Spotlight Series: One Affirmation
Photography by: Carley Page Summers
We know there are so many moving parts that go into creating the perfect design concept. Our job as designers is to create a concept that represents our clients, personifying who they are in our design. In order to get that finished product, there are so many other wonderful people involved, which is why we wanted to start this Spotlight Series on our blog. For our first spotlight, we went down and talked with one of our absolute favorite textile companies: One Affirmation.
One Affirmation is a family-based company of two sisters, Ginny Brennan and Shari Nicol, working together to source and make hand-made, one-of-a-kind pillows created from African Mudcloth, Indigo, Baule, Hmong, and other exotic textiles made from skilled artisans around the world. We also carry a selection of carefully curated designer fabric and decor items.
Ginny lives in Brooklyn, NY, and many of her inspirations come from the things that surround her daily.
“I work out of my home in Brooklyn. I love my little office and the natural light we get here. ”
- Ginny Brennan
Her sister Shari lives near Dallas, TX. She also works from her home office. It is so inspiring to hear about how these two women combine their passions, forming such a wonderful business from across the country!
Where do you find your inspirations for your textiles?
Everywhere! I live in Brooklyn and there is so much inspiration everywhere you look in New York City. I love finding unique textiles when I travel abroad as well. Thailand was my first big buying trip back in 2015 when we started our business and we still sell some of those styles today.
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Why did you start your business?
My sister and I found that we could marry both of our passions and make a living out of it: my love for travel and her keen eye for all things beautiful. She went to school for Interior Design. Working together has been a dream.
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Tell us about the path that led you to this business?
We knew we wanted to start a business that was socially responsible. I was very inspired by my trip to Thailand in 2015. I got to see Hmong women weave the most beautiful textiles together. I came back with a few suitcases of textiles and we (my sister and I) decided we were going to make pillows and continue to buy from these artisans so that we could supplest their income.
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How are you thoughtful about your products?
We have a rule when picking out our textiles: would we love it in our home? The answer always has to be yes. This can be a bit tricky when there are two of us involved - especially since we both have very different styles. But I think we have done well so far balancing those styles.
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How does it feel to see your designs in interior projects?
Beyond grateful and amazed that we had an impact on someone's home. This never gets old!
SHOP ONE AFFIRMATION
By purchasing these products you are helping to provide many artisans with a vital supplemental income. Thank you for supporting artisans around the world.
