Happy Wear it Wednesday! Readers, get excited, we are thrilled to have Jen from Paisley and Sparrow joining us today & sharing all about her journey to entrepreneur and how her faith has guided her along the way!
First, tell us and our readers a little about yourself:
My name is Jen Biswas and I run the online boutique Paisley + Sparrow where everything is empowering women, creating sustainable business and spreading hope! I live in Minneapolis with my husband, Rishi, our dog, Chloe, and our soon to arrive baby boy (due in June!!). I love to drink copious amounts of coffee, travel all over the world, run half marathons and knit.
What is your current favorite trend?
I am loving the off the shoulder tops and the asymmetrical jewelry! Off the shoulder tops are something I can still rock while being pregnant (unlike flare jeans…they just don’t do much for me!) and I have some really fun asymmetrical jewelry in my shop that I’m wearing daily!
What do you think about the 2016 Pantone Colors of the year?
I love them! Rose Quartz is a beautiful color especially for jewelry and together Rose Quartz and Serenity are so calming.
How would you describe your own personal style?
I have an eclectic style! I love boho chic styles but also love to dress up in fancy dresses or more casual cotton skirts and tanks. It really depends on my mood that day!
What do you splurge on?
Jeans and handbags! Two things that are staples that should be bought with intention and will last a long time.
Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?
Absolutely none. ☺ To be honest when I’m in a style rut I’ll pull out two things that shouldn’t actually work together and make them work – either by adding accessories to tie them together or layering a 3rd piece over them to create a cohesive look. Sometimes I just need to throw all rules out the window to get my creativity back!
What is your next fashion must have?
Anything not maternity! ☺ Learning how to dress myself with a bump has been a whole new experience and I’m excited to purchase something that doesn’t have to fit over a growing bump!
What is your favorite fashion magazine or where do you go for fashion inspiration?
I’m a classic Vogue fan. I love everything from the articles to the ads. I also love Darling magazine – it’s a breath of fresh air in the fashion industry!
What are your top 3 brands and why?
Everlane - I love their comfy tees and amazing weekender bags for both my husband and me and how they care about what is happening in each and every one of their factories.
Krochet Kids – I’ve been shopping with Krochet Kids long before I ever started carrying their products in my shop! Their style is impeccable and all of their products are helping marginalized women create a hopeful future for themselves.
She Is Clothing – I love their faith based tees that are super cute! I have a couple of their tops and always get compliments on them. They also are committed to sourcing all ethically made materials which is I love.
What takes up the most space in your closet?
Dresses! Dresses are the easiest thing for me to wear with a baby bump and I happen to wear a lot of dresses anyway so it’s perfect! I love to layer them over tights and leggings and add cardigans or jackets on the top in the winter. In the summer I just throw one on, add a bunch of jewelry and am out the door!
What is your one staple clothing item?
A perfect fitting pair of skinny jeans. They’re perfect for all seasons!
Where did the name come from?
My sister and I used to run a blog called Paisley Print Shoes. We blogged about things both of us liked since we are polar opposites in just about everything (I love to workout - she loves to read on the couch, I love to dress up – she loves to be comfy, etc). We also shared products from brands that were making a difference in the world (many of these brands I now work with!).
Sparrow is from the Bible verse Matthew 10:29-31 "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." I want everyone that my brand touches to know that they are worth more than a sparrow!
Combined you get Paisley + Sparrow! ☺
Tell us how you connect with your artisans day to day?
My business was inspired after working with a variety of organizations around the world that work with marginalized women. While my day to day doesn’t consist of working directly with artisans, I’m constantly sharing their stories and the impact my customers are making in their lives. It’s the reason my shop exists!!
How did you start your fair trade business?
A lot of hard work!! ;) It’s been a long process of finding artisan groups to work with + curating a collection that best represented Paisley + Sparrow, combined with launching a website and getting the P+S name out there!
How do you balance your business, working with artisans and being pregnant?
I think balance is an ongoing process! I have a fairly consistent schedule of working while my husband is at work which keeps me from over working and managing my time, but I’ve had to learn a lot of grace with myself while being pregnant! Allowing myself to sleep in a little or take naps when I need one hasn’t been easy but it’s so necessary for growing a healthy baby (and being a pleasant spouse when my husband gets home!). It’s hard to not feel guilty that I’m not working when I take a nap but I know I’ll be far more productive if I can get a catnap in!
Where can our readers find you online?
Website: www.paisleyandsparrow.com
Instagram: @paisleyandsparrow
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/paisleysparrow/
What is your favorite form of social media?
Instagram is where my party is!
Jen has GENEROUSLY offered you a 20% off discount with the code “WIW”- how amazing is that?! She rocks!!! :)
Also, if you agree with us about how impeccable her adorable bump style is, you can go check out her blog and get her tips for trimester one and trimester two!!!
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