GirlsGuideTo | Girl We Love: Amy Hoban

GirlsGuideTo recently had the chance to sit down with Amy Hoban, the Creative Director at Shabby Chic Brands to talk about her job, her life, and her tips for decorating! Read all about her and score her little life lessons to see why she’s a girl we love.

Tell us about your job at Shabby Chic.

I am the Creative Director for Shabby Chic Brands, working with multiple partners to create beautiful products from concept to production. For example, we have a line with Target called Simply Shabby Chic. For this line we work to turn vintage or archival Shabby Chic prints into bedding and window product to fit the Target customer’s lifestyle and budget. I also adapt our iconic prints so that they can extend into other product categories, like the Treasures by Shabby Chic line of stationery and crafts line that is carried at Michaels stores.

(Fun Finds Note Cards, Treasures by Shabby Chic @ Michaels)

How did you end up where you are today?

My background is in Textile Surface Design. I was working at Ralph Lauren in the Home Collection design studio when I met Rachel Ashwell in NYC. I left that meeting knowing I was moving to LA to work for Shabby Chic, even though nothing had been officially said. I guess it’s true that when you know, you know.

What are the biggest perks about your job?

I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to travel to beautiful, exotic places to develop product. I once had the opportunity to travel to the Turkish countryside and hand pick rugs that were laying in fields to bleach in the sun. Pretty amazing!

(Amy on a trip to Turkey)

Biggest drawbacks/misconceptions?
We are not just pink flowers! There is so much more to the brand, it can have a modern feel just by the way you put pieces and fabrics together. Although, pink roses are still our signature.

Name 3 characteristics a person must have to be successful in your field.

To be a creative person who can execute their vision while keeping an open mind.

What’s a typical day like for you?

I work closely with Rachel Ashwell to ensure the design stories being told are true to the Shabby Chic brand and we collaborate on new ideas and design directions to keep things feeling fresh. When coming up with new design ideas, I usually start by visiting one of the antique document houses here in LA. They have the most amazing collection of vintage textiles. I sift through stacks of 18^th century fabrics to find just the right floral. Then I work with my CAD designer to turn it into the next best selling Shabby Chic pattern. I pull together images, colors and other materials that will help to round out the vision.

How do you balance your career and personal life?

I think it is important to live a full, balanced life. Taking time out for myself for a yoga class or visit with friends helps to keep me grounded and in turn helps me perform my job better. Having a clear mind makes room for the really good ideas!

Time management is often one of the biggest obstacles for young professionals. How do you keep yourself organized?

I try to prioritize the different projects that I am working on. I make sure I give myself enough time for the ones that require more thought or research. I hate feeling the pressure of not enough time. Some people say they perform better under pressure, not me. The more time, the better and the better the result.

What is your number one tip for decorating on a budget?
New decorative pillows are a great, economical way to freshen up a room using color, texture and pattern. For example, the new white Pinwheel pillow from Target works back to most any décor and has a authentic heirloom feel.

What’s the one thing every woman should invest in for her home?

A comfortable sofa is key in creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. That and good lighting!

What are the top 3 things you can’t live without?

Family, friends, and a good nights sleep.

Where do you find inspiration?

There is so much inspiration at every turn! Magazines, blogs, Tumblrs, even the sunset on the ride home can inspire a new color palette. I love to pull ideas, photos, colors, and fabrics that I love together and create a story around them.

(Inspiration board)

What is your favorite quote or “little life lesson?”

Be here now.

Describe your perfect day.

Yoga and a leisurely bike ride to have lunch with friends.

What are your favorite hotspots? (ie: vacation spots, cities, restaurants, stores, whatever)

New York City, Montauk, Venice Beach, London, Costa Rica, Greece…the list could go on!

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