Meet Joenne Hartley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joenne Hartley.

Hi Joenne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I worked in the medical field for 20 years and after retirement, I started doing photography as a hobby.

The Hobby soon turned into a passion! I soon switched from landscapes to fashion/editorial photography.

I had a photography instructor that really helped me with my self-esteem and gave me the confidence to go after my dream. I started creating my own designs for my photography business when I was unable to find what I wanted for editorial photo shoots.

This was the beginning of the inspiration for my fashion line. As a designer, I wanted to communicate stories through my designs. With my photography background, I was able to tap into my creative side with color and texture.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was accepted to my first fashion show, The Kritiq in 2018, which was a lot of fun.

The following season I competed in Omaha Fashion Week and won the emerging designer award. I was accepted into Kansas City Fashion Week in 2020 during the pandemic and the show was canceled.

I have done Kansas City Fashion Week every season since we have been back from the pandemic.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in evening wear, prom, and pageant gowns. I design and sew all my designs in my home studio. I just recently launched a mommy and me line.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
It has been a thrilling career so far. My biggest challenge so far is trying to help all women achieve their goal for a gown for an event regardless of their age or size.

Contact Info:

• Website: littlejochilddesign.wixsite.com/website
• Instagram: @littlejodesigns
• Facebook: Little Jo Designs & Jo Marie Designs

Image Credits
Jason Atherton, Chuck Mason Photography, Eli Stack, and Jerome Hutichson