Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellana Turner.
Ellana Turner, the owner, and head designer took her first sewing classes in high school at the historic New Orleans Krauss department store, where she learned the basics of sewing with a pattern. She was later mentored by a long time seamstress and bridal gown designer, who taught her how to give her garments a professional touch. From then on, her imagination was without bounds. Ellana has always had a love for abstract art, and that love is now captured through the Cloth & Cord brand.
Has it been a smooth road?
Ellana Turner’s background is in IT, so the decision to leave that industry to pursue a dream in the creative space wasn’t supported by some of those closest to her. A year after opening Cloth & Cord, she was not making enough to support both the business and her family and was faced with the decision to get creative with marketing on a shoestring budget or return to the IT world. She began collaborating with other designers, joined fashion networking groups, did a major SEO overhaul and began implementing lean manufacturing principles. The changes were enough to turn her cash flow positive and she never looked back. She’s now moved her business out of her home into a large warehouse where she manufactures her pieces in-house with 3 employees.
The Cloth & Cord Brand can now be found in boutiques both domestically and internationally as well as online in her official store clothandcord.com, Etsy and Amazon. She is now working on getting the items into larger retailers as she also fights copyright infringement and finds ways to stay competitive and relevant in the marketplace.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Cloth & Cord designs and manufactures jewelry and accessories that we like to think of as wearable art. We are known for our unconventional statement pieces, unique prints, and quality craftsmanship.
Something we are not only proud of, but that sets us apart is that all of our pieces are both designed and handmade in-house. Because all of our items are made in house we’re able to better control the quality of the product which we believe is essential to growing the brand.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Unequivocally, yes. Houston is so diverse, and the community is very welcoming and supportive of local designers.
We had the pleasure of being apart of Launch HTX, which is an initiative that showcases the creative community and gives guidance for growth. Through that initiative we were able to network with other creatives, get a spot to showcase our items on Houston Life TV, learn the retail side of business and have the one only Sydney Dao as a mentor. We are so grateful for the support of the Houston community.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2260 Dickinson Ave. Unit G
Dickinson, Tx 77539 - Website: clothandcord.com
- Phone: 2812470240
- Email: info@clothandcord.com
Image Credit:
Jaio Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
