CREATIVE MOTHERHOOD: ASHLEY VIOLA
Next up in our Creative Motherhood series is Ashley Viola, owner/founder of Meridian, “a social enterprise brand that designs, produces and sells unique and beautiful heirloom quality home décor, accents and textiles handmade by artisans from around the world.” We’ve collaborated with Ashley on photoshoots and used her products for private client design jobs (and in our own homes!), and we are consistently amazed at the beauty and quality of her goods, the relationships she’s developed with vendors all over the world, and the fact that she brings her son along on most of her sourcing adventures! We’re thrilled to feature her and to find out more about how she balances life as a business owner and mother.
INTERVIEW WITH ASHLEY VIOLA
Meridian Woven Palm Baskets from Zimbabwe.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you got started with Meridian.
I had a career in television and media, where I was a Producer/Director for Sesame Street. Many of my projects there were about celebrating the diversity of the world and the uniqueness of the characters around us (how else could we all love Oscar the Grouch so much?). I traveled a lot for work and for pleasure, and immersing myself in other cultures has always been part of my daily ethos.
Around the same time, I went to decorate my new apartment in Manhattan, and I wanted it to reflect everywhere I had been as well as the places I wanted to see. I quickly found there wasn’t a central place for me to decorate my home that echoed my values and my aesthetics. That’s when Meridian was born!
I love the stories behind objects, and our collection features handmade decor with a story to tell.
Ashley on a recent sourcing trip in Turkey.
How has your business changed and evolved over the years?
Meridian has grown in the last few years to work with artisans in over 20 countries. I think we started with just a handful! I’m proud to say that we’ve stayed true to our roots and partner with producers and organizations who value Fair Trade principles. We’re dedicated to treating our partners fairly and honestly – and keeping our price points attainable by not inflating them for massive profits. We’re also focused on artisans working in traditional crafts, and working hard together to preserve these ancient, handmade techniques.
Meridian’s artisan partners in Kenya carve wood to create spoons, handles, and bowls for the Meridian collection.
Meridian’s collection features the best of global design, and our products reflect all of these values using natural textures and neutral hues. Over the years, we’ve honed in on these aesthetics because they are timeless, traditional, and not held to trends fueled by social platforms like Instagram. We’re paving our own way and growing a movement that embraces an elegant, global lifestyle.
Several times a year, Meridian launches small-batch capsule collections that feature the best of global design. Each capsule includes tailored and timeless handmade pieces using traditional crafts, sourced from the most talented artisans around the world.
How does motherhood impact your work?
I find that being a mother makes me a better entrepreneur. Most of our artisan partners are working mothers. I am in constant awe of their strength, humor and determination. All of our partners are working with their own hands to support their families, build a business, provide medical care and educational opportunities for their children, and gain respect in their local communities. Although we are separated by distance, language and culture, we have many of these things in common! We are all doing the best that we can, and are working together to help lift each other up.
Ashley with one of Meridian’s artisan partners, a member of a basket weaving coop in Zimbabwe.
I love to involve my son, too, in every step of the business. I take him with me on most of my sourcing trips and lately he’s been interested in helping me with photo shoots! It’s really important to me that my son see me working hard, witnessing the rewards and the struggles that come with running a small business. I hope someday he’ll appreciate all of the trips and experiences he has had growing up!
Ashley and her son (now 9) in Egypt.
“This is essentially what business travel looks like with a 4 year-old” says Ashley. Here is her son in a Moroccan carpet shop, completely upside in a pile of rugs.
What are some exciting new projects you are working on (personal or business related)?
Over the last year, I’ve been able to take on a few private clients who are running small boutiques and are looking for unique products to fill their stores. Leveraging my contacts and travels around the world, I’ve been able to help other small businesses build out their merchandise and pull together some gorgeous bespoke collections. I’m looking forward to doing more of this, especially as travel restrictions lift and I’m able to source products in person from local markets and interesting places.
Ashley shopping for block print textiles in India.
ASHLEY’S QUESTIONNAIRE
On My Nightstand: My phone, because I’m in constant communication with our artisan partners, most of whom are across the world and working when I am asleep. So the first thing I do before I go to bed – and the first thing I do when I wake up – is check my phone!
I also have a photo of my son on my nightstand, because he is the most important person to me. Sadly, there is also probably a dog toy on my nightstand, because my tiny Yorkshire Terrier likes to bury them in my bed!
In My Passport:
Nothing! It’s hard to believe, I know. I travel a ton for work and have even considered ordering extra pages for my passport in the past. I just got a new passport in early 2020 and was about to leave for Uzbekistan when COVID hit – I’ve since had three canceled trips that would have made great stamps!
On My Design Wish List:
Antiques. I grew up stopping at every antique store and flea market my parents could find. When I was younger, I found it endlessly boring, but now that I am an adult I realize their design sense really has contributed to my own style and sensibility. Of course, now, I pull the car over for every vintage store, flea market, and yard sale that my family can tolerate!