Designer Spotlight: Karen Paychi Guh

This week we are thrilled to introduce you to designer, Karen Paychi Guh.

1. What made you decide to venture out on your own and leave the corporate world?

Staring my own business has always been on the back of my mind; however, it is such a scary and unknown path. When my corporate position was eliminated as the company went through a restructure in the spring of 2012, I saw it as a sign and an opportunity to venture out on my own and pursue my long-term dream after 15 years in the corporate world.

I feel it was the perfect timing too because the industry knowledge on global sourcing, production, and fashion marketing I accumulated from my previous experiences as Textile Designer and Design Director at the fashion specialty retailer is a great foundation for my new business.

2. What is the best part about owning your own business?

Freedom. Cashmere has always been my favorite raw material, so I am thrilled to develop an entire line made of this luxurious material. I decide what I want to design and what to sample without going through lengthy meetings for approvals. I work from home on my own schedule and without having to deal with traffic. I take vacation when I want to. I am also 100% responsible and accountable for the success or failure for all the decisions I make for my own business.

3. Tell us about your brand and what sets you apart?

Paychi Guh is a women’s cashmere knitwear collection for everyday indulgence. Comfort, versatility, timelessness, and flattering fit are a few qualities that best describe our cashmere knitwear. The line focuses on lightweight, breathable, trans-seasonal pieces, made with worsted cashmere fibers in 16-18 gauge; the pieces are beautiful by themselves and ideal for layering. I also build each design with subtle surface textures and refined seaming details to make the understated and sophisticated pieces unique.

4. The majority of your cashmere sweaters are produced in Inner Mongolia, China. Tell us why you choose to manufacture in that region.

The great majority of the world’s highest-quality cashmere comes from Inner Mongolia. Here, the cashmere goats grow fine cashmere fibers to protect them from the extreme cold. The geographic proximity and close relationship that the factory has with the herders ensure that the raw materials are of the highest quality.

The cashmere factory we work with is renowned for their highly skilled professional workforce, advanced equipment and technology, and commitment to quality and excellence for over 30 years. We continue to be impressed every time we visit the factory when working on product sampling and production with the technical team. It is a meticulous process converting the precious raw fibers into a luxurious cashmere garment, and we are so happy to be working with this great partner.

   5. What long-term opportunities do you see for your creative viewpoint and products?

Going forward, I hope to introduce Paychi Guh to international retailers and continue to build a stronger online business. I want to continuously come up with unique, wearable cashmere sweaters for women who appreciate well-designed, high-quality garments that can be enjoyed for many seasons to come.

You can find Karen and her work below: