Established in 2012 by Rachel Gant and Andrew Deming, Yield Design Co. is the feature of today's Thriving Under Thirty. This "independent design house" is new to St. Augustine, but not new to the business world. After graduating from Flagler College Andrew attended the California College of the Arts to get his MBA in Design Strategy, where he met Rachel who earned her Bachelors there in Industrial Design. Both Southern natives, Andrew and Rachel visited St. Augustine often over the last several years and were "lured by the idea of quieter living, warm beaches and room to grow." Yield designs and manufactures modern jewelry, bags, and home goods. Without further ado, here is our recent Q&A session.
Where do you source your ideas for new pieces from?
Many of our products have resulted from the experience of imagining a product but not being able to find it (or at least not at the quality we expect). I really like the James Murphy quote “The best way to complain is to make things” and we really take that to heart. We’re also very inspired by our travels and our products are very directly influenced by it.
What is your favorite aspect of running your own creative business?
I value the ability to be able to own the entire process: from concept to delivery of a new product. It’s rewarding to create things that you want to see in the world and be able to get them into people’s hands.
What is the hardest part about running your own business?
Owning the entire process :) Andrew and I each hold many roles including design, sales, marketing, quality control, to name a few. It’s an incredible learning experience, but a never ending workload.
What has been your best selling item?
Our Geo Stand photo and card holders. We released these last year and they’ve quickly become a favorite item and are versatile; used for photo display at home, recipe cards, or wedding place cards.
In St. Augustine what is your favorite:
Restaurant?
The Ice Plant
Shop?
It’s hard to name a favorite, but we really enjoy the selection of thrift and antique stores in the city. We've found some wonderful mid-century furniture for our new house and studio.
Spot to go and relax?
Our quick escape is ideally an afternoon at the beach with our puppy, Clover or walking and perusing the assortment of architecture in the residential parts of downtown and Lincolnville.
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| Image via Yield Design |
Where do you source your ideas for new pieces from?
Many of our products have resulted from the experience of imagining a product but not being able to find it (or at least not at the quality we expect). I really like the James Murphy quote “The best way to complain is to make things” and we really take that to heart. We’re also very inspired by our travels and our products are very directly influenced by it.
I value the ability to be able to own the entire process: from concept to delivery of a new product. It’s rewarding to create things that you want to see in the world and be able to get them into people’s hands.
 |
| Rachel working on their new Canvas Apron. |
What is the hardest part about running your own business? Owning the entire process :) Andrew and I each hold many roles including design, sales, marketing, quality control, to name a few. It’s an incredible learning experience, but a never ending workload.
What has been your best selling item?
Our Geo Stand photo and card holders. We released these last year and they’ve quickly become a favorite item and are versatile; used for photo display at home, recipe cards, or wedding place cards.
In St. Augustine what is your favorite:
Restaurant?
The Ice Plant
Shop?
It’s hard to name a favorite, but we really enjoy the selection of thrift and antique stores in the city. We've found some wonderful mid-century furniture for our new house and studio.
Spot to go and relax?
Our quick escape is ideally an afternoon at the beach with our puppy, Clover or walking and perusing the assortment of architecture in the residential parts of downtown and Lincolnville.
 |
| Yield's sweet shop dog Clover looking down on us from the upstairs loft. |
201 West King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
I had a great time visiting the new location for Yield Design and meeting their young pup, Clover. Rachel and Andrew are talented and motivated taboot - a great addition to St. Augustine. Stop by at their location on West King Street or view their online shop. I highly recommend following them on Instagram too, their eye for design shines through with their images.
I will continue to bring you interviews with successful individuals
under (I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might
be interested in being featured in a Thriving under Thirty piece please email meaghanmae@gmail.com.
St. Augustine Creatives I'm talking to you!!
St. Augustine Creatives I'm talking to you!!
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