Women supporting women not only continues the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but has the added benefit of beautifully furnishing one’s house while possibly ending up on the best-dressed list.

Collaboration is the basis of my design work. It begins with the client then extends to artisans and installers to make the plan come to life. In doing so, I want to know where the products I am buying are made and who is making them. I don’t want to support a business who is exploiting workers by underpaying them or subjecting them to inhumane working conditions. Buying antiques eliminates that worry, but it isn’t always an option. When I must buy new, I turn to my favorite artisans and businesses who never fail me. It is particularly enjoyable teaming up with other women business owners. Women need to support women.

Recently, I looked to a favorite rug company for a local project. The owner looked at the images I sent and made a sample for my approval. I ordered it, she shipped it, and it arrived without incident. Easy. It was installed a week ago and what a difference it made. The room is full of special furniture with gleaming wood, antique metallic embroidery, and mother of pearl chairs. The contrast of a humble rug makes the room approachable. The color variation of the jute and superior quality of the weave made it clear that this rug was not purchased from a big box store. It was made with care by a skilled artisan. In addition, to being pleased with the outcome of the rug I was elated from the experience. It is especially gratifying working with and supporting women.

Women that make me look good.

Elizabeth Morrison, the lovely owner of From Jaipur with Love, is responsible for providing beauty to floors around the world. She makes dhurries, wool weaves, and numerous jute varieties. It seems as if anything is possible from her. Patterns and colors can be customized, but her website has ready made items available for quick purchase as well.

Elizabeth Hewitt and Clare Louise Frost design their own textiles and with a third partner own Tamam in NYC. Tamam is a jewel box of a store stuffed full of antique and vintage textiles, pottery, jewelry, and rugs. There are also kimonos and pillows made with their fabrics. They are a wonderful source for my projects as one simply cannot find a yazma with oya in Orlando, Florida. Next Spring I will have the pleasure of traveling to Istanbul with them, Covid willing. These two are so funny, speak sexy Turkish, generously share their extensive knowledge, and wrap a mean package.

Provenance Antiques. Melissa and Yarek Filipczak consistently find the most tempting treasures from Europe and bring them back to their Atlanta warehouse. Thanks to them an Italian altarpiece, a French directoire chair, a painted Spanish chest, as well as numerous mirrors and tables have made their way to Orlando where they are the showstoppers within my clients’ homes.

Want that “I look amazing but am too smart to care” look?

Cynthia Cazort Collins designs and sells clothes from her San Antonio bungalow. Cynthia advocates for slow fashion proving that sustainability is also stylish. She is endlessly creative churning out dress after dress after caftan after tunic. She is FUN, a ball of enthusiasm, a fellow Texan, and someone you want to spend lots of time with doing anything at all.

Olivia Joffrey offers California-made & California-inspired clothing that just happens to be perfect for Florida as well. I live in her dresses (wearing one this minute). Olivia proves that intelligence and beauty are not mutually exclusive. Her Instagram posts transport the reader back to 1970’s California with her apt captions. She encourages one to read, read, read, looking effortlessly chic while doing so. No black yoga pants or overtly revealing clothing allowed. Be better.

Cristina Lynch, founder of Mi Golondrina, designs clothing embroidered and made in México. Buying Mi Golondrina items not only supports a woman-owned business but the Mexican women artisans as well. Cristina also makes a point to collaborate with and promote other women-owned businesses within Dallas and beyond. Plus, she is my cousin so support a Lynch.

Casa V is a woman-owned business supporting women while making homes beautiful.