We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennie Stierwalt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Growing up, all I wanted to do was help women feel beautiful… to draw attention to the aspects of themselves that were their signature characteristics. My thought process was much more about a heart process – believing that I had the eye, the drive, and the teachability to learn how to make products that women would love to wear and that would transform the way they saw themselves in the mirror. It’s my highest pleasure to see a woman feel a jump in her step and a spark in her eye when she puts on something I’ve made!!! So, I went for it, and it’s been such a learning process, but I’m finally beginning to hit a stride with it and I love it more and more every day!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I didn’t go to school for fashion design, I went to school for Psychology! haha I had no idea how clothing was made when this began… I was working as a stylist and visual merchandiser in Santa Barbara for a year before I decided to launch my store, and another year later I launched my line. I’m most proud of the risks, and the attitude of jumping right in, nose diving, into learning the craft. It was a lot of trial and error. But now I am becoming so much more skilled in sourcing my fabrics, creating my collections, and sketching / designing. I’ve become super comfortable working as my own photographer, editor, model, and marketer! It’s a lot but I love all that I’ve learned, and I am determined to keep getting better and better at it! It’s so much fun.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Wow, well, if my best friend didn’t live here, (and everything was open again!) I would definitely bring her straight to the beach for a beach day. Venice, with a delicious smoothie from Kreation, then a coffee from Intelligentsia on Abbot Kinney. We’d shop and grab a bottle of rose (okay 2!), and head to the shore for sunset. Then we’d head to the Tasting Kitchen for a delicious dinner and wine pairing. The following days we would hit the Getty, a couple hikes (Los Leones for sure), and the thrifts and markets in Weho / Hollywood. I’d take her out to Pace in Laurel Canyon and probably to a live music venue and of course to some of the amazing Deep House Afterparties in downtown to hear some of my fave dj’s! I’d definitely also take her to Town House in Venice to dance the evening away! Cocktails, for sure at bar Chloe and Elephante. We’d wind down by my house in the Warehouse district downtown poolside with friends + a BBQ!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well, I wouldn’t be here without the support of my ex husband Eric Reiter. He believed in me enough to help me launch my own boutique in Montecito CA. It was there that I met an amazing designer, Shamani Hall, who gave me the opportunity to create a private label for my store. That private label became what is now known as Blanka the Label or BTL. Without her showing me the ropes, and introducing me to production lines and the process of making clothing, I wouldn’t be here today. So big shout out to Shamani for supporting me and guiding me during that time. Also shout out to my family and friends who, when I’ve wanted to quit and give up, wouldn’t let me! They knew I was born for this and gave me the encouragement to never deny myself my dreams! So grateful for them all.

Website: www.blankaboutique.com
Instagram: @blanka_thelabel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blankathelabel
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUcHogjLX1nFmd1e5uVF79A

Image Credits
all photos taken by Jacopo Lorenzini

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