I am delighted to spotlight one of today’s hottest independent retailers. PORTA brings together European tableware and home furnishings, with a focus on local craft, independent artisans, unique designs, and everyday use.  I was delighted to interview Alice Russotti, one of the co-founders of PORTA, earlier this month. The brand she and her co-founder Francesca have created always surprises me in the subtle ways it pairs traditional textiles and ceramics with contemporary flair. It's an artful balance that’s hard to achieve, but they do it so.
 
During the interview, we chat about running a small business, sourcing inspiration, marketing techniques, and her favorite spots in NYC. Alice didn't hold back when sharing her insights and wisdom.

It gives me great pleasure to share these new images of Fatima's rugs, made in Northern Portugal. If her work was framable, they would certainly belong in a frame:)

This past winter, I ventured to northern Portugal alongside one of the partners I represent. We journeyed to the far north of the country to hand-select new vintage pieces and explore the area’s production capabilities for wool, linen, and basketry. 

I am delighted to circle back with a longtime colleague and friend Sara Berks of MINNA this month. I've worked with Sara over the years, and during that time, I’ve watched her company grow leaps and bounds. She started with just a few small lines of rugs and pillows from Guatemala and has since opened up a brick-and-mortar shop in Upstate New York and developed one of the leading artisan brands in the US. What sets MINNA apart – beyond the soulfulness of its art direction, the quality of its products, and the fantastic storytelling – is the cohesiveness of her brand. Sara and her team have developed a signature style that is seen all the way through, from conception to execution, from product designs to how each new collection is thoughtfully photographed. As I work with brands, I always stress the value of strong photography. I am delighted to feature Sara this week as a primary example of someone who has built a strong brand identity through design, photography, and storytelling. Dive into our interview here - I hope you enjoy it. 

This month, I was delighted to interview Alicia Wallace. She is the founder of All Across Africa, which partners with artisan communities throughout Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, and Tanzania to create a strong and reliable supply chain for brands looking to source wovens and natural fiber basketry. I have known Alice for over a decade and am always impressed with her consistency, her dedication to material, and her commitment to using local techniques specific to different regions in Africa.

This week, I am really excited to share an interview with my long-time friend and colleague Cecilia Pirani of Palorosa. Being of a similar age, our paths have intersected quite a lot over the years. She has one of the most beautiful artisanal brands that I have loved watching grow over the years. Palorosa offers beautiful handbags made using recycled plastic handwoven by artists in Guatemala. Her designs are classic and meant to last but it’s her colors that will keep you coming back. Her eye for design is truly exquisite.