Entrepreneurship Talk with Jeanette Au

I attended the Renaissance Entrepreneurship HOPE SF graduation and business showcase on January 26, 2021, where I met and interviewed Jeanette Au—an artist, a designer, and an educator who values her HOPE SF community. 

Brianna: Tell me about your small business and what inspired you. 

 Jeanette: I have a knitting business called ‘Tigrette’. I have been knitting for over 20 years. I learned from my grandmother in my late teens. In my 20’s, it became a form of art therapy. Years later, I earned my master’s degree in knitwear from The Academy of Arts in San Francisco. As a single mom living in HOPE SF Potrero Terrace, I knit clothing for my children. Tigrette, a textile and knitwear line, was inspired by my lunar sign: the tiger, which signifies creativity and fierceness.  I was happy for the opportunity to turn my craft into a business through the The Business Series at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.  Tigrette is all about creating quality custom design textiles where traditional handcraft techniques are used to design both my fabric and my designs. Im interested in changing our relationship with how we consume; I think it’s important to invest into clothing that can be cherished and passed on. 

Brianna: Can you share what you learned?  

 Jeanette: I took the fashion workshop. I learned how to source different fabrics. There are ethical concerns surrounding international manufacturing, which solidified my decision to stay local. I learned alot from my peers in the class as well. 

Brianna: How has COVID affected your business?  

 Jeanette: Due to COVID and the stay-at-home order, the comforts of the home are important. I knit lounge throws, bean bags, garments, and accessories that make people feel cozy. I took this opportunity to amplify the value of my craft and goods. In designing my first season collection for fall 2021, I took inspiration from my own cultural heritage; the symbolism in chinese art is about longevity and prosperity and I think it’s important to bring those themes to my design especially given all of the difficulties faced this past year during COVID. 

What is your ‘why’?

 I have gathered many skills over the years. I am also an educator. I share my skills, engage my community, and provide environmentally sustainable hand crafted products. Unlike many designers, I connect directly with people and cultures in my community every day.  

Brianna: What is your Big Vision? 

Jeanette: While I am taking it one step at a time, I see myself honing my business skills and sharing them through mentorship. I know that if I stick to my creative vision, I will be able to bring joy to others. We express our individuality through our clothing.

All Images Provided by Jeanette Au. For more information on Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, visit https://www.rencenter.org/ 

To keep in touch with the designer Jeanette Au, follow her on social media or email her: 

instagram.com/tigrette.knitwear

etsy.com/shop/tigretteknitwear

tigrette.knitwear@gmail.com