Erika Dawkins from Bon Ton Studio Interview
Through the vision of owner Erika Dawkins, Bon Ton Studio was born in Healdsburg, California in 2016. Inspired by a decade of experiences and adventures from around the world, Bon Ton Studio is an evolving collection of wovens, apparel, soft goods + beautiful designs from artisans worldwide.
An eclectic blend of Australian surf chic, laid-back luxury of California wine country, and unique snippets found during travels through Europe, Asia, and Africa, Bon Ton Studio products represent an artful marriage of handcrafted artistry and practical functionality. The collection features sophisticated and timeless color palettes inspired by Erika’s interpretation of current trends and her love for a neutral chic + elegantly simple look.
Who is Erika Dawkins?
A creative, design-inspired, mother, daughter, sister, wife, friend, and shop owner who has a love for dried flowers, earth tones, and all things woven.
What is Bon Ton Studio?
An eclectic blend of Australian surf chic, laid-back luxury of California wine country, and unique snippets found during travels through Europe, Asia, and Africa, our products represent an artful marriage of handcrafted artistry and practical functionality.
Can you tell us more about your artisans that you collaborate with?
There are so many talented artists out there and we are so lucky to work with a handful of them. Some of our artisans we met on the side of the road while traveling, and other relationships have sprouted from more formal introductions. Working with female owned and operated businesses has been a goal of mine from the start – our Turkish cotton products, South African baskets and bags, and ceramics are all women made.
What led you to create Bon Ton Studio? Did you always know that you would become a business owner?
Bon Ton happened very slowly and was in no way an overnight success. It’s hard to pinpoint where and when this all started because so much of my journey has led me to where I’m at today. After fashion school I moved overseas to Australia with my (now) husband who is from South Africa. After we moved we started traveling more, especially throughout Asia, Europe, and South Africa. With each trip, I felt inspired by my experiences and adventures, and eventually that inspiration turned into me wanting to introduce unique pieces to other people from around the world. When we relocated to California, my friends and family kept asking me about different pieces in my home — I knew there was a nugget in there for a business so I decided to source a handful of my favorite products to sell to those interested. My very first order disappeared faster than I could blink and Bon Ton was born. From popping up at our local farmers markets to the support from our community, I decided it was finally time for my brick-and-mortar dream to become a reality.
What led you to leave Australia and return to California?
Leaving Australia was a really hard decision for me and my husband, but we felt it was the right move for us both personally and professionally. I had a pipeline dream of opening a brick-and-mortar store and felt my hometown, Healdsburg, was the perfect fit.
Why did you open Bon Ton Studio in Healdsburg, California?
Healdsburg felt like a perfect place to see my dream become a reality as it's where I grew up and I have such a great support system here. One of our brand pillars is community and I honestly don’t think I would’ve been able to open it anywhere else. I also wanted to open a shop geared towards locals, which can be challenging when it’s in a town that is known for catering to it’s tourists. With that, we see the extra foot traffic on the weekends just an added bonus.
Were you and/or Bon Ton Studio affected by the California wildfires?
Yes, in two different ways. We were a week from opening our first shop when we had to evacuate. It was surreal having to tape your doors shut for smoke before you ever even got to open them. Evacuating our home and business with a baby had us on edge 24/7. I am extremely grateful we came back to a home and a week later we opened our doors. We felt the impact the months after when tourism and visitorship dipped for our charming wine country town.
How have you seen the community cope and heal from the wildfires?
I’ve witnessed the impact on our community by the Tubbs Fire in 2017, Kincade Fire in 2019 and Walbridge Fire in 2020. Never have I seen a community rally, heal and grow closer like this.
How have you encouraged this resiliency and recovery with Bon Ton Studio?
Learning to grapple with closing and reopening the shop due to the pandemic and the wildfires has made me remember how important it is to have your ducks in a row when the going gets tough. I was able to bounce back quickly once we reopened because I took the time I had while closed to really prioritize my connections with customers.
What are your goals for Bon Ton Studio?
2021 was a year of change – we opened a second shop, welcomed our second child and moved. I felt like we were going a thousand miles a minute. While the push for growth is admirable, I often had to ask myself are we ready to grow? My goal for this year (I’m a yearly goal type person) is to slow down and continue building a solid foundation to help Bon Ton achieve its mission.
As a business owner and mother that serves other women and mothers, what would you say to women facing adversity, trauma, or the challenge of starting their own business?
I would encourage them to keep trying and remind them that businesses don’t grow overnight. If it was that easy then everyone would do it.
Where can people find you and Bon Ton Studio?
Web: https://www.bonton-studio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bontonstudio/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shopbontonstudio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bontonstudios
