I’m excited for today’s Witty Conversation With…because it’s with a designer I’ve followed for the last several years…Camilyn Beth! I first wrote about her line here (and then my friend Blair wore it shortly thereafter here!) I adore Cami’s story as to why she struck out on her own and think you’ll find her designs just as fun as I do! They are perfect for showers, weddings and so many other events (my favorites are all rounded up below, too!)

Read on to hear how Cami got her start in fashion, where she gets her inspiration & much more!

Tell us about yourself in 3 sentences.

I firmly believe that staying positive throughout every situation makes my life easier and more enjoyable. I go “all in” in whatever I do whether it be work, play or relationships. I love to learn and constantly challenge myself to be better.

You were invited to 12 weddings in 1 year! My record is 9. Tell us how this experience impacted the launch of Camilyn Beth?

It started in 2012 when I was working in the fashion industry as a buyer and creative director for small brand in Sarasota, Fl. I loved working in fashion but my heart was in designing. When my husband and I started to get invited to all the weddings I decided that I should just make my own dresses. So on my newlywed budget and with my itch to get back designing I started sewing! Throughout that year I had so much fun designing for myself and my friends. A major key to getting my name out there was when some of my friends that were bloggers started wearing Camilyn Beth on their platforms. Before long I got my first wholesale inquire through Twitter!

How did you get started in the fashion industry?

I had always been very artistic and creative even as a child. When I was in high school I designed and made my own prom dress. After that I knew that fashion design was in my future and my major of choice for college. After college I moved to Stockholm, Sweden to be a nanny and work for a couture designer.

How has Camilyn Beth grown and changed since you first launched it?

Camilyn Beth is constantly changing. Camilyn Beth changed the most when we started manufacturing in NYC. Our fits and quality increased significantly and has led to loyal customers and product sustainability. I am very proud of the craftsmanship of my line.

Any favorite success stories?

Our most recent success story was when Candace Cameron wore Camilyn Beth on Good Morning America and The View. It was a “pinch me moment” to see one of my childhood superstars wear CB on such a large platform.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere! I feel like living in Florida and manufacturing in New York I get a broad range of inspiration. The colors of Florida’s natural beauty constantly stop me in my tracks and the NYC street style gives me great perspective on the modern woman. I try to share my inspiration on Snapchat and Instagram.

I absolutely adore the Opal Dress, do you have a personal favorite from the line?

The Opal Dress is so fun! I fall in love with every new design because each design has a different personality and represents a specific character. Right now I am loving a pair of pants I designed for our SS17 collection.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced with running your own company?

It is very challenging running the overall business while also remaining creative. Each aspect of the company uses a different part of my brain. I have learned to get better at separating the two throughout the day/night.

What are 3 tools or apps you can’t live without?

Snapchat, Google Drive & text messaging.

What’s an “average” day look like for you? Do you have a morning ritual?

I wake up around 7:30 with my husband and do things around the house (at a slow pace). He heads to work at his day job and I go into the studio around 9:00am. First, Nicole (director of operations for CB) and I have a meeting and plan out our day. Our desks are right next to each other so we are constantly communicating throughout the day. I go right to emails and check on manufacturing each morning. I have learned that keeping up with the manufactures every morning and at the end of every day is crucial. Throughout the day I like to stop and post on social media. It keeps my brain creative and I love sharing with our followers what is going on at CB. I try to work on designing the rest of the afternoon. My husband comes into the studio after his day job and we work on the finances. We break for dinner and I usually keep designing at night while we watch our favorite shows on Netflix in the studio. I use the nights and weekends to catch up on designing. If we leave early enough we try to work out at the gym for 30 mins and then go to bed around midnight!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

Get ready to work as hard as you have ever worked before (and then some) but always trust God’s plan and show love to everyone.

What’s next for Camilyn Beth?

Right now I am so excited for the beautiful SS17 collection. We are hoping to show the line at Coterie in October and to grow our wholesale department.

Thanks so much to Cami for being a part of the Witty Conversation With…series! Be sure to follow along with her here.

Some Camilyn Beth Favorites:

p.s. Witty Conversation With Lulu Frost’s Lexi Cross and Witty Conversation With Cuyana’s Irene Yuan.

[Photography thanks to Camilyn Beth]