THE INSIDE SCOOP ON KAUAI'S COVETED BRAND SUEÑO
Jennifer Miller, the Kaua‘i-based designer behind Sueño, started dyeing silk charmeuse and now has a line of sexy slip dresses, camis, pillowcases, baby blankets and more. It’s no surprise that Sueño quickly gained a cult following, as customers are seduced by the feel of silk, the boho-luxe appeal and the dreamy-colored dyes that create a marbled effect. Continue reading to learn more about Jennifer and how she’s cultivated this brand through creativity, experimentation and a community of supportive women.
Originally from the Bay Area, designer Jennifer Miller moved down to San Diego for college and ended up in Encinitas for 20 years, raising two sons, studying and practicing yoga, and working part-time as a black-and-white portrait photographer. In 2006, she visited Kauai and immediately upon landing, she knew that one day she would call Kauai home. Ten years later, she made her full-time move to Kilauea. We recently caught up with her to talk about her inspiration, her process, her tribe and more.
What were you doing before Sueño? What prompted you to make your creative outlet a business?
I have always been happiest when creating art, or making a space beautiful. I worked as a portrait photographer for many years, developing and printing all my own work. I found the most joy in the conceptualization of the photoshoots, and experimenting in the darkroom. When photography turned digital I lost inspiration and stopped doing it professionally. At that time it was difficult for me to stay connected to the magic of the medium. Suddenly, even very small children became aware of their image and were posing for photos, and I found no joy in sitting in front of a computer editing for hours on end.
I then went in a completely different direction and started studying Thai massage and had my own practice for a few years. Around that same time, I I continued to explore different artistic avenues. I started making modern wall hangings out of natural materials like found wood, feathers, natural fibers, leather, bone beads and ceramic. I also started taking class in ceramics and still feel I have more to explore in that world. It took me a while to find a creative outlet that I felt could also become a business and my primary work.
When I moved to Kauai I was still doing some massage, making wall hangings and working with my good friend Petra Frankenreiter. Petra is the owner of The Barn 808, a beautiful boutique in Hanalei). I was inspired by the naturally dyed linens and fabrics in some of the clothing she carried. I started experimenting with dyeing silk in particular, because I thought it would be a beautiful contrast and compliment to linen, and the way the silk fibers alchemized with the dye felt truly magical.
I fell in love with the dyeing process right away, and Sueño seemed to manifest very quickly. It was literally a dream come true.
Thus far, is Sueño a one-woman show?
Yes, thus far Sueño is a one woman show. Although, I have been supported by so many friends and women business owners. Petra really supported my work in the very beginning by encouraging me and selling my creations at her store. Since then, I have also had many other woman owned boutiques support and promote my work.
The challenge of being a one-woman show is having to do all of the parts of the business that aren't creative, and that takes up a lot of time and head space. On the positive side, I am constantly learning much and have the opportunity to better understand all of the contributing facets that go into having a brand first hand. Sometimes it feels completely overwhelming, but having the opportunity to do what I love for work is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. I have also been re-inspired by photography, and am learning how find patience in the digital process.
What's your process?
I am constantly experimenting with dying techniques. I have a dye studio set up in my garage that works well. Lately I have been having the mostly fun foraging for plant material to dye with. It is so satisfying to take walks in nature, gather material and find inspiration from every step in the process. I feel an even deeper appreciation for the land and the ever changing cycles of foliage and flowers. I truly love the whole process, and it is constantly informing and surprising me.
Each and every piece that I dye is truly a labor of love and takes more than several hours to complete.
Who is your ideal customer?
My ideal customer is a woman who appreciates slow fashion, and fashion as art. Because every piece I create is truly one of a kind, there is an artistic quality of each piece. I hope that my customers treasure and enjoy each item they purchase for many, many years. I am inspired to create pieces for the home and body that help women tap into the sexy, feminine and divine beings they are.
What's your goal for the brand?
I am currently producing four new styles to incorporate into my body collection, and I am so excited to offer more styles and fits into the line. I would like to continue to expand and refine my dyeing techniques. I would also like to continuously explore new ways for this brand to be in full celebration the feminine, be in harmony with nature, and to find a sustainable balance between consistent work, and inspired experimentation and playfulness.
Can you share a few of your personal favorite brands/business on Kauai?
I have traveled extensively through out the world and The Barn 808 in Hanalei is truly one of the most well curated and beautiful boutiques anywhere. My friend on Kauai created Lau Botanicals. The love and devotion she has put into her products is inspiring. Some of my favorite jewelry brands on Kauai are Rainbow Gems, Aana Nuna and MYST MM XX. Hands down the best coffee and cafe experience on Kauai is at Trilogy in Kilauea.
or shop in person at these select boutiques:
The Barn 808
5-5084 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, Hawaii
www.thebarn808.com
The Monarch Collective
3682 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, Hawaii
www.monarchcollectivemaui.com
Quincy MTK
805 Montauk Hwy., Montauk, New York
ww.quincymtk.com
Four Moons Spa
775 N Vulcan Ave., Encinitas, California
www.fourmoonsspa.com
CLP Jewelry
1407 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado
www.clpjewelry.com