; and also changes and delays in shipping. I think being able to adapt to different circumstances and go with the flow is the most important thing for any small business.
Contact Info:
- Email: bluecloudexchange@gmail.com
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/bluecloudexchange
- Instagram: Instagram.com/bluecloudexchange
- Facebook: Facebook.com/bluecloudexchange
