How Did We End Up Here?

Here is a little history lesson

Have you ever wondered what led us to launching Steward & James? It started back in 2014 when I was at LSU, majoring in Apparel Design, working on my senior project and debuting a 10-piece collection at New Orleans Fashion Week.

I had everything figured out (so I thought). I was going to go to grad school for costume design and move to London to design costumes for the West End, London's Broadway.

In 2015, once the show was over and I graduated, I realized that it wasn't the sewing that I loved. It was the design and curation of the collections, specifically the final touches and how accessories can change the whole look. I turned down grad school, went backpacking in Europe (and jumped off a mountain in the Swiss Alps) and tried to figure out what I was going to do next.

The Ash Collection

At the end of 2015 and into 2016 I started working on a handmade jewelry line called The Ash Collection. I created the first collection, had a photo shoot, and the website was ready to go.

Then in August 2016, the Great Flood hit Baton Rouge and our house took on water. All the pieces I had created for the new collection were destroyed. The Ash Collection never had its debut.

A dream job, and a bigger dream

I was then hired for my dream job at the time, working in product development and designing clothing and accessories for another brand. I was fortunate enough to travel overseas several times a year, work directly with the manufacturers and have a hand in the full life cycle of the products. I truly loved it.

Once 2020 came and Covid hit, I wondered why I had stopped working on my own dream of having an accessories line. I was so focused on helping others achieve their dreams that mine were at a standstill. If I didn't do something then, I probably never would have. I left the job I once loved to start the career I have always wanted.

Steward & James is born

I got back to work on what I wanted to do. I used my Covid stimulus check to pay for the first round of samples and product development. The next thing I knew, we were having a photoshoot and our website was ready.

On November 19, 2020, Steward & James launched.

Fast forward three years and here we are. With over 200 pieces in our collection and features in British Vogue and local publications, Steward & James is on its way to becoming a household name.

I know this is only the beginning, but I wanted to say thank you for being a part of our journey. I can't wait to show you what's next!

XOXO, Ash
Owner and Creative Director

Shop online or visit us in person at 10155 Perkins Rowe, Suite 180D, Baton Rouge (next to Altar'd State).