My studio is in San Francisco and my work is best known for whimsical clothing using exotic yarns from around the world. The yarns are often hand dyed creating colorways that range from Old Masters palettes to audacious brights and take-charge neutrals.

EDUCATION | I started my education with a BFA and in my junior year changed directions to major in textiles.

HOW TO GET STARTED | I did not become a fashion designer in a traditional way, so advising someone would be hard. I would recommend interning with someone in the industry to see if this really is what you think it is. Shows on TV such as Project Runway make it seem so idealistic. I would never discourage anybody; you just have to know how much work it is. Running a creative business is a lot of work.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Creative! A passion for fabric and ability to put it together. Some sales skills and of course management skills.

how I got started | I always I knew since I was a little kid that I would not have a regular job. I come from a family of artists and went to school first for painting and then I went on the explore textiles. When I graduated from school I bought a loom and starting weaving fabric. I always liked clothing and I was not formally trained until 20 years into the business, when I went back to study patternmaking. My first sales were on consignment. I went with fabric swatches and a few garments to some stores and that seemed like the natural thing. Within a couple of months I was in the best wearable store on the west coast. One store got a lot of designers started and the owner opened a boutique at Bergdorf Goodman (who I did not know of then) and I got in right away. I got into great places in a very short while.

why this job?| I was strongly influenced when I saw a Bedouin bent over a rug in the Sinai dessert. It was that profound image that changed my direction in life from creating fine art to the idea of the utilitarian, the idea of craft.

why I love this job!| Fashion design chose me; it just feels so natural to me. I love fabric, and yarns and beautiful textiles. I buy them and manipulate them and market them in unusual ways. It is such a hopeful thing when you start a new collection; you look at the fabric and it is like something that has is not begun yet; it is like being in love a couple of times a year, it is wonderful. It is also fun to work with creative artisans from around the world; one of my vendors buys material from Cambodia and that gives me a personal connection to the weavers who create such beautiful material. My entire line is manufactured in America, so having a staff and being able to give them an opportunity to making a living is fantastic as well.

my typical day| I work in my studio on designing my collections and then comes the process of deciding on the fabric and accessories. I have a team of seamstresses who then work on creating the collection. I also showcase my lines at various shows year round.

what they are | The creative part is not hard. Cash flow is hard. Designing a line takes a lot of hours, managing production takes a lot of hours. Marketing, making sure the line is great for a show is hard. It is also hard to let people go when the economy is bad.

all about growth | I sell my creations in 200 stores and have had the privilege to design clothes and accessories for Cirque Du Soleil. I also sell in my studio by appointment. My clients are people who like classic artful clothing that they can wear for 15 years or more.

my website| http://www.giselleshepatin.com/