How many people does the company employ? I am the only employee. I do everything from run the online store, to social media and the actual fabric and graphic design.

 

How long has it been in business? The Gilded Troll has been in business for roughly 15 years.

 

What prompted you to start your own business? I started my own company after the apparel company I was working for got hit with layoffs.  The apparel industry is difficult to get a job in and while looking for a new job I started a small online store that sold handmade dresses and jewelry.  It has since grown into a full online store. It really is a passion project of mine.

 

Describe what your company does:  The Gilded Troll is a slow fashion company.  That means that all the apparel and accessories in my store are made when ordered.  We specialize in women's street and athletic leisure wear.  Our goal is to create comfortable, interesting apparel for everyday life.  

 

Anything unique that your company does: All the patterns and graphics in my store a designed by myself. I keep everything up to date with the NYC fashion colors for the season, which means if you buy a pair of leggings from my store it should match the major industry colors found in chain stores.  We change our fabric prints twice a year to keep up to date with the colors in the store.  We also offer rotating holiday prints and recently added a section dedicated to custom Tiger apparel.

 

How did you decide on this industry? I have two bachelor's degrees in apparel design, with a specialized degree in evening wear design. I worked at Walt Disney World as a technical designer and then was an Associate Apparel Designer for a sportswear company. I have always been interested in creating beautiful and whimsical things, and the world of fashion appealed to me at a young age. Having learned to sew in high school I followed my passion into the difficult industry.

 

What section of the neighborhood do you live in and how long have you lived there?  I have been a resident of Grafton Oaks for just two years (we moved in the week after the ice storm in 2023).

 

Tell us about your family: I have an amazing husband and two boys. We love being outdoors, both hiking the neighborhood trails or going sailing/kayaking.

 

What are your hobbies/interests?  I have my hand in all things creative.  I am a painter, seamstress, jewelry designer and graphic designer. I especially love doing very detailed embellished pieces (both jewelry and clothing). I enjoy redecorating my house (as much as my husband will allow) and working in the garden.  I have a deep love of upcycled projects as well, I have even (in the past) made clothing from shopping bags and cardboard boxes.