Sonia Erneux seems to be a woman from another place and time. A time when the world was more peaceful and more beautiful. Sonia is helping to bring that beauty to anyone that she touches, herself or indirectly through her wonderful line of womenswear.
Sonia Erneux,
owner, Designer and CEO of Love Tanjane, Ojai, CA madeLOKAL: What was your childhood like?

Sonia: I grew up in Brussels, Belgium. My grandmother on my father's side had a corset shop. I loved working with her in the store. She showed me how to do projects on the sewing machine. Very young, I saw what it was like to run a business. I remember the bras, the corsets and the ladies coming to my Mamy's shop for unique lingerie. Those early memories inspired me to be in business for myself. As a child I was very creative and business minded. I was always making things. My dad was also an entrepreneur. He owned a nightclub and beauty salon and was an antique dealer for many years. I worked closely with him at antique fairs and flea markets and began buying and selling antiques alongside him. He encouraged me to study art history, but I had my own ideas. My mom was working as a knit-wear designer in New York at the time. When I visited her as a child I was fascinated by the city and how different it was from the old school energy of Brussels. In New York I began to see a whole new world of possibility and opportunity.

madeLOKAL: When did you move to America?

Sonia: I acted on impulse. It was while I was visiting my mom. I was drawn to the city and decided to stay. I got a job in a lingerie store in the East Village. I wanted to work and learn. New York was the perfect environment for that.

madeLOKAL: Where did you go to design school?

Sonia: After moving to Manhattan, I studied International Business at NYU. I was going to sewing and art classes on the side. Most of my design education came from real-world experiences. I have always had a passion for fashion.

madeLOKAL: How did you end up in California?

Sonia: After 10 years in New York City, I wanted a change of pace. I was going to California a few times a year. I felt the need and importance of nature and sunshine. The laid-back lifestyle grounded me. I left New York and moved to Seal Beach for few years. After a vacation in India I visited Krishnamurti foundation in Ojai. I immediately fell in love with the valley.

madeLOKAL: Are there any activities you are passionate about?

Sonia: I love gardening, cooking and hand-dyeing. I don't feel there is a big separation between what I do for work and what I do for fun. I'm passionate about my work. I find it very fulfilling. The thought of women enjoying the clothing I create makes me very happy. I enjoy hand-dyeing in the garden. Most fun is to play with colors and dyes. It's empowering to create and experiment with new washes and color combos each season. I have a painting studio in the barn. I love being home.

madeLOKAL: What is your favorite color?

Sonia: Nature colors.

madeLOKAL: Where do you source your textiles? Sonia: I go to the LA textile show. I like new resources. I follow my instincts and go on feelings.

madeLOKAL: Where are your silhouettes cut and sewn? Sonia: We do mostly everything locally. We dye all our production in-house. I constantly experiment with different tie-dye techniques.

madeLOKAL: Describe your workspace Sonia: I like to surround myself with beautiful views and clean sight-lines. I like order and structure in my environment. Our cats will come hang out while I work. I make a cup of tea, put some gloves and start playing with dyes. Being in nature while I work is fun and creative.

madeLOKAL: What is your everyday uniform? Sonia: A slip and a LOVE TANJANE tie-dye shirt.

madeLOKAL: Do you listen to music while you work? Sonia: I don't listen to music that often. The sound of nature nurtures me.

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