It all started with a lost scarf. Elizabeth Gillett, trained as an artist, painter, and printmaker at Hartwick College, was unable to find a replacement for a favorite lost scarf so she designed her own. Within months this same velvet scarf style was being sold at Barney’s New York, and soon after she was running a full-fledged accessories business out of her fourth floor walk-up Manhattan studio.

Seventeen years later Elizabeth Gillett is designing, manufacturing and distributing a full line of gracefully contemporary scarves, wraps and cover-ups under the Elizabeth Gillett brand as well as for private label clients. The collection is currently sold in department and specialty stores worldwide, including Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, Anthropologie, and Holt Renfrew.

Elizabeth Gillett lives in Tribeca with Tom Klinkowstein, a professor and designer, and their daughter Gemma.

We had a chance to check-in with Elizabeth and ask her about her career and family.  Here's how she does it.

 1) What's it like balancing a design career with family?
I love the balance of work and family. I am thankful to have a job I love and that supports my creative side and provides financial support to the family.  I waited to have a child until I felt balanced at professionally and emotionally.  I make time for work and time for my daughter and do one or the other.

I own my business and designed my office to include a room for my daughter so she is here with me when she is not in pre-school. My daughter sees me working and understands the process of design, production, sales and marketing.

2) Is there a designer mom network where you can support one another and share best practices?
I host dinners for fellow designer entrepreneurs but all of them happen to not have children yet.

3) Who's your mentor? How does she/he support you career and family life?
My dad was my mentor from 1983 until he passed away in July of 2006. Now I utilize my network of friends, family, colleagues to brainstorm and solve problems. The designer dinners (and breakfasts) have been an excellent resource for brainstorming, problem solving and celebrating successes.

To find Elizabeth Gillett's collection at your local boutique visit YourOnRamp's style partner, BrandHabit.