“I started sewing as a teen on a hand-me-down Singer machine from my mom. Her costume making was what got me inspired to teach myself how to use it.” Seemingly always involved in art, Violet honed her skills in an array of jobs from interning for the L.A. Philharmonic’s art department in high school, to teaching summer sewing classes to children she nannied throughout college. “ I was a nanny for five years, so I think that’s where I picked up that playfulness that shows up in my Buddy series.” Violet, moved on to be a wardrobe assistant and art director apprentice to Sidney Bartholomew (of Farrelly Brother films) in 2001-2003. In her spare time, she continued to expand her Buddy sweatshirt collection. Her pieces are all one of kind, done by hand and at home. Violet’s first runway show was in 2005. It was completely self-produced and featured among others, the winner of "Project Runway". In 2007, she returned with a holiday party co-hosted by Stones Throw Records and Fader Magazine that showcased models wearing couture dresses that incorporated the “Buddy” bear.