Earlier this fall I asked our community of Aisle Planners "How do you all keep from misplacing your keys, phone and all of your other tiny tools during wedding set up?" And, very quickly, there was lots of love being shared about Oatmeal Lace aprons. So, naturally, I reached out to its Founder and Designer, McKay Pittman, to learn all about her much loved (and much needed) aprons!
When you started Oatmeal Lace, you were focusing on bridal and wedding accessories. What was it that sparked the idea to do a vendor apron line?
I actually had a friend, Jacin of Jacin Fitzgerald Events (formerly Lovely Little Details), contact me to see if it would be possible to make her an apron that somehow incorporated her logo for a large event she was working on. I’m always up for a new project, especially if it means helping out a friend. I spoke with my Shari, my embroidery master, to find out if she knew a way to replicate Jacin’s logo. She did (obviously) and the aprons were a hit. After that initial set, inquiries started to trickle in and here we are today! (Thanks, Jacin!)
Our community of Aisle Planners love your aprons and, specifically, how they keep them organized during day of coordination. How has the apron evolved since it inception?
We started with a basic three pocket apron with a waist tie and while we have stayed close to that initial concept, we’ve added options, sourced fabrics and now offer a few different styles based off of requests and ideas from our customers. For example, florists have taught me that a more heavy-duty base fabric is preferable so that their shears don’t poke through. Several wedding planners have requested a key ring inside the pocket to keep their keys readily accessible and ‘attached’ to them so they don’t accidentally get set down somewhere. Make up artists have asked for a few extra thin pockets to house brushes…you get the gist.
How do you manage your business?
Oh boy! I am still trying to figure this one out. I’ve had to work smarter, that is for sure. I used to have three days a week while Beckett was in school to get work done but now that has been narrowed down to working when Emme naps or after the kids are in bed (which I try to avoid as much as possible). Having an infant has reminded me that I do not function well on very little sleep, ha! Learning how to delegate responsibility for things that I would normally take on myself (I’m a bit on a control freak) has been key. Doing that forced me to evaluate my work process and streamline some tasks that in the past took up more time than necessary, which has definitely been a step in the right direction. Work smarter, not harder, right? Not sure how you ever find the perfect work/life balance, but I’m pretty happy where I’m at right now.
How do you stay inspired?
I like to wander fabric stores and take home samples of anything that catches my eye. I do a majority of my sourcing online but there’s just something about being able to feel the fabrics in person before I buy. Working with other creatives on a daily basis is so inspiring as well. I love that I get to peek into a client’s brand and background when I’m creating an apron for them. Everyone’s story is different, which means a workday for me is never quite the same, and I’m constantly exploring new ideas and being challenged. Thank you guys—you keep me on my toes!
The next couple years seem like they are going to be really exciting! What are you most excited about for the future?
Personally, I’m so excited to watch my kids grow and interact. Beckett is so excited to have a baby sister and is already such a good big brother to Emerson. I can only imagine how happy he will be once he has an actual playmate. Professionally, continuing to foster relationships with other creatives in our industry is what I’m looking forward to the most. The creation of the vendor apron line has given me insight into the ‘other side’ of the wedding industry and introduced me to some of the most hard working, genuinely kind people I’ve ever known. I feel very fortunate to share my product and passion with them!
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