Design Uncensored with Jana Phipps, aka Trim Queen
On an episode of Design Uncensored, Stacy Garcia chats with Jana Platina Phipps, aka the Trim Queen, founder of Home Couture Collective. Jana is a trimmings expert and visionary for the use of embellishment in home decor, fashion, and DIY. We were intrigued to learn more about what she does in the world of design and what trends she has been seeing.
See 3 key takeaways from their conversation below!
1. DIY MEETS DESIGNER
Jana is the go-to when it comes to trimmings. For those who may not know, trimmings include design details like cord, lace, embroidery, clasps, buckles, fringe, ribbons, feathers and more. By using her skills at connecting & collaborating, she is a phenomenal resource for trimming manufacturers and designers. Although some may think trimmings are becoming a dying style, Jana informs us that this is truly not the case. In fact, she says many DIYers have set a trend that bridges "ready made and custom made" where they are taking a finished product and purchasing embellishments to make a unique, customized piece. (You might be familiar with seeing tons of this on Pinterest!)
2. CONNECTING THROUGH DESIGN
Is there anywhere you're dying to travel once the pandemic is over? For Jana, it's Venice...again! A destination with tons of gifted Italian artisans and endless stunning embellishments, it's no surprise Jana excitedly awaits her return. In 2019 she actually launched Maker Tourism, an annual artisan-focused tour in Venice, Italy where her and 5 other women participated in various workshops including jewelry making, print making, letterpress design, mask painting, local food/wine education and numerous insider tours of artisans’ workshops plus museum visits. Not only does this type of endeavor give you an immersive cultural and educational experience, but you're also able to connect meaningfully with both new & old friends.
3. A WHOLESOME EXPERIENCE
Not only does Jana help others to connect & collaborate, but she also teaches Trim Alchemy, the concept of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary using trim, via seminars, hands-on workshops, and on her social media channel. “Embellishment is a creative form of self-expression,” Jana says. She believes objects like these should help make your home to be more of a reflection of you even down to the things you wear, filled with pieces that bring back certain memories or take you to another place. We would certainly agree with Jana in her beliefs as we understand how the environment in which you surround yourself can impact you in physical and mental wellbeing. It's important to be mindful when making choices for what you bring in your home.
MORE ABOUT JANA PLATINA PHIPPS AKA TRIM QUEEN
Jana Platina Phipps, founder of Home Couture Collective, aka the Trim Queen, is a trimmings expert and visionary for the use of embellishment in home decor, fashion, and DIY. She customizes textile programs for the home industry and consults for manufacturers, using her skills at connecting and collaborating to activate business growth. As the Trim Queen, she chronicles how she and the design community use trimmings as a powerful tool. “Embellishment is a creative form of self-expression,” Jana believes. She teaches Trim Alchemy, the concept of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary using trim, via seminars, hands-on workshops, and on her social media channels.
