Since being founded in 2010, Sonix has taken the accessories industry by storm. Many of their products have been featured in publications such as InStyle, Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and Refinery 29, among others. Sonix cases have been spotted on everyone from Gigi Hadid to Poppy Delevingne. Ever since iPhones first came into existence, cases have been my favorite accessory, and I collect them – I have an unhealthy obsession!! I often change my phone case depending on my mood 🙂 For years, I have been searching for the perfect case that is both chic and practical, and Sonix was the answer! Although the brand is most well-known for their technology accessories, the line also makes sunglasses and miniature pouches. I have always wanted to have a conversation with the person behind the brand’s incredible creative vision, and I am so honored to feature Jillian Wheeler, the Creative Director of Sonix, on The Zeitgeist this month.
Alexandra: When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in the accessories industry? What inspired you?
Jillian: I have always been creative and interested in fashion, bur I just didn’t know how that would fit into my career path. Both of my parents had a business background, so naturally I studied Business Marketing in college. Feeling unfulfilled while completing my degree, I started a side business through Etsy, designing floral hair accessories. It was a creative outlet for me at the time, but I was also earning a decent living from the business. I think that’s when I realized that I wanted to find a career that was creatively hands-on.
A: You previously worked for Seventeen prior to becoming the Creative Director of Sonix. How did working for a major fashion magazine influence your career path, if at all?
J: Working at Seventeen was an amazing experience I’m so thankful for. I moved from Los Angeles to New York City for the job, which was an experience in and of itself! Most of what my job consisted of was assisting styling the photo shoots. What I learned most from working at Seventeen was how to take initiative. You’re not always going to have someone hold your hand along the way or answer questions at every turn. You have to trust your gut and make it happen.
A: What does a typical day look like for you? Is there such thing as a typical day, or does it often change?
J: My days usually consist of sourcing inspiration, designing, checking production samples, lots of meetings, and planning photo shoots. Every day is different and sometimes unpredictable. There are definitely days when clients email us and need a new case collection in a matter of days, and those my panic mode days. But for the most part, I try to maintain a relaxed, creative office environment for my team and me.
A: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
J: I find the most inspiration from the runway. What I enjoy most is looking at trends and then designing them to be mass and relatable to our girl’s personality.
A: What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is being able to see my ideas come to life and speak to an audience. I always want our girl to feel like Sonix products speak true to her personality. It’s so fun to spot girls on the street with Sonix accessories; that feeling will never get old.
A: If you could collaborate with anyone to design an accessory, who would you choose?
Oh gosh, that’s hard! I guess I would have to say Marc Jacobs. I will always have love for his brand. I’d like to think we share a similar vibe– a combination of sophisticated, cool with a quirky edge.
A: What piece of advice do you have to share with people who aspire to work in the fashion or accessories industry?
J: I would definitely recommend interning wherever you can within the industry. It’s hard to prove yourself right out of school, but a fashion or design-related internship is a great way to have your resume stand out.
All images are original content produced in collaboration with Little Drill.