This month, AOW connects with Tuulia Makinen Diallo of Tensira. With offices in Paris and Guinea, Tensira offers a unique home décor collection, fusing Nordic design and traditional West African craftsmanship. It’s a collaboration between Tuulia, the company’s designer, and Hamidou Diallo, its manager. Hamidou’s mother was an indigo dyer for more than 40 years in Guinea where Tensira’s workshop is located. She was his source of inspiration for founding the brand. Tuulia was kind enough to sit down with us to share the story of her brand and her tips for staying focused.

This month, I was delighted to reconnect with a dear friend and colleague, Mandy Kordal of Kordal Studio. You can read our previous interview here but I wanted to check back in with Mandy. A lot has happened since we last spoke, including the opening of a brick-and-mortar shop in Green Point, Brooklyn. I was delighted to hear that she’s doing well despite all the challenges thrown her way in recent months. During our conversation, she shared what has been working for her, how she coped during the worst times last year, how she pivoted to adapt, and where she’s been going to stay inspired.