Who We Work With
ZOIA HOME
ZOIA HOME creates Colombian inspired hand-painted terracotta plant pots. It was founded by Valeria Morales, a Colombian living in London. The name Zoia, meaning pot, comes from the Chibcha language of the Muisca tribe within central Colombia. Deeply connected by a beautifully vibrant and rich heritage, Valeria was able to bring the warm and life indoors, particularly during a global pandemic where many spent more time indoors than ever before. When asked why she started ZOIA HOME, she replied, ‘ I want everyone to have a piece of Colombia in their home’. ZOIA HOME is working towards eventually building a relationship with artisans in Colombia and embarking on a fair and ethical business journey. Inspired by her designs, rooted in culture and travel ZOIA HOME and A Common Thread are well partnered.
LUX LUZ
LUXLUZ are a social enterprise creating eco-soy scented candles and reed diffusers. All of our products are handmade in London and vegan friendly. We founded LUX LUZ in response to the unacceptable fact that more than 1 in 4 women in the UK are affected by domestic violence in their lifetime. Our name is LUX LUZ, which means light in Latin and in Spanish, as our products help to bring hope to women who find themselves in situations that can feel hopeless.
Our candles help you to be kind to yourself, to others and to the environment.
Made by Em
Made by Em is my outlet, a form of therapy, escapism and a way to express my creative energy. I started my small business in my final year of university, and while in the whirlwind that is University, I realised I had somewhat lost my creativity. When I was in school I had always been creative in some way and briefly ran a business doing henna tattoos for people, so having a creative hobby was something I really missed. With that, I bought some materials and started making pressed flower designs and since graduation I have been lucky enough to have the time to develop beautiful items that I hope will be loved by other people.
Sustainability in business is a really significant aspect of running Made by Em. We are responsible as business owners to ensure that we are doing everything in our power to pay respect to the environment around us. I believe that this practice is about continuous learning and education, and so I am always trying to develop Made by Em into a more sustainable and environmentally conscious business. I use biodegradable cord, recyclable and reusable packaging as well as ensuring that I source materials locally where possible. Using local suppliers and small businesses allows me to work with fair and ethical practices. Many small businesses have a true and unique artistic talent, and it is only fair that we are able to respect one another.
Village Uncommon
Village Uncommon is co-owned by Turkish-American, Istanbul based couple Murat and Ami Unal. We aim to share unique, uncommon handmade rugs whose tradition started centuries ago in villages all over Mesopotamia, Caucasus and Asia Minor/Anatolia. Village Uncommon is set in Istanbul where continents meet, a city of literal, symbolic, and imagined bridges. It is an ancient city coloring the memories of those who have witnessed its beauty and the dreams of those who have not yet. As many forms of crafts and art, handmade rugs are a medium that is redefined and recreated by this city, in return helping reshape Istanbul through its makers, enthusiasts and crafters. For us, handmade rugs are Istanbul; they are home. Some were made here, some have come here to the place where roads intersect, the land of ancient bazaars and caravansaries. We, as Village Uncommon are happy to be the bridge between Istanbul and your beloved spaces through our passion, our home of handmade rugs capturing Istanbul.
Ami, a local foreigner and avid knitter living in Istanbul is originally from Maine. A native of Izmir, Turkey, Murat's early memories of following his tour guide father around carpet shop tours are the foundation for his love of handwoven textiles. They have been vendors at the Brimfield Vintage and Antique Market, the SoWa Boston Market, Portland Trading Co. in Portland, Maine's Old Port, and Spring Street Social Society's Pop-up at Platform in Culver City, CA.
Lüks
Lüks (Turkish for luxury) is an ethical homeware and lifestyle brand specialising in traditionally woven textiles for indoor and outdoor living. At the heart of this brand is the desire to create beautiful and versatile products that can last a lifetime. The founder, Rachel Ward, comes from a family of makers and has always been surrounded by craftsmen and women who all taught her how to create. After a long career in design and advertising which took her around the world she wanted to do something that felt had a little more personal gravitas and something that would last longer than a 30” commercial. Given her upbringing it was no surprise that she turned to textiles.
Why handwoven ateliers from Turkey you may ask?
“Simply put they are some of the best craftspeople in the world creating the best quality textiles. I’ve met weavers in the villages in which we work that have peshtemals that are over 30 years old! Their vast and rich cultural history in textile production stems back centuries to the ottoman empire and those master weaving skills have been past down through the generations. They know what they are doing. Like many artisans their craft and livelihood has been threatened by automation and mass, machine manufacture and that creates a vastly different product - LUKS wanted to play a small part in supporting the more traditional techniques.” Rachel Ward.