When you want to add a little pizazz to a room, what do you do? Add a few accessories. While you might be able to rearrange the furniture or paint a room, the only way to really make it stand out is by adding a few extras in the right places.
PillowFolly is a business that designs and sells unique decorative pillows that could add a little something to nearly any room or piece of furniture. Their boutique pillow line features a variety of colors and prints that could match almost any taste.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Kerry Ann Dame, co-owner of PillowFolly, about the business and their inspiration.
Tell us a little about PillowFolly.
PillowFolly is an online retail outlet for our boutique pillow line. We sell them in our design shop Posh Living, through our own PillowFolly site, and recently we added our pillows to Amazon.com.
What inspired it?
My business partner, Layla, and I wanted to move into product design, which is a natural extension to our work here at our shop. We create original furnishings for our clients here at our workroom, and it seemed like a great way for us to interact with a wider audience. We also recognized an opportunity, with a great labor force here in South Carolina, to create something made in America.
How many different pillow styles/prints do you offer?
It varies, since we constantly sell styles out and add new ones, but usually about 90.
Can we expect any new designs in the near future? If so, can you give us a hint?
Customers are asking for larger pillows and more bold graphics, so we have added those recently and have more coming. We are also designing some few-of-a-kind patchwork and shabby-chic styles using vintage pieces, because we really love their uniqueness. Pillows can be so personal and our customers love things they will never see anywhere else.
Do you have any goals that you hope to accomplish over the next year or so?
Expanding our volume will give us the opportunity to increase production, so we’ll be able to bring out new styles at a good price point. With that goal in mind, we’re working on wholesale distribution as the next project.
What should a customer look for when selecting a designer pillow for their home?
Choice of pattern is so personal, that’s why we call them “jewelry for your sofa”. Quality is so very important. You’ll want a down-proof interior cover, a zipper for cleaning, and piping or trim for a polished look. We see a lot of cheap tassels that quickly fall apart, so we are picky about using well-made trims. As for design, I think it’s satisfying to find colors and patterns not seen everywhere in the marketplace, since mass manufacturers tend to copy each other and everyone ends up with the same thing. That’s why we use a lot of exclusive designer fabrics. A nice quality pillow will last for many years, and if they are unique and interesting you can use them in different rooms as the house evolves. They may be a little more expensive, but they’re a splurge that’s worth it!
What are some lessons your business has taught each of you?
Be prepared for surprises — sometimes Layla and I disagree on what styles will work, and we’ll both make designs — then be surprised to see which ones people like most. Hard work is just as important as talent — we both have a very strong work ethic and are very persistent.
Is there anything you’d like to add about Pillow Folly that I might have missed?
We make it a point not to hop onto a single trend. Our clients respond to our timeless styles — even our on-trend designs, like our Ikat pillows, will look great in a home years from now. Our pillows run the gamut from Granny Chic to Modern and everything between, so there really is something for everyone. It’s nice to be part of making things that last, for a long list of reasons — the cycle of purchasing cheap and disposable things needs to end.
Do you have any advice that you’d like to offer fellow entrepreneurs that are just getting started?
Start small and keep things manageable. The question is not “what are we going to do if we fail?” but “what are we going to do if we’re a success?” Do your homework, because when things start to take off, you have to be ready and perform as promised. And, find something you have a passion for, since you will be working all the time!
