Today we’d like to introduce you to Milicent Armstrong.
Milicent, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The idea for Artemis Design Co. was born on a trip to Istanbul in 2007. I saw and fell in love with carpet bags, shoes and all of the other accessories that were repurposed from the beautiful flat-woven textile. Several years later, while attending Interior Design school, I made my way back to Istanbul, found a small artisan workshop that was willing to work with me, and began production on my first run of products. These first pieces took the concept of repurposing Kilims and coupled it with modern, classic American designs.
The first collection, which was sold out of my South End apartment was an instant hit, and was quickly picked up by renowned retailer Steven Alan. Artemis has grown organically since then and has garnered the attention of the WSJ, Town & Country and Esquire magazine to name a few, and also gained a cult following among interior designers and magazine editors for its unique, one of a kind, but also classic feel.
We are in our 5th year in business, and I travel back to Turkey regularly to oversee production and source heaps of Kilim carpets for future collections.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We’ve definitely had our share of ups and downs, but for the most part, it has been great- all a learning experience. When you can learn something from the harder times, it makes it worthwhile and actually a good experience.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Artemis Design Co. – what should we know?
We are known for our colorful, fun, and one-of-a-kind Kilim carpet Shoes. They are handmade from actual Turkish Kilim carpets, so they are a conversation piece as much as a fashion accessory. In the past 5 years we have never seen two pairs that are exactly alike. The art of Kilim carpet design is extremely rich, and every color, symbol and pattern tells a story about the life and times of the weaver, which most people don’t realize. We make an effort to share this richness with our customers, in teaching them about Kilim symbols and the art of carpet weaving, as opposed to just selling them shoes. We send our customers a chart of Kilim symbols and their meanings with their orders, so that they might be able to decipher symbols in their own shoes and have a deeper understanding of the beauty and depth of the product.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The care that everyone on our team puts into their role at Artemis and their role in fulfilling our mission is a characteristic that makes our company special. Our mission is to enhance the everyday lives of our customers by providing them with uncommonly beautiful and charming products and a unique experience through the rich backstory of the textiles used to create them, the cultures of their origin, and our passion for an exceptional customer experience above all else.
Our mission is truly woven into every interaction we have with our customers, every photo and illustration on our site, every physical thing we put out, whether a shoe, or a postcard, or the packaging…everything we do is furthering our goal to spread joy and enhance the everyday lives of our customers.
Having a deeper purpose than just selling products motivates us on different level. I have found that realizing this mission has been an important as a turning point for our company.
Pricing:
- Classic Kilim Loafers- $248
- Men’s Kilim Smoking Shoes- $268
- Women’s Kilim Slides- $248
- Baby Kilim Duffle- $315
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artemisdesignco.com
- Phone: (857) 399-0444
- Email: hi@artemisdesignco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artemisdesignco/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtemisDesignCo/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/artemisdesignco/
Image Credit:
Patrick Janelle
Windsor Dalton
Kiel James Patrick
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