Name: Decorator’s Notebook
Based: Bristol
Website: www.decoratorsnotebook.co.uk
As an interior design journalist, I saw gorgeous home accessories every day, but felt sad that so many were mass-produced in questionable conditions. I set out to prove that design, quality and ethics can go hand-in-hand – I knew about interior trends and had an eye for design, but the technicalities of online retail baffled me. My brother, Joe John, was working in e-commerce so we teamed up to make the idea happen. We enrolled on a business course and I moved back with my parents for a year.
The launch collection includes sari quilts from a social enterprise helping trafficked women in Bangladesh, baskets woven by a co-operative in Kenya and fair trade wool cushions from rural Mexico – all lovingly handmade by talented artisans who get a fair deal.
While retailers usually keep their suppliers secret, we took a risk. In October we completely redesigned our website with a new Projects Page where you can ‘meet’ the artisans. Rather than hiding our suppliers away, we put them front and centre.
This step paid off and traffic increased by 107% in three months. We also achieved coverage in glossy magazines and weekend supplements.
It sounds dramatic, but we really do believe that design can change the world. Our collection brings people thousands of miles apart together. We love that.
Bethan John is co-director of Decorator’s Notebook
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