Passion makes Perfect - Perspective on success
It’s a matter of perspective…
You don’t need perfection to be successful, and success is not always measurable in ways you may think. What does matter is that the passion you put into whatever you do usually results in a perfect feeling of balance and pride. Being an offspring of an entrepreneur, that has always been in my sights.
Every small business founder knows that the road to ‘success’ is filled with potholes, hairpin turns, detours, and speedbumps. Learning how to navigate the hazards is a process. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. But if you take the wheel with a belief in what you are doing, you will certainly enjoy the trip.
After 6 years since the launch of Lolili Wearable Art, I can honestly tell you that it’s been quite the ride.
When I began, I vowed to make a beautiful, versatile, comfortable, and luxurious accessory. My mission was to design a scarf that is ideal for work and play, urban day trips, trips to and from the gym or pool, weekend getaways, or extended global explorations.
I wanted to create an accessory that is soft and light in weight, perfect for practical carry-on travel, and one that offers an exciting pop of colourful fashion to anyone’s wardrobe. But in a selfish way, I also wanted to get my art out there into the world… in the form of unique, limited-edition, and collectable, wearable art.
With all my doubts, speculations and worries, I can finally say with confidence that Lolili hits the mark. What has turned out to be a bonus is that Lolili scarves provide an indescribable connection between the owner and the art. That satisfying resonance that occurs when someone choses a design that appeals to them, makes them feel extra special inside every time they wear it. That doesn’t happen with just any accessory.
So, now for the ultimate test…
I finally realized the personal payoff of all of my efforts during a recent photography road trip around Italy. Not only has Italy has been the source of the finest fabric and manufacturing I could ever ask for but it is the original artistic inspiration behind some of my earlier designs. It was time to return.
Lolili scarves, inspired by travel and made to travel, have been on every photographic adventure of mine since the inception of Lolili. They have travelled to Africa, Australia, Scotland, Iceland, Antarctica and more. But this time, they received an entire, and sometimes gruelling, month of wear and tear. As we travelled and photographed around Italy, including over 5000 km of ‘interesting’ back roads and autostradas, I put my Lolili scarves to the ultimate travel test.
I took two designs with me to blend with the range of colours of my travel wear, and I switched them up depending on the day or the outing. They kept me warm when wrapped around my neck in cold morning sunrise shoots in Tuscany and in the chilly Autumn breezes in the breathtaking mountains of Northern Italy and Abruzzo. They also offered me protection from the relentless Mediterranean sun on the Amalfi and Adriatic coasts.
I was able to accessorize my perfectly packable Helene Clarkson travel tops and pants to elevate my wardrobe for café lunches and evenings out. I loved wearing my Lolili scarves as a simple and casual draped style while wandering the ancient streets of the Trastevere neighbourhood in Rome. I cuddled under them on both flights and thus managed to avoid using the nasty airplane blanket. And, best of all, they rolled up into my carryon, camera bag, backpack, or pocket when not needed.
The end result…
… a happy entrepreneur! I now feel and embrace that perfectly balanced feeling of a success based on my own terms and goals. That is enough for me.
Gratitude turns what we have into enough
I always thank and honour my very special customers who have encouraged and supported my small but mighty venture. Those that have provided valuable feedback have been heard.
And thankyou to the stockists who have taken on Lolili as a brand they have welcomed into their fashion lineups each season for many years. Please give them your business when searching for something special. They are all amazing.
Join the Club
If you have not yet signed up for periodic newsletters and flash notifications and perks, you can do so on the Lolili.ca website. When there, check out our Customer Wall of Fame to see the faces those who love their Lolili. One day, one of them could be you.
I am busy creating new designs for 2026 while preparing for holiday shoppers, but I always have time for questions, feedback, and suggestions. After all, you have helped Lolili grow.
All the best for the upcoming holiday season. May it be filled with family, friends, and fun. Cheers!
Katherine
