Meet Jen Faulkner | Custom Apparel Designer

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

Hi Jen, what’s your definition for success?
Over the years my definition of success has changed drastically. When I started my corporate job I felt success was defined by climbing the corporate ladder and reaching goals given to me by leadership to not only increase my pay but to get that next title. When I opened my bridal boutique, my definition of success was meeting quarterly gown sales required by my designers in New York to keep exclusivity rights to continue selling their gowns. At that time when I went above and beyond those quarterly sales it felt like an amazing accomplishment. When I closed my boutique to alter couture apparel full time, my success came by my feeling of accomplishment from each client showed when they were happy with my work. Currently, I’m embarking on a new venture in designing my own custom apparel. I feel like success will come in many new forms that I haven’t experienced yet. Professionally, I have so many ideas and goals set for myself. What is most important to me in this stage of my journey is keeping a heathy and happy balance between work and family. I’m a wife and mom of two kids (who are involved in all the things). Its important for me to show up for them by volunteering and being present. I’m fortunate to have an amazing husband who supports my creative/artistic dreams while encouraging me to keep going which allows me to be able to do both! I think the measure of success at this stage of my life is being able to be fully creative while balancing both family and work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
JMichele Design LLC was born out of the idea of creating and offering unique, custom apparel for clients. I had been dabbling in creating unique pieces by re-working pre-made garments, but found that my creativity and art was limited. Its exciting to work with clients and find out what their needs are and making them from scratch.
I learned a lot about couture fabrics from my designers out of New York when I opened my bridal boutique in my 20’s. I learned to sew in High School, but had not used that training until I found there was a need for altering the gowns that came in for my clients. I quickly learned I had more of a passion for altering the gowns than I did for selling them, so I closed my shop and continued altering as a side-gig to being a full-time SAHM.
Currently, I have taken a break accepting formal wear clients to embark on a new and exciting journey of creating my own unique custom apparel.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A fun night out in Columbus with my girlfriends would start taking an Uber to the Short North district. We would start at Canopy Goodale Station for some apps and drinks overlooking the city. Their views are the best in town! Then, we would take in a concert, sporting event or local charity benefit in town (Columbus Clippers, Crew, Bluejackets, anything OSU Buckeyes). Afterwards we would eat dinner at Forno Kitchen and Bar, in the Short North. We like dinner anywhere along High Street so you really can’t go wrong. Last, we like a night cap anywhere you can hear live music. Our recent favorites have been found in Grandview, Short North or Bridge Park in Dublin.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to recognize all of the amazing bridal gown designers whose pieces have inspired me, challenged me while altering which eventually led me to start designing my own apparel items. I want to thank my husband for his continual support and encouragement along with my kids for allowing me to take time for my own goals and dreams while maintaining my full-time SAHM status.
Lastly, I’d like to shoutout all my local girl boss moms who I know and love who have inspired me to pursue my dreams and proven that you really can do both – Kalee Rogers, Heather Setmire, Jess Thomas, Felicia Ronk, Katie Garrett, Kristi Veit, Joni Rhodebeck, Julie Adams, Alisia Lunger and Alison Buirley!n

Instagram: jmichele_design

Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
LA + Co. Photography