Vendor Spotlight: Maihar Design

Company Name: Maihar Design

Name: Ashleigh Davis & Melanie Ford

Location: San Antonio, TX

Tell us a little about what you do: Maihar Design crafts unique, hand-sewn keepsakes. Our current product lines include ring bearer pillows, flower girl wands and hair petals. We are a sister team; Melanie is the designer and Ashleigh handles all the business functions, including marketing. All of our products are designed to be beautiful and unique, each meticulously constructed from quality materials.

How long have you been in business? Since Spring 2009

What inspired you to start your business/studio? Melanie had been sewing ring pillows and wands as a freelance designer for various event companies. For years she had wanted to launch her own line, but the stars aligned when Ashleigh ventured off to start her own marketing company. The timing was finally right to make Maihar Design a reality.

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio? Working with my sister. We’ve gotten to know one another on a different level, and have really come to appreciate each other’s unique abilities. Maihar Design is truly a partnership of two sisters – we are both integral to the success of the company.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path? Probably from the response we’ve gotten. We’re still very new and both work “day jobs” in addition to running Maihar Design. Despite this, the industry has been so appreciative of our products and we’ve been nothing short of overwhelmed with the kind words. Our products were unique ideas that we decided to offer, even though we knew the initial product launch was extremely niche. In all honestly, we weren’t really sure how the industry would embrace our designs or if there was even a viable market.

There was one notable source of feedback I got in the very beginning before we launched that made me a bit doubtful because it was less than supportive. In fact, it was from a local wedding publication (to remain unnamed) and they told me in not so many words that our product was a bad idea and that their magazine’s account executives had their finger on what was popular, and ring pillows were “out.” Top publications, such as BRIDES Magazine seem to think otherwise. I kind of want to go back to that magazine and show them our press clippings.

When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage) We definitely have a modern, whimsical flair that has developed as a result of the fabrics and colors selected for our products. We didn’t intentionally set out to create a style, but rather to offer a unique, sophisticated alternative to current offerings.

Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines) We look at a variety of wedding blogs and photographer websites. The wedding industry is filled with amazing and talented individuals on all levels – from the planners to photographers, stylists – everyone from beginning to end is incredible. It’s hard not to find inspiration within the large talent pool!