Photo by Elizabeth Jochum
Jen Shank is the magic-maker behind Swanky Shank, an inspired clothing line for tiny hipsters. “I’ve always loved making beautiful things,” Shank says. “No matter where I am or what I am doing, I try to incorporate my love for both of those things. When I found out I was going to be a momma, my kids were my newest beautiful things. I started with their nurseries, and it quickly trickled into their wardrobes. There, my love flourished and took flight!”
Name: Jen Swank Age: 36 Current neighborhood: Ellisville Family: Two cute kids (Oliver, age 6; Cecilia, age 8), one soul BFF, one grouchy cat Education: Liberal arts degree with an emphasis in psychology from Taylor University
Working from home has its perks. “My kids create their own little masterpieces right alongside me,” says Shank. “We have our best heart-to-hearts in my studio.” Recent projects include dish towels, wall hangings, and sleeping bags with pillows for her kids’ dolls and toys.
When Shank is working on her clothing line, an idea may come as a quick thought jotted down in a notebook. “Then, I use fabrics as my sketch book,” she says. “I cut them up and dye them and stamp them and fray them and manipulate the heck outta them until I see something that resembles what originally was in my head.”
This past year, Shank’s studio has grown with her burgeoning business. “When you are a maker, you make wherever you are—kitchen counter, passenger seat in the car, front porch swing,” she says. “You just make because it’s oozing from your every pore.” An open space filled with fabrics, ribbons, threads, and “doohickeys,” Shank’s studio is “the loveliest thing ever.”
Four Reasons Swank Loves Her Job
- Product packaging: “Twine, washi tape, cutie-cards, tiny thank-you gifts—enough said.”
- Customers: “It is such a beautiful aspect of my job. I get to give them something that I made with my own hands. They thank me and send adorable photos of my item on their most prized loved one. I get to be a part of their story.”
- Working with colors: “My husband says I am a ‘color-master,’ and I—in the most narcissistic way—will accept that title!”
- Being a real-life boss lady: “I can pretty much rule my entire studio with one wave of a wand—a wand made out of reclaimed wood, because that’s hot.”
