STUDIO NAME

Grain

Your Name

Chelsea Minola & James

When/how/why was your studio founded?

We founded Grain in 2008 as a way to work in creative partnership with each other.

Who or what inspires your process?

We find a lot of inspiration in learning about traditional craft techniques as well as new manufacturing technologies.

Daily ritual?

Chelsea: Time in nature, movement and meditation. James: Coffee!

Favorite item in your studio?

Chelsea: Teas and snacks.

James: Lie-Nielsen hand planes.

Favorite nerd hobby or interest?

Chelsea: Herbalism.

James: Long distance trail running.

Describe your studio+work in 3 words:

Our core values are: Essential Beauty + Attentive Care + Well Being

Biggest hurdle you've overcome thus far?

We have been through so many since 2008. Starting out in a recession taught us a lot about adaptability and the power of building meaningful relationships and community. That said, I think this moment is probably the darkest time of our business and our lives. As parents, we are hopeful humans, but this moment with its health, social justice and climate crises is truly testing us. I hope this is a tipping point that pushes us to build a safer and kinder world.

Book, movie, song, or meal that describes your studio ethos?

Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) is a book that really inspired us in thinking about building a truly beneficial business.

Are you launching any new products? Or have something exciting you want us to share?

We were set to launch a new furniture collection made from cork at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in May, but the show was cancelled and our studio shut down for four months. We are still playing catch up on client work before we can finish the new collection. The plan is to launch in 2021 if it is safe to do so.

GETTING TO KNOW OUR STUDIOS: EP2 - GRAIN