Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Fitzpatrick.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been a designer as long as I can remember. As a kid growing up in Effingham, I was constantly recreating my Legos and building things in the basement. When I got to the University of Illinois, I knew it was a passion I needed to follow. I majored in Sculpture and worked my way through school as a bartender and restaurant manager. After Illinois, I pursued my MFA at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, focusing on Object Design. I took a job building models for the architecture firm Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill LLP, but I’ve been an entrepreneur my whole life, so I founded my first company, 3-Switch in 2012 with two other glass artists and started making my own designs. We started in a garage, it was very humble but we were determined. That’s when we produced the Swoon revolving wine decanter, an idea I came up with during college waiting tables. The product was well received; we gained some traction and moved the business into a Humboldt Park studio. My partners ultimately moved out to the West Coast but I kept at it, kept designing, kept hustling, kept growing and rebranded my company to Swoon Living. We’re in Logan Square now in an even larger studio. I’m employing wood workers and glass blowers. And, we’re pushing the envelope every day with new, hand-crafted, sustainable home good designs, selling our product at art and museum shows all around the country. We’ve got a few really exciting product designs and projects in the works, including a store/café and studio space, going back to my roots to pair my glassware with wine in a space where people can enjoy the products and experience the process behind them. I’m really excited about what’s in store for my company and some of the things we’re going to roll out to the public over the next few years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Oh, God no! Small business ownership is not for the faint of heart, I can tell you that. But the passion, the work and seeing clients excited about my designs that kept me going. The road is FILLED with obstacles. Money, morale, red tape, legal issues, difficult relationships with employees and partners, design infringement, lack of sleep, you name it and I’ve dealt with it. It’s hard work, but the personal fulfillment is great and makes it all worth it at the end of the day.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Swoon Living By Patrick Fitzpatrick – what should we know?
Swoon Living is all about creation and design. My main product is my hand-blown glassware, based on my revolving Swoon design and pairing that with reclaimed wood bases making truly spectacular centerpieces for my clients’ kitchens, dining rooms, etc. But we’re also a lifestyle brand, designing anything and everything for your home using reclaimed and sustainable raw materials. Our clients want products with simple elegance paired with functionality. That’s what I’m passionate about bringing to people’s homes. Simplicity of design and the highest quality hand-crafted goods, conceived, designed and developed all in my Logan Square studio. I think, that’s what I’m best known for. The reputation I’ve built over the years and the clients that come back and trust my products are probably what I’m most proud of.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
This is impossible to answer, because the list is just too long. When you start a design business from your garage, you need help and you depend on people at first. Depending on a phone call to wake you up when you’re working around the clock to prepare for a show. A floor to crash on in whatever city I was in that day because I didn’t have a dollar to spare in the company’s infancy — things like that. I’m lucky that I’ve had an amazing support system of family, partners, employees and friends over the years. But, I couldn’t answer a question like this without specifically mentioning my parents who have believed in me from day one and of course, my original partners Brent Rogers, Alex Zimmerman and Mike Gomez who helped me get 3 Switch off the ground, which has led me to where I am with Swoon Living. Chicago Hot Glass, who have been a huge resource for me, thank you guys! And most of all, my clients who keep me hustling and creating everyday.
Pricing:
- Pair of Mouth Blown Revolving Wine Glasses $48
- 375mL Tad Decanter and Glasses in a Foursome $245
- 750 mL JR Decanter and Glasses Service Black Walnut with a Live Edge $450
Contact Info:
- Address: 2850 N Pulaski
Chicago, IL - Website: www.swoonliving.com
- Phone: 3124837819
- Email: infoswoonliving@gmail.com
- Instagram: Patrick Fitzpatrick
- Facebook: Owner
- Twitter: Owner
- Yelp: Owner
- Other: Owner
Image Credit:
Taylor Staugas, Connor Posey
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