Summer Dalton

Summer Dalton’s path to entrepreneurship has been anything but linear. Growing up in Ventura, Summer developed a deep appreciation for hands-on work and the natural environment, shaped by experiences ranging from working in state parks in Malibu to serving as a wildland firefighter. After moving across the country—from New Orleans to New York, where Summer attended art school and worked as an art handler at a museum connected to MoMA—Summer built a foundation rooted in creativity, problem-solving, and resourcefulness.

Moving back to Ventura, Summer spent seven years working for an environmentally conscious apparel company, where close exposure to garment construction sparked a curiosity that would later define Tiger Owl Designs. Summer began sewing baby clothes and experimenting with patterns while preparing for the arrival of her first child. A single pair of handmade wrap pants quickly caught attention, and what began as a personal project evolved into a growing business. From the beginning, Summer envisioned a brand centered on slow fashion: timeless, flexible designs made from sustainable materials like linen, with an emphasis on quality over quantity.

As Tiger Owl Designs grew, so did the complexity of running a business. While Summer thrived in the creative aspects of sewing and design, challenges such as marketing, storytelling, and bookkeeping began to surface. Navigating the demands of entrepreneurship, especially as a mother balancing family responsibilities, required new systems, support, and strategic thinking.

After hearing about Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) through her network, Summer applied for the Forgivable Business Loan program. Although not selected the first time, Summer persevered and was later awarded a $10,000 grant. That opportunity opened the door to deeper engagement with WEV through consulting programs Accelerate and Thrive. Working closely with her advisor, Michelle Gysan, Summer gained clarity and structure in areas that once felt overwhelming—from creating marketing systems to establishing a stronger digital presence.

Beyond strategy, the mentorship provided accountability and encouragement. Regular advising sessions helped Summer stay focused on priorities that might otherwise fall to the back burner, while also offering a space to navigate the emotional realities of entrepreneurship.

“Working with a mentor has been a game changer. It has helped me prioritize, stay accountable, and actually move forward on the things that matter.”

With WEV’s support, Summer has built more sustainable business practices and continues to grow with confidence and intention.

Today, Summer operates Tiger Owl Designs from a dedicated workspace, marking a significant milestone after years of working from home. Celebrating one year in this new location, Summer has seen meaningful growth—not only in the business itself but also in community connections. Collaborations with neighboring businesses and participation in a local Midtown business group have created new opportunities for visibility and shared success.

“Find a community. Being a business owner can feel overwhelming and lonely, and having people to share ideas with makes a huge difference.”

In addition to creating small-batch, made-to-order clothing, Summer has expanded into teaching sewing workshops, empowering others to better understand and value the garments they wear. These classes reflect a broader mission: to challenge throwaway culture and inspire more thoughtful consumption. Looking ahead, Summer envisions success as achieving a sustainable balance: earning a living wage while maintaining time for family, creativity, and personal well-being.