Unlike most retails stores, Asiatica is unique in that it also functions as an atelier and production facility of the collection of contemporary Asian-inspired fashions marketed through the store and through a nationwide program of trunk shows. McConnell manages a production team of six employees, and all of the cutting and sewing is performed on-site, producing about 1,000 garments and accessories each year. Knowledge of garment construction, design, fit, fabrics and alteration is essential. Because of the one-of-a-kind nature of the products, very little technology is used in the process. For each collection that is produced, decisions on design, fabrication, and size selection are made, and then each garment is cut individually, and each pattern is drafted and graded by hand. As each collection is developed, the production work is managed through weekly and daily goals to be performed by the production team.

McConnell’s lifelong experience in sewing and clothing construction eventually led her to earn her BFA in textile design at the University of Kansas. Since vintage textiles are central to the product design, textile history and knowledge of fabrics is essential, and all of this background provides a perfect combination of skills and experience. Creative inspiration also plays an important part of this process. To this end, McConnell is active in the regional arts community and researches design and garment construction ideas on an ongoing basis.

Asiatica’s unique fashion line is promoted and sold through an extensive trunk show program. So, in addition to her production responsibilities, McConnell travels to twenty to twenty-five cities each year, working with clients across the nation. The ability to call upon a wide range of skills to meet each day’s challenges is essential. In addition to technical and artistic skills, McConnell emphasizes the importance of organization and communication skills as part of excellent customer relations.