Today we’d like to introduce you to Iris Wang.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Iris. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in South Korea to parents who had fled Chinese Communism, which is where I cultivated an interest in my Chinese heritage. At 21, I enrolled at National Normal University, a premier Taiwanese art school. In 1978, after teaching art in Taiwan, I came to the United States and began work on my MFA at Kent State University where I also met my husband, E-Kwan, who had moved to the U.S. from Taiwan. After completing my Masters of Fine Arts, I began working with an interior designer in Chicago. One project involved custom fabric covered ceiling tiles that sparked my real interest in textiles, an interest that eventually grew into Brentano, Inc.
Working from our garage and starting with just eight patterns, E-Kwan and I officially launched Brentano with the nature collection in 1990. From there the business has grown, as have my sources for inspiration. Among other things I now regularly look to the worlds of fashion, architecture, history and philosophy for new themes and design direction. I am proud to say the collection now has over 250 patterns, all of which embody Brentano’s ethos of beauty and performance.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Where to start?! You know I think life is always full of struggles if you choose to think of it that way. However, I really recognized early on that few things phase me, rather I find myself motivated to push through and always find a solution. From moving to the U.S., learning English, even finding my first mentor, they were all stepping stones and part of my journey to where I am today. Initially I had offered to buy my mentor’s interior design business, and it was only after he decided he didn’t want to sell that E-Kwan and I decided to take the risk of starting something on our own. The thing is, when you are passionate, when you have a vision the risk almost seems to mitigate itself. Sure, we had no money for the longest time, we worked all the hours in a day, but we always knew we were putting the effort forth for a long-term life together, and part of that life was Brentano. When our first showroom took the line in NYC it was a watershed moment, and after year three, when we finally made a profit I couldn’t believe it.
I have to say, children were the next major milestone. It is so hard to balance work and family as an entrepreneur. I think here, I count myself lucky. We have a tight, supportive family unit, and as I sit here, 28 years after starting out, I am happy to say E-Kwan and both our sons are an integral part of Brentano today and its future.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Brentano – what should we know?
You know, I am fortunate to work with an outstanding team of people, and if I am honest, I think they are what I am most proud of, they really help make the brand what it has become, we strive to make Brentano a place people really want to work. Together, over the years we have built Brentano into a brand that really caters to the residential, hospitality and contract markets. Indeed, as we grow, we are finding more niche business and uses for our products like marine, aviation and healthcare. We really specialize in great patterns and strong color work, but in saying that, I think what sets us apart is our constant want, and need to always keep learning; new techniques, new suppliers, new inspirations etc. are what helps us grow and build the Brentano of the future. We aren’t out to complete with anyone else, just to be the best, most creative version of ourselves.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I had two wonderful employees who worked for me until very recently. It may seem odd to cite people who no longer work with you, but they were both with me for a very long time and really got us to the point we are now. Aaron Mensik was been my senior designer for 19 years and has been instrumental in bringing so many innovative products to market. Jeff Frank was a wonderful sales manager, responsible for growing our dealer network and being an amazing ambassador for our products. While it is always sad to see people you love move on, I also know that part of my role in their lives is setting them up for new experiences and continued success!
Lastly, I know we have mentioned him, but my husband, E-Kwan has been a constant, unwavering support. He has always believed in my vision, even when times have been tough, and to still work with him every day, and see how far we have come, is truly a tribute to a great life partnership.
Contact Info:
- Address: 260 Holbrook Dr.
Wheeling, IL 60090 - Website: www.brentanofabrics.com
- Phone: 847.657.8481
- Email: pr@brentanofabrics.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
