Lexie Farquhar’s journey from creating artwork for other brands to launching her own sleepwear line, Art of Sleep, is nothing short of inspiring. Driven by a desire for complete creative control and a passion for merging art with textiles, Lexie embarked on a path that seamlessly blends her artistic vision with luxurious comfort. As a wife and mother of three, she has navigated the challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurial aspirations, all while staying true to her creative spirit. Her story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams, embracing the process, and finding joy in every step of the journey. Through Art of Sleep, Lexie aims to infuse every moment with beauty and comfort, reminding us all that we are masterpieces in our own right.
1. What inspired you to transition from creating artwork for other brands to launching your own sleepwear line, Art of Sleep?
When I was creating artwork for other brands it was a great look inside different trades and mediums to share my art. The downside was not having complete creative control over the product–the entire vision I had in my head would not always end with the final product, which always left me wanting more. Part of what drove me to create my own line was the ability to reach people with my art from start to finish.
2. Can you share the journey of discovering 100% Woven Bamboo Fabric and how it influenced your decision to merge your art with textiles?
I was working with another brand and during this time I experienced bamboo fabric for the first time, it was really unlike anything I had ever experienced before–luxuriously soft, breathable, eco-friendly, and when I saw my artwork on the textile for the first time it really all came together in this ‘ah-ha’ moment where I suddenly envisioned the my whole brand and I just couldn’t get it out of my mind! Having my art experienced not only in a visual but a physical way really spoke to me and being able to share the process of inspiration, painting–just really connecting people to the brand and journey.
3. How has your experience as a wife and mother of three influenced your creative process and the development of Art of Sleep?
Something I hope to pass onto my children is the idea “its never too late to do what you love”. I started this journey in my mid thirties and while scary, it also gave me the luxury of confidence in my style, technique and how I want to run my business.
4. What challenges did you face when launching your own brand, and how did you overcome them?
I kept the development of Art of Sleep underwraps for about 6 months–only my children and husband knew about what was going on. It was really important to me to look inward on how I wanted to run the brand and not be influenced by others ideas. With that came the struggle of finding my way in a industry I’ve never been part of before–when I first started discussions with manufacturers I really felt like a fish out of water, but instead of trying to fake my way through I was incredibly honest with them and fortunately found a manufacturer who has taught me so much and helped turn my vision into reality.
5. How does it feel to receive such positive feedback from customers, and what impact does it have on your motivation?
I knew I loved the product, but it was intimidating thinking about if it would resonate with others. Once I went live and customers started to receive their pajamas and robes they instantly fell in love, just like I did. My list of repeat customers grows daily, which to me is the ultimate sign I’m doing something right! They keep coming back for more and to share with the people they love.
6. What has been the most rewarding aspect of watching your passion project flourish and resonate with others?
When I see my customers in my pajamas and robes during some of the most special parts of their days–cuddling with loved ones, going on vacation, unwinding after a long day–it really is the most incredible feeling. I didn’t want to fill the world with just another ‘thing’, I wanted to make something that when they open their drawer they can’t wait to put on, then when they do it makes them feel like the masterpiece they are. We have such limited time, all the little moments should be cherished and romanticized.
7. How do you manage the balance between supporting your family and pursuing your own creative dreams?
Around my 30th birthday I realized my children didn’t know much about me as a person. They knew who I was as a mother and wife–but my talents and passions were something id never shred with them. While I sometimes find myself dizzy with balancing everyones schedules and needs–our family has always worked as a team and sharing this journey with my husband and children has been really special. They’re incredibly proud of what I’ve been able to do and I love including them–we have honest discussions about when I get overwhelmed and I think its a teaching moment to show my children that success is never linear.
8. In what ways has your mental health been affected throughout your entrepreneurial journey, and how do you take care of yourself?
Keeping my mental health in check is something super important to me. My husband and I had to have a frank discussion before we pressed play on Art of Sleep. Ive always struggled with Anxiety, so adding the stress of running business, especially with our lifestyle in professional baseball, was incredibly intimidating. We made a list of possible set backs, struggles, and triggers, then went through one by one discussing how I’d handle them, what was actually important and if I’d be able to manage my anxiety though it all. There have absolutely been really difficult moments, I like to remind myself that Art of Sleep is mine to make whatever I want of it–I don’t have to follow any “right” way of doing things, I have to follow my heart and truly do it all out of love and joy.
9. What advice would you give to other women who are trying to balance personal aspirations with family responsibilities?
Your passions and dreams are SO important and don’t have to be put on the back burner in order to support your family in their passions and dreams. When my husband and I first got married and he was pursuing his dream to play MLB baseball I thought the “right” thing to do was drop who I was to pour everything into supporting him. He was the one who looked me in the eye and said “it doesn’t have to be one or the other, we can both achieve our dreams together” and now with our three children it is an example to them that they are just as important as their spouse or children, and it actually makes for a more incredible experience to chase your dreams together.
10. What role does creativity play in your daily life, and how do you stay inspired?
For me my creativity comes from experiencing life–taking in the small details that may be overlooked like the texture of a frame, the gradual color shifts on a flower petal, and that with a paintbrush I can mix and match all these different elements into something that didn’t exist before I painted it.
14. How do you hope your sleepwear line will impact the lives of those who wear it?
I hope Art of Sleep will bring comfort and joy into the lives of my customers. Every piece is intentionally designed, every order thoughtfully packed, and hopefully a reminder to them that they are a masterpiece, their life is important and can be whatever they dream.
IG: @LexieFarquhar and @Art.ofsleep
Website: https://www.artofsleepwear.com/
