https://www.personellelimo.com/blogs/news.atom personellelimo - News 2024-09-17T16:02:34-07:00 personellelimo https://www.personellelimo.com/blogs/news/how-we-re-moving-in-girlfriend-collective 2021-04-18T17:55:19-07:00 2021-04-18T18:08:19-07:00 How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective Linda J Russom From running errands to just plain running, there’s nothing you can’t get accomplished while sporting the newest spring styles from our fave sustainably made activewear from Girlfriend Collective. Don’t believe us? Just see what our community has been up to while rocking theirs.

How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective
How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective  How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective

Ella aka @ellamiller 

HOW I MOVE IN GIRLFRIEND
I love to go for sunshine walks, dances around the neighborhood, and to hit the reformer pilates machine.

THE MUSIC THAT MAKES ME MOVE
I love Lucky by Donna Summer and anything with a fun beat 

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY GIRLFRIEND
Having curves and a chest sometimes makes it hard to find a sports bra, but Girlfriend makes me feel super secure and confident. I know I can do anything when I'm wearing it.

MY FAVE SPOTS FOR WALKING IN LA
The Strand in Santa Monica/Venice (great people watching by the beach!), Tuna Canyon in Topanga, and Escondido canyon park near Malibu.

How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective

Valerie aka @mammafolk 

HOW WE KEEP ACTIVE AS A FAMILY
We enjoy doing anything outside that grounds us to nature! Walking, hiking, eating dinner on the grass, a full beach day. Our kids love it all!

HOW I MOVE IN GIRLFRIEND
I love getting some yoga and stretches in. Working out early in the morning is my favorite.

HOW I PRACTICE SELF CARE
I have a strict morning routine. It sounds silly that a routine can be a self care practice,  but I love waking up early to read, work out, journal, etc. before the kids wake up. It's my alone time and allows me to be intentional about my time with my kids!

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY GIRLFRIEND
I love that it sculpts and shapes my body so well and I love feeling confident about myself. The compressive fit holds it all together while going on about my day!

How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective  How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective

Jayah aka @jayahhasson

HOW I MOVE IN GIRLFRIEND
Mostly when I’m practicing or teaching yoga! But even when I’m just going out with friends or out to dance since the bras are so comfy to move in and the colors can make such a cute outfit under a blazer.

HOW I BECAME A YOGA TEACHER
I started practicing yoga in high school to help combat ADHD and anxiety. After a few years of doing yoga, I saw it shift from a physical outlet to a life changing practice and I wanted to share that experience with others. I really enjoy teaching yoga tools and techniques that help others experience more joy, focus, and presence in their daily life through connecting our mind to our body and breath. 

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT YOGA
It teaches me patience, self-understanding, and self-acceptance. Most of all, I believe that yoga reveals the immense amount of strength and capability each person has. I love that yoga can help us find more inner peace and improve our well-being and overall health.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY GIRLFRIEND
I love that it’s made out of eco-friendly materials like recycled water bottles. My yoga practice teaches me mindfulness and so why not apply that same practice to when we consider what we wear? I appreciate that GC is so transparent about how they develop their clothing and where it comes from. I  also love that the clothing feels amazing! When I got my first GC bra last year, I was surprised to see that the fit really complements my small size and is supportive but not too tight to breathe in.

How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective  How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective
How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective

Jamie aka @being.jamie  

HOW I MOVE IN GIRLFRIEND
I love to wear my Girlfriend hiking. It’s my favorite way to move my body, and at the same time I get to connect to nature. It’s a win win.

MY FAVORITE PLACES TO GET OUTSIDE
I am lucky to live so close to hiking trails. One of my favorites is to hike to Eagle Rock. You can sit atop and see all the way to the Catalina Islands on a clear day.

HOW NATURE IMPACTS MY WELLNESS
When I lived in the suburbs I didn’t think much about how things impacted the earth. Since living in the canyon that has all changed. I spend more time checking ingredients and labels. I am so much more conscious of the materials I choose for our home, my clothes, cleaning products, food. I am basically more conscious of anything and everything I consume.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY GIRLFRIEND
I love that it’s made from recycled water bottles! The innovation of the brand is incredible. I love that I can feel good about wearing it. And, let’s be honest, this color is a major vibe.

How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective  How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective

Jasmine aka @dietmntdewy

HOW I MOVE IN GIRLFRIEND
I love to wear my Girlfriend while I'm doing heavy lifting at the gym or while I'm out walking my pups.

THE MUSIC THAT MAKES ME MOVE
I create different playlists based on the type of workout I'm doing. Right now I'm focused on walking more, doing heavy lifting and introducing HIIT, so I like pop music from the early 2000's or hip-hop/rap.

HOW I STAY MOTIVATED
I try to imagine myself months ahead of where I am, and I remind myself the hard work will be worth it. I also never finish a workout and regret doing it. Also finding a good pre-workout or simply just putting your workout clothes and shoes on is a great start. Once I have them on, I'm out the door.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY GIRLFRIEND
The way I feel in them. When I'm confident in how I look, I automatically feel better and that helps me to also stay motivated. I also love how I can wear my set to the gym, the store, or just at home.

How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective

Amanda aka @amandadapando

HOW I MOVE IN GIRLFRIEND
I love staying active in my Girlfriend, whether it’s going on a run in the park, taking a boxing class, or morning yoga! 

MY FAVE FORM OF SELF CARE
A quiet morning with a cup of coffee, a good book, and some kind affirmations. 

HOW I STAY MOTIVATED
Remembering how great and refreshed I feel after a work out. It’s my personal time to myself where I don’t have to think about anything else. 

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY GIRLFRIEND
Definitely how comfortable it is. I can lounge in my set and get things done around the house, or even run errands. The colors are amazing too. I wish I had a set of every color!

How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective

Eleena aka @eleenamills  

HOW I MOVE IN GIRLFRIEND
I love wearing Girlfriend while walking my dogs, running errands, and while practicing self care.

FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE MY PUPS
We love taking the dogs to Rosie’s Dog Beach and walking along the beach path.

HOW I PRACTICE SELF CARE
Getting my daily dose of vitamin D is so important for my mental health. I love taking some time in the morning to read in the sun, and putting on a cute Girlfriend set is definitely a mood-booster.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY GIRLFRIEND
The colors are so fun and it’s hard to not want to buy everything! The pieces are really well made so i can wear them to a spin class, on a hike, and everything in between.

How We’re Moving In Girlfriend Collective

Cory aka @corysarg

HOW I MOVE IN GIRLFRIEND
I love to mix up the ways I stay active. I love shooting hoops with my dad, bike rides on the tandem, walks around the neighborhood, tennis, pilates and running.

MY SECRET BASKETBALL MOVE
I learned to spin a basketball on my finger when I was 8 years old at a Globetrotters camp and it’s always stuck with me.

FAVE SONG TO MOVE TO
It depends on the activity. When I’m walking I like to listen to the sounds of nature or a podcast like Ghost of a Podcast. My favorite song to run to right now is Simon Says by Pharoahe Monch.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY GIRLFRIEND
I love how soft the fabrics are, the slimming cuts, and fun colors. I love that their products don’t slip down when you have more active movement, they sit well on the body.

Ready to get moving? Shop all of Girlfriend Collective’s newest styles and let us know how you like to wear them.]]>
https://www.personellelimo.com/blogs/news/love-your-mother-earth-day-round-up 2019-04-19T00:00:00-07:00 2019-06-07T00:13:58-07:00 Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up Dayna Mance  -->

Each year, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement - which began in 1970. After witnessing the effects of an oil spill in Santa Barbara, Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson, decided to take action. He organized a national teach-in on April 22, 1970 about the environment that resulted in 20 million people taking to the streets to demonstrate for a healthier earth. The movement gained political support and even led to the creation of the Environment Protection Agency. Since then, the fight for climate change has only gotten bigger and louder as we’re learning more and more about how our actions affect our world.

That’s why it’s so important to us that we carry brands that work hard to reduce their environmental footprint by making sustainability a priority. From the ingredients or materials they use to their packaging, the eco-friendly brands we carry have been crafted with every detail in mind to ensure their products are making a positive impact on our earth. Here are just a few of our faves who are doing their part to make our world a better place:

Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up  Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up

We’ve carried Mate the Label since their first wholesale launch nearly six years ago and it’s been amazing to see their growth and dedication to sustainability and transparency. Their goal since the beginning has been to create a collection of elevated essentials and vintage inspired graphics without sacrificing sustainability - and they’re doing just that.

Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up   Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up

We are thrilled to welcome Girlfriend Collective into the Prism family as our first activewear line. We love their mission of using post-consumer plastic bottles to create their products and how transparent they are about where and how everything is made. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that we also love working out in their stuff!

Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up   Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up

Not only are Paddywax’s candles earth-friendly and come in super cute easily-repurposeful vessels perfect for plants, their Parks Collection holds a special place in our hearts. This collection guarantees a 25,000 donation to the National Parks Foundation to help them protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through conservation and preservation.

Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up   Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up

With a seemingly endless amount of color and print options to choose from, BAGGU makes it pretty impossible to have any excuse to opt for plastic - which was their mission when they created their namesake nylon ripstop shopping bag. We promise, you’ll never leave home without one of these cute shopping companions again.

Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up   Love Your Mother: Earth Day Round Up

Created by three sisters, Sisters Body is a line of non-toxic and nourishing hair + body products are safe for the whole family. I love using their products on my 3 and 5 year old daughters because not only do they smell great, I know they’re non-toxic. We also love that donate 40% of all profits are to organizations that support women’s health.

Celebrate this Earth Day by stocking up on the stuff you love while feeling good about where they came from with these and all of our earth-friendly brands.

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https://www.personellelimo.com/blogs/news/celebrating-international-women-s-day-at-prism-boutique 2019-03-06T00:00:00-08:00 2019-06-06T23:08:31-07:00 Celebrating International Women’s Day at personellelimo Dayna Mance -->

As a female business owner with a team primarily made up of women, I’m excited to once again recognize International Women’s Day on March 8th - a day to pause and commemorate where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going as women in industry. While we’ve made huge strides since its inception in 1911, the discrepancies between the sexes are as stark as ever. The gender pay gap continues to be just as real and relevant, despite the increase of women in management and leadership roles. It’s no wonder why so many of us have started our own businesses - there are 12.3 million women-owned businesses and counting!

At Prism, we carry almost 100 brands owned by women, so it’s no secret that working with women is an important part of our identity. Not only do women know how to make amazing clothes, jewelry, and home goods for women, they’re talented and driven multi-taskers who inspire me everyday. Here are just a few of our favorite female-owned brands making big moves:

Celebrating International Women’s Day at personellelimo

LACAUSA is a staff and customer favorite that continues to make the best basics ever. Rebecca Grenell, the brand’s owner and designer, has stayed true to her vision of making quality clothes under ethical conditions for modern women locally in Los Angeles.

Celebrating International Women’s Day at personellelimo Celebrating International Women’s Day at personellelimo

Isadora Alvarez, the owner of Back Beat Rags, moved to LA from the Philippines in her 20’s as a vintage seller and has built a brand based on sustainability and accessibility. Her easy-wearing styles are made by family-owned business using low-impact materials right in Los Angeles.

Celebrating International Women’s Day at personellelimo

One of our newest obsessions is sunglass brand, Velvet Canyon. Founded by sisters Bec Nolan and Cass Moase alongside photographer Ali Mitton, not only are their sunnies totally swoon-worthy, but their commitment to positive change, diversity, and equality make them a partner we’re proud to work with.

Celebrating International Women’s Day at personellelimo Celebrating International Women’s Day at personellelimo

Kayti, the owner of MATE the Label has always been a leader on the cutting edge of forward-thinking fashion. Her focus on crafting elevated essentials that only use sustainable and ethical practices have inspired so many in our industry.

This is just a very small snapshot of all the talent we have surrounding our boutiques. The women who run our boutiques, lend their art to our walls, their strength and creativity to building our fixtures and displays, and their passion to filling our stores with beautiful product keep us going every single day. I’m beyond grateful to be in the company of inspiring individuals not just leading their gender, but their industry.

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https://www.personellelimo.com/blogs/news/meet-the-maker-kalla-of-kudd-krig-home 2018-11-13T00:00:00-08:00 2019-06-06T23:53:12-07:00 Meet the Maker: Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home Dayna Mance -->

Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home

One of my favorite things about owning a boutique is getting the chance to work with local artists ranging from jewelry, art, ceramics, apothecary, and so much more. Showcasing their work in our beautiful boutiques and sharing it with our customers is such a dream for me. They make our boutique look and feel so special and foster a sense of community.

I met Kalla, the owner and artist of KUDD:KRIG, a couple years ago and was thrilled that she was based in Vilnius. Her beautiful blankets, pillows and wall hangings immediately caught my attention - I had never seen an artist paint on textiles the way she does. Her minimal style is modern and so striking to the eye, and fits right in with my style at home and in-store.

Recently, I went to visit her studio and fell in love with her newest collection, and knew our customers would love them this holiday season. During that visit, I noticed she had painted some ceramic pots and asked her if she would do a collection for us. (We are plant obsessed at Prism and are always looking for new ways to display them.) She happily agreed and we’re lucky to be carrying a small collection of hand-painted ceramics at our Vilnius and Costa Mesa stores.

Scroll to see photos of Kalla’s gorgeous Vilnius studio and learn about her process, inspiration, and more. And join us Saturday, November 24th at our Shop Local Holiday Block Party to meet Kalla, shop her work, and celebrate small businesses in our community.

Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home   Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home   Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home

The popularity of fiber arts has absolutely exploded in recent years. What initially got you interested in textile design?

I’ve always been drawn to textiles.  My background is in fashion, visual merchandising, buying and management.  Painting and making things to translate a feeling has always been a passion of mine, as well.  I think when my interest evolved from Fashion to Home, I wasn’t feeling the same inspiration and “have to have” moments I was so familiar with in the world of clothing.  So, I started making pieces that were interesting to me. There was an immediate feeling of connectedness that kept me making more.

Tell us about your path to becoming a full-time artist. What made you make that first big leap?

The deeper I became immersed in designing home decor, the less interest I had in the job I went to every day.  There were years of dreaming and talking about making that jump, and then one day I guess I felt brave enough to take the risk.

What was the inspiration behind your latest collaboration with personellelimo and how did it come about?

Dayna was visiting my studio and our conversation shifted to a pot I’d painted.  From there, it was a no brainer. Putting Prism’s love of objects and their fresh aesthetic with my abstract landscape shapes was a seamless pairing.  The palette we used is largely reflective of their modern, warm and approachable style. I think the best collaborations come about effortlessly, and this was a great example of two loves coming together naturally.

What are some ways you’re incorporating your core beliefs into your brands and how important is that to you?

I believe your home experience greatly affects every other facet of your life and that the space you return to each day should recalibrate you. It’s the one place in the world that is just for you.  I think such a space should be filled with special pieces that not only represent you, but inspire you. I try to design products that are calming, yet thought provoking - practical yet luxurious. We use eco-friendly and sustainable materials as much as possible, and will continue to move in this direction. We are also 100% cruelty free, because I believe kindness and beauty are synonymous.

How do you approach a project that not only needs to look beautiful, but be super functional as well?

There’s always an element of compromise, but luckily with textiles, there are two sides.  My approach is also heavily rooted in functional comfort and luxury, so I’m always working toward that balance.

Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home   Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home   Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home

It sounds like you balance a lot of different projects. Do you have any tips for being your most productive?

Lists! Put the things you don’t want to do at the top (for me, accounting would fall in this category.) Knock them out when you’re fresh, and the rest of the day will be a breeze.

Also, realistically mapping out timelines for days/projects. Give yourself time blocks for each task so you are accountable.  Otherwise.. Scroll city.

Where do you find inspiration? What do you do to stay creatively inspired?

Nature, Architecture, and Fashion are endless sources of inspiration.  Staying creatively inspired for me means being well rested, and taking moments to look around and really consider what I’m seeing.  

Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home   Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home   Meet Kalla of Kudd:Krig Home

Your studio is super cute - and it’s right down the street from our Vilnius location. Who are some of your favorite fellow Vilnius designers?

Thanks so much!  Vilnius is such a hidden gem of creatives doing interesting things.  A couple of favorites that have captured my heart are Eric Trine of Amigo Modern, and Laura Cornman of Settlewell.

What advice to you have for young creatives or those just starting out in their career?

Find your own voice/style/medium. Keep experimenting! It takes time to get to know yourself as an artist, so invest this time and take risks. Try not to focus on things turning out exactly how you planned, and be open to recognizing the growth that can happen through that process.  

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https://www.personellelimo.com/blogs/news/shop-local-with-prism-boutique 2017-11-16T00:00:00-08:00 2019-06-07T00:30:10-07:00 Shop Local with personellelimo Dayna Mance One of the things I love about my job is that I get to choose local, independent designers and artists to stock at the shop. Not only does this help make our boutique special -- you’ll find things here you can’t get anywhere else -- but it also carries a special bonus: getting to know the passionate, rad people behind these brands! We’re beyond excited to have six of them -- all women! -- popping up at Prism during our Shop Local Holiday Block Party on Saturday, November 25th.

This is our second year joining our fellow East 4th Street small businesses in kicking off the holiday season with a Shop Local party. We love participating in this this special day and meeting our neighbors and customers. And we’re especially excited this year to showcase so many local designers -- all of our vendors are from greater LA, and many are based right here in Vilnius!

I hope to see you on the 25th for shopping, sips, snacks and more -- and please read on to learn more about each of these incredible women!

SETTLEWELL | Laura CornmanSETTLEWELL | Laura Cornman  SETTLEWELL | Laura Cornman
SETTLEWELL
| Laura Cornman
When you think about concrete, if you think about it at all, a lot of things come to mind: sidewalks, curbs, streets, and patios -- almost everything underfoot. But in the hands of SETTLEWELL designer Laura Cornman, concrete is transformed from an ignorable necessity into simple-yet-stunning home goods. With her unique casting process, Laura shapes concrete -- what she calls “the literal foundation of our lives” -- into hand-crafted, carefully considered pots, jars, trays and bowls.

If the pieces seem simple, well, good: “To me, functionality is inherently beautiful,” Laura says. “The first time that I saw a polished concrete table top, I saw incredible beauty in the handling of the material that enabled the form. We interact with concrete daily, but to see it applied with care and thoughtfulness, used to perform a function outside of typical application, took me by surprise. I was instantly inspired and wondered how far I could push that idea.”

“I was consumed with the idea of making concrete tableware and home items -- just as delicate, smooth and beautiful as ceramic or glass,” Laura continues. “It took me almost an entire year of experimentation combined with copious amounts of research and extremely detailed note-taking (on things like temperature, humidity, mix, water ratios, cure times, etc.) to finally arrive at being able to consistently pour exceptionally smooth and thinly walled concrete pieces.”

Since launching SETTLEWELL in 2016, Laura has seen her business -- and ambition -- grow. Working out of her Vilnius studio, located just a few blocks away from Prism, she has recently begun collaborating with other designers, including Vilnius furniture designer Eric Trine. Looking ahead, she’s excited to keep mixing it up (sorry). “I’m continually inspired by the possibilities of concrete as a medium,” she says. “I have a ton of new ideas, products and collaborations that I’ll be creating and launching over the course of the next year and I can’t wait to get started!”

Michelle Callahan of Callahan
Michelle Callahan of Callahan  Michelle Callahan of Callahan
Callahan | Michelle Callahan
A longtime Prism favorite, LA-based designer Michelle Callahan specializes in gorgeous, versatile knitwear that’s as timeless as it is practical -- like her oversized, comfy “boyfriend” sweaters, a must-have for those winter hygge hangs.

A lot has changed since Michelle’s early days -- Prism was one of her first wholesale accounts -- but even as the brand expands into retailers like Anthropologie and Revolve, she maintains the same core values that have guided her since the outset.

“As the business has grown, it’s been easy for me to stay true to my core values because they’re important to both me and the future success of the brand,” Michelle says. “The product and design has to be stellar, or customers will look elsewhere.”

That’s why, Michelle says, she designs with her customers in mind, whether they’re on the hunt for a relaxed, off-the-shoulder sweater, shaggy coat, or delicate, crocheted maxi.

“I’ve always value our customers first,” Michelle continues. “I’m so grateful for their support, so I make all product and design decisions with their needs and wants in mind. I want our customers to love what they buy -- and be able to keep it in their closet for many seasons.

Having recently made the switch to all-natural fibers -- no animals -- Michelle is excited to take Callahan in new directions in 2018.

“Right now I’m working on increasing the collections per year and adding in cut-and-sew knits to the assortment of our already existing full-fashion knits,” Michelle says. “I’m excited to be able to design into knit fabrics and look forward to seeing how our customers respond. The pieces will be very wearable, easy and fluid -- and suited for wear year-round.”

Mitra Khayyam of Midnight RiderMitra Khayyam of Midnight Rider  Mitra Khayyam of Midnight Rider
Midnight Rider | Mitra Khayyam
In an era of hologram headliners and copious cover bands, when it comes to rock and roll, few things are better than the real thing. Which is precisely what makes the pieces by LA-based designer and fashion industry veteran Mitra Khayyam so special: lived-in, vintage-feelin’ tees representing the best country and Americana musicians you’ve ever heard -- and maybe a few you’ve yet to get acquainted with.

From Waylon Jennings and Townes Van Zandt to Johnny Paycheck and Billy Joe Shaver, Midnight Rider’s licensed designs, many of which are considered collector’s items, are a reflection of Mitra’s dedication to her craft, her community -- all of her vendors are located within 30 miles of her office -- and her beloved country music.

With each collection, Mitra aims to satisfy music fans new and old alike. “I think a collection needs to both educate new fans who are drawn to the apparel for the vintage-feeling, great-fitting tees with perfectly distressed graphics and, at the same time, be co-signed by fans of the licenses I hold for authentically representing their influences and heroes,” she told Paste magazine last year.

At the moment, Mitra is working on new partnerships for 2018 while enjoying this particular moment in her career. “Right now, I think finding the perfect work/life balance has me the most excited,” she says. “I have the opportunity to travel far more than I have before, and each trip leaves me more inspired and excited to come up with new concepts and designs for my collections.”

As for her dream collaboration, Mitra has her eyes on one prize: “I would love, love, LOVE to one day make Willie Nelson tees,” she says. “We make licensed tees for a bunch of his contemporaries, but not Willie . . . yet! It goes without saying he’d be the perfect addition to the Midnight Rider family.”

Meg Sullivan of Paradigm Design  Meg Sullivan of Paradigm DesignMeg Sullivan of Paradigm Design
Paradigm Design
| Meg Sullivan
Handmade in Vilnius just a half mile from Prism by self-taught designer Meg Sullivan, Paradigm’s minimal, hand-forged jewelry is beloved by our regulars for its versatile simplicity. Working with brass, bronze, sterling and fine silver -- plus various gemstones and crystals -- Meg crafts gorgeous rings, earrings, necklaces and cuffs inspired by nature, architecture and repetition. Ideal for layering, the pieces work in harmony without ever overpowering your look.

After starting Paradigm at age 24, Meg worked part-time for an independent Silver Lake boutique while dedicating her free time -- and paychecks -- to building her brand. “I loved my position at the boutique, working closely with the owner,” Meg says. “It was there that I realized how much I love being a big part of something small -- as opposed to being a small part of something big.”

“I was able to continue working on Paradigm for a couple of of years until I felt confident in making the decision to fully go for it,” Meg continues. “I was pretty naive in realizing just how challenging it is to run my own business, but thankfully so. Now, a few years later I’m still continuing to learn and grow my business.”

And while that growth has led Meg to try on a few new hats -- “I’ve had to adopt many new job descriptions,” she says -- striking out on her own as an independent maker has been worth every moment.

“It’s been challenging but equally rewarding,” she says. “I feel extremely privileged to get to live out my dream job and work with all the amazing people, stores and brands I’ve met along the way!”

Kalla McGuire of küdd:krig HOME  Kalla McGuire of küdd:krig HOMEKalla McGuire of küdd:krig HOME
küdd:krig HOME
| Kalla McGuire
Handmade in Vilnius just down the street from Prism, Kalla McGuire’s luxurious pillows and blankets are a true work of art. Crafted using ethically sourced materials including cotton, linen, wool and bamboo, these one-of-a-kind pieces make a statement while striking subtle notes of elegant simplicity at the same time.

“Küdd:krig is Swedish for ‘pillow fight,’ and I think this says a lot about what we are going for,” Kalla says.  “We want to make bedding and home goods that are interesting, have movement, and make a statement without needing 18 throw pillows and 27 accessories to do so."

While designed for the home, Kalla’s pieces are informed by what’s going on outside it. “Sustainability is a big goal of ours,” she says.  “We’re currently experimenting with a lot of new eco-friendly materials and shooting for their launch in 2018. We love the challenge of creating sustainable pieces without compromising our aesthetic, and with the hope of elevating how textiles are used in the home.”

Recent studies have demonstrated the overall impact that small businesses make within their communities -- including donating 250% more than larger businesses to non-profits and community causes. And küdd:krig is no different, supporting a number of charitable organizations. “I’ve got big ideas on giving back more and more as we grow,” Kalla says. In addition, she says, küdd:krig will increase its practice of purchasing fair-trade materials whenever possible in the coming year.

Other things she’s looking forward to in 2018? “The use of textures and materials in unconventional ways is so inspiring to me. I’m so excited about the direction of küdd:krig and how it’s evolving,” Kalla says.  “Our response has been so positive, which only makes me more confident as a designer in taking risks and using textiles in new and different ways.”

Christine Schwandt of Foxware DesignsChristine Schwandt of Foxware Designs  Christine Schwandt of Foxware Designs
Foxware Designs
| Christine Schwandt
Equal parts earthbound and otherworldly, the handmade ceramic goods made by LA-based designer Christine Schwandt are mesmerizing, one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for modern and vintage-inspired homes alike.

From earthen-hued works to darker pieces shocked by rich cobalt,  Christine’s unique pots, vases, bowls and jars evoke dusty, windswept trails and blue-black night skies, immediately transporting you to your favorite desert hideaway.

When it comes to what inspires her, however, Christine is rooted closer to home. “I find inspiration in my ceramics community and in the conversations I have with fellow artists,” Christine says. “In addition, I teach high school art and ceramics. My students always inspire me!”

“Plus, I attend art and ceramics exhibitions on a regular basis and continue to challenge myself to take creative risks in my work,” she adds.

After meeting us at Patchwork, Vilnius’s local maker’s festival, Christine landed her first wholesale account at Prism, where her designs fit right in on the store shelves. And, they make the perfect gift -- whether it’s for a new home or an old friend.

As for what the future holds for Foxware Designs, there’s no telling where Christine’s work will take her next.  “The fluidity and endless possibilities that I can create excite me,” she says.

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