I made this years ago, inspired by a woman on the NYC subway who had a super chic punk rock style. She was covered with piercings and tattoos, but the thing that caught my attention the most was the peace sign that she had made out of safety pins on the back of her denim jacket. I remember thinking about how artful it looked and also thinking how symbolic the image was...how fragile peace is and how this strong young woman spun it into something edgy and even rebellious just by the way she wore it. Her message seemed to be that peace, however tenuous, is worth fighting for. Couldn't agree more!
The past year has not exactly felt calm or peaceful...too much unrest going on both locally and globally, and numerous challenges brought on by Covid presented themselves to me and my business. It has been a year of hard work, grit testing, pivoting, and resilience. I can say, though, post getting through it all, that I am ever more optimistic about the power of community.
The artisans, artists, interior designers, tastemakers, shop owners, sales reps, fulfillment associates, and customers that I have worked with have made such a positive impact on my life and business. Thank you for all of your support. It is clear to me that together we can do great things! Some of the highlights that we accomplished this past year:
- Working with a non-profit fulfillment company, Mid-Hudson Works, that hires people with disabilities, both mental and physical, many of whom are US veterans. (Third year in a row).
- Working with interior designers Barbara Fisher and Jennifer Morris on the Kingston Design Show House in Kingston, NY that was supported this year by a nonprofit called the Kingston City Land Bank as part of their initiative to help create affordable housing in Kingston. A lucky first time homeowner purchased this beautifully designed home below market value after the show was over.
- Supporting a women's textile collective in India that is Fair Trade Certified.
- Donating to God's Love We Deliver, a non-sectarian organization that creates and delivers medically tailored meals to seriously ill people in the NY Metro Area.
I am looking forward to 2022. New designs and old favorites are making their way to New York. I can't wait to share them with you in the new year.
Wishing you peace and sending my sincerest thanks,
xx
Margaret Ahearn
Founder/Designer/Creative Director/Optimist
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