We’re starting a new section on SS called ‘Meet the Makers’ where we get to know the people and stories behind our favorite things.
We’re not talking about ‘big brands’ from major companies, we’re more interested in the little people (like us!) who naturally are committed to creating something they love.
It could be an amazing textile designer, florist, wood maker, candle stick maker..ha. Well, you know where we’re going but we need your input. They don’t need a store or proper business – just an exciting and inspiring passion for what they do.
To nominate a product or maker email me so we can showcase all their amazingess on SS.
First up, meet the talented and ingenius ladies behind The Sill.
Pippa x
The Sill
Founded 2012
Founders: Eliza Blank & Gwen Blevens
www.thesill.com
“The houseplant has arrived.”
“The Sill is a destination for discovering potted plants that enhance both quality of life and the look and feel of your environment. We hunt down houseplants suitable for city dwellings – long life, easy care, adaptable – and hand pot them in an eclectic mix of artist-made containers.”
Where do you find the inspiration for your work?
We draw inspiration from architecture, design, fashion, nature…there’s certainly no lack of inspiration in New York.
Tell us about your design process.
We find artists who have a unique point of view and collaborate with them in the process of making a planter that is a balance of function and form – what the plant needs, but all its own a work of art. Then we find the perfect plant-mate.
What is your favorite material to work with?
Dirt! Nothing like digging in and potting a plant.
Where do you imagine you’ll take the company next?
Next!? We just got started. We have high hopes to take The Sill national but that’s just today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Who would be a dream collaborator?
Henri Matisse if he were alive. Hugo Guinness today – currently obsessed with his prints.
What colors/ patterns are you drawn to right now?
NEON! Metallics. Watercolors. Luckily foliage supplies never-ending options for pattern and texture. To complement the natural beauty of the plants, we often choose simple, understated, classic shapes and colors for the planters.
How did you get started in this field/ industry?
Pure and simple, a love of having and giving plants … and not being satisfied with the potted plant options available to us.
What’s one tip you would give to people getting into this business?
Be passionate about plants! You not only have day-to-day business activities to stay on top of, but you’re responsible for living, breathing things.
Who do you see as an innovator (or “Who do you look up to”) in this field/ industry?
In all honesty, part of why we started The Sill is because we didn’t see innovators in the space. While we see talented interior designers doing wonderful things with greenery in their designs, and find artists creating beautiful ceramic pieces that could house plants, no one was putting it all together. We wanted to be that missing link.
*****
Email Me! Pippa@SousStyle.com
