Following her intuition, Nicole Crowder began her second act and made a transition from full-time photo editor to pursue her true calling in upholstery and furniture design. In this “Lesson on Soul Work”, we talk about her brand new collaboration with World Market, her practice of slow creation, and why using her lineage to tell a story through her work creates pieces that are generational.
 

Nicole Crowder Upholstery is a Black-owned furniture and upholstery studio. She creates commissioned,​ ​ generational, one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and home furnishings. Her line includes products like meditation pillows, poufs, and more.​ Nicole’s work has been commissioned by the leading hotel chains, restaurants, and spaces like Osteria Morini,​ ​the British Embassy, and Ethel’s Club in Brooklyn. Her work has been featured in design publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Martha Stewart Living. Nicole began her journey into upholstery design after spending her childhood traveling and often moving with her family.

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TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:

  • How Nicole’s photo editing career opened her up creatively to different arts. 
  • Nicole’s transition to upholstery was non-linear and allowed her to adapt, grow and change.
  • The difference between intuition and ego.
  • Nicole’s slow creation ethos.
  • Why Nicole’s vision is to create generational pieces that can be passed down and turned into heirlooms.
  • How her career trajectory shifted when she started having a bigger conversation about how to serve through her work.
  • Forming partnerships that are mutually exclusive but also ones that will help share and amplify your larger message. 
  • Nicole’s collaboration with World Market.
  • What are you leaving behind?
  • Nicole’s mission to highlight the work of Black designers and Black history through her partnerships.
  • Recognizing vehicles for reducing waste in the design industry.
  • Being clear with what you love and what’s important to you.
  • Women’s leadership is about nuance and a combination of experiences and every culture reflects those differently.

RESOURCES/FACTS:

The EPA estimates that 9 million tons of furniture is tossed every single year. 

https://www.nicolecrowderupholstery.com/

https://www.pkaufmann.com/

https://www.worldmarket.com/content/nicole-crowder-collection.do

https://www.nicolecrowderupholstery.com/products/meditation-pillow-plume-1

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Show music:
Get over it by Iightboys
Side road by Jenny Penkin