I recently caught up with designer, blogger and entrepreneur, Jeanine Hays of AphroChic. It’s always inspiring to see another woman living up to all of her creative potential and living the life she wants to live.  As I found out more about her, I was intrigued and wanted to know more. I asked her a few questions to introduce you all to this creative super woman–Jeanine Hays.

Flygirrl: Who is Jeanine Hays, and what do you do?

Jeanine Hays: I am the creative director and co-founder of AphroChic. I work with my husband, Bryan Mason, who is the other half of our husband-and-wife team. Together we write the blog, design products, and create a lifestyle brand dedicated to proving that the cultural and the contemporary can and do work together in modern design. We want to provide women of color with quality options when looking for décor that speaks to their cultural heritage and inspire everyone to create spaces that tell their story. 

Flygirrl: What is AphroChic?

JH: AphroChic is a lifestyle brand, and there are several different pieces that go into creating the overall aesthetic that the brand follows. We started in 2007 as a blog. I was working as a policy attorney in San Francisco and Bryan was pursuing a PhD at UC Berkeley. At the time we were simply aware of a gap in the conversation on modern design with regard to women of color and wanted to do something to fill it. We quickly realized that that gap in the conversation was also a gap in the market, and we decided to do something about that. AphroChic became a home decor company in 2009 when we launched our first collection of pillows. Since then we've expanded into table linens, shower curtains, and wallpaper. 

We also do a lot of writing and expert work online.  I am contributor to HGTV.com, and the DIYNetwork.com among others. This Fall, the AphroChic brand will take on a new incarnation with the release of our first design book, Remix: Decorating with Culture, Objects, and Soul, that will be published by Clarkson Potter. The book takes everything that we've been saying with blog posts, articles, and products and brings it together in an introduction to AphroChic style that combines history and global textile traditions with the best of contemporary design. 

Flygirrl: Where did you find the courage to step out on your own?

JH: AphroChic has grown very organically, and so when the time came to step away from the law and focus on the business full-time, it was less of a leap and more just the next logical step. Bryan and I were living in California when we launched our first collection. Before we moved back to Philadelphia, we had reached the point where it felt as though we both had two full time jobs. We would work 9-5 at being a lawyer and a student, then come home and work until two in the morning on AphroChic. We were really encouraged by the reaction that our designs received from the design and blog community in the early years.  It helped us to gain our confidence as designers and realize that we had a unique voice to share in the world of design.  Upon our return to Philly in 2010, we committed ourselves to working on AphroChic full time, and it has been one incredible journey.

Flygirrl: Where are your secret gem locations to get inspired in Philly?

JH: I love the Philadelphia art and design scene.  One of my favorite things about this city are all of the independently owned boutiques and galleries that can be easily explored.  As an Old City resident, I love to pop into my favorite design stores on 3rd Street.  Millesime is my favorite place for exploring the latest in European design.  ReMod Gallery has an extensive collection of Mid-Century Modern pieces that are a must-see.  I love to visit the Jonathan Adler store for design inspiration.  We are lucky to have one of the largest showrooms here in Philly!  On 2nd Street, Gallery51 is a favorite of mine for their unique cultural exhibits and collection of global rugs.  HOME on East Passyunk is also a favorite shop.  They offer cool furniture and accessories from DwellStudio and Ferm Living - two of my favorite design shops.   

Flygirrl: What advice would you give to other creative people looking to step out on their own?

JH: Don't be afraid to start small. It doesn't have to come all at once. Design became my creative outlet when I was in law school and my days were filled with contracts and torts, but it never would have become anything more than that if I didn't make the small decision to start a blog. My second piece of advice would be to plan. Plan everything as much as you can, but do it knowing that putting things into action will require you to be flexible. Finally, and most importantly, do what you love. Owning a small business is full of ups and downs and there will be days when your love of what you do will keep you afloat.  Being an entrepreneur is truly a labor of love.  And when you love what you do, it shines through in your work as a designer.

Flygirrl: Where can people find out more about you and to stay connected? 

JH: People can go to our shop at aphrochicshop.com to sign up for our newsletter which comes out with the latest AphroChic news. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest @aphrochic.  

Insider Tip: And this month Philadelphia design enthusiasts can follow my pins on the Visit Philly's Guest Pinner Board