Our new Stick Of The Week! is Kate Collins. Kate is in the NOW as owner and designer of Plume Collection, a Brooklyn based fashion and home goods company founded on three simple passions -- combining traditional craft skills with modern design, providing empowerment and equality to women globally, and the belief that nothing is more cherished in a home or fashion collection than truly unique, handmade products of the highest quality.
Kate Collins A life long artist, Kate found herself yearning to find a way to have more of a social impact through her designs. In particular, the persistent impact oppression has on the majority of women in the world through lack of a basic education and economic opportunities. When the idea for Plume Collection came to her, it proved to be a perfect way to meld her passions for design and human rights.
Kate uses her passion for traditional craft skills to positively impact women's rights and economic independence. Every purchase made within the Plume community helps provide economic and social stability to the women artisans Plume works with. In countries where often times women have highly limited employment opportunities, Plume supports women's economic independence by working solely with women owned businesses that provide fair local wages. Additionally, by regularly showcasing their artisans, Plume provides them with a visible global platform for their talents, that otherwise would not be seen outside their home country.
Kate uses her passion for traditional craft skills to positively impact women's rights and economic independence. Every purchase made within the Plume community helps provide economic and social stability to the women artisans Plume works with. In countries where often times women have highly limited employment opportunities, Plume supports women's economic independence by working solely with women owned businesses that provide fair local wages. Additionally, by regularly showcasing their artisans, Plume provides them with a visible global platform for their talents, that otherwise would not be seen outside their home country.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall).
Plume!! I am a person who is always inundated with creative ideas. Some I dive into and make tangible, and some I just let pass through. I was at a time in my life when the sand was settling after a really rough period. My mind had opened up again to creative thinking. I was inspired again! That's when the idea for what is now Plume, came. I was driving home from dropping the kids off at school and having a love for all design, I was looking around at all the women in Park Slope. I noticed what they were wearing and accessorizing with. That's when I started thinking about how much money goes toward fashion and home goods, and how fabulous it would be to funnel that money to people who need it. Furthermore, I thought how wonderful it would be if these items were not just designed by creative artistic people, but also made by artisans. This idea bounced around my mind for the rest of the day. The seed was planted and the vision kept on growing in my mind.
Then, I had to make the vision a reality! This is how Plume was realized. I currently create a seasonal collection of women's fashion and home pieces. I do all the designs and find women artisans from different parts of the globe to create these pieces mostly by hand.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
My NOW is simmering. I have just completed my second collection which will debut at our Fall Boutique in Brooklyn tomorrow! I have learned so much already and have so much more to learn about what I'm doing. I love collaborating with the artisans, and I love coming up with the new design ideas. My greatest joy is always being able to design the next collection and have the opportunity to use what I have learned to do a better job with each upcoming season.
Plume!! I am a person who is always inundated with creative ideas. Some I dive into and make tangible, and some I just let pass through. I was at a time in my life when the sand was settling after a really rough period. My mind had opened up again to creative thinking. I was inspired again! That's when the idea for what is now Plume, came. I was driving home from dropping the kids off at school and having a love for all design, I was looking around at all the women in Park Slope. I noticed what they were wearing and accessorizing with. That's when I started thinking about how much money goes toward fashion and home goods, and how fabulous it would be to funnel that money to people who need it. Furthermore, I thought how wonderful it would be if these items were not just designed by creative artistic people, but also made by artisans. This idea bounced around my mind for the rest of the day. The seed was planted and the vision kept on growing in my mind.
Then, I had to make the vision a reality! This is how Plume was realized. I currently create a seasonal collection of women's fashion and home pieces. I do all the designs and find women artisans from different parts of the globe to create these pieces mostly by hand.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
My NOW is simmering. I have just completed my second collection which will debut at our Fall Boutique in Brooklyn tomorrow! I have learned so much already and have so much more to learn about what I'm doing. I love collaborating with the artisans, and I love coming up with the new design ideas. My greatest joy is always being able to design the next collection and have the opportunity to use what I have learned to do a better job with each upcoming season.
Soutache Bracelet made by Manja in Poland
Hand knitted sweater made by artisans at Mikono Knits in Kenya
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
I would just say the most important thing is to have the courage to jump in! I think it can be overwhelming to think about adding one more thing to our plates and busy schedules. I find though, with creative endeavors, I always feel more fulfilled and excited about the other things in my life. Honoring our creativity can "wake us up" and fill our cups, so we have more energy and joy with which to face our days and our children with.
I would just say the most important thing is to have the courage to jump in! I think it can be overwhelming to think about adding one more thing to our plates and busy schedules. I find though, with creative endeavors, I always feel more fulfilled and excited about the other things in my life. Honoring our creativity can "wake us up" and fill our cups, so we have more energy and joy with which to face our days and our children with.
Katie with her husband Emilio and two daughters Naiya and Zadie
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
Inspiration. I don't think I needed to be motivated. It was something I just had to do or it would have lived in my head and I would have not stopped thinking about the idea. It was something I just had to try.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
I am a visual person so I am constantly being inspired by the natural world, and by other creative people and what they are doing. These things excite me, provoke ideas and generally get my "wheels turning."
Inspiration. I don't think I needed to be motivated. It was something I just had to do or it would have lived in my head and I would have not stopped thinking about the idea. It was something I just had to try.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
I am a visual person so I am constantly being inspired by the natural world, and by other creative people and what they are doing. These things excite me, provoke ideas and generally get my "wheels turning."
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
It is very difficult! I have to say, I never feel like I can get to everything on my "to do list" the way I would like to. Sometimes I feel like I should be spending more of my time with the kids. On the other hand, I am definitely a happier person having something in my life that is fulfilling and keeping me inspired. There is no question that being a happier person makes me a better mom.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
My ultimate goal for Plume would be to be able to start a fund or foundation with which to create partnerships with some of the companies we are working with. I would like Plume to be in the position to provide more direct help through creating situations that would teach both sides more about what it takes to bring women to a more respected and powerful position in commerce and business around the world.
My ultimate goal for Plume would be to be able to start a fund or foundation with which to create partnerships with some of the companies we are working with. I would like Plume to be in the position to provide more direct help through creating situations that would teach both sides more about what it takes to bring women to a more respected and powerful position in commerce and business around the world.
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