There’s so much to say and so little space, so today I’m going to give you a sneak peak into the design worlds behind some of my favourite products. For more about these amazing women visit Daily Imprint.

Burst of inspiration: Jodie Fried, Bholu

The story behind Bholu is inspiring enough – then you see and feel the product!

How and why did you start Bholu?

Bholu was born after I had been living in India for a couple of years. I went there on a scholarship to work as a set and costume designer for a traditional Indian dance company and fell in love with the country and its people. After a devastating 2001 earthquake, I went to assist aid for a village in the desert region of Kutchchh. During this time I experienced amazing hospitality and became particularly close with the women, whose beautiful traditional embroidery is only really used for their own clothing. Immediately I thought I have to do something with this. A few years later, I went back with my designs and gave the samples to village women to see what would happen. I achieved some amazing results. The women laughed at the lack of sophistication of my designs and thought their “Bholu” could do better! (Bholu meaning a small child, often a term of endearment to a grandchild.) The name stuck and Bholu was born!

What are your favourite pieces from the range?

I adore the toys - the result of a collaboration with the children in the slum communities. I designed them from their drawings, trying to be as accurate as possible to capture the awkward and childlike way children interpret their imagination. A lot of the creatures have quirky anatomy which makes them undefinable as a particular animal. Adults love them just as much the kids.

Burst of inspiration: Kristina Karlsson, Kikki.K

Swedish-born Kristina has done for stationery with Kikki.K what Ikea has done for furniture.

Why do you think Swedish design has become so prominent globally?

Scandinavian design is characterized by clean lines and simplicity. But perhaps more importantly, it’s the principles of form and function, meaning not only is the design stunning to look at, but it’s also practical. It sounds like a cliché, but we’re all so busy that while we love to surround ourselves with inspiring objects, it’s equally as important that their function makes life easier.

What was your vision when you first started Kikki.K?

When I finally discovered what it was I wanted to do with my life, I announced to my partner Paul: “I’m going to design and manufacture designer stationery, and sell it via retail boutiques located in my favourite cities all over the world!” Understandably he thought I was crazy. But I was determined.

Burst of inspiration: Marnie Goding, Elk Accessories

Ever since I saw a deer head on a hot water bottle, I’ve loved Elk’s beautiful and affordable range.

Why did you start Elk?

It was quite an organic process; we started off making hand-sketched and cut silver. When various opportunities presented themselves at right time the Elk label started to evolve. It almost feels like while we are at the steering wheel we have really been pulled along by demand. I also felt that as a consumer, many accessories on the market did not offer what I wanted. Either the design was too over the top or the quality was poor… we remind ourselves of this always when designing.

What’s the driving idea behind the brand?

Simplicity and quality. We have a lot of competition but do not worry too much about what everyone else is doing or what the current high street trend is. Our customers have proven to us they are looking for quality and pieces they can wear comfortably season after season. We never stray from our ethos of strong design, simple styling and quality materials.

Burst of inspiration: Virginie Fontes

Even though it’s been “done” to death, there’s still something irresistible about French design. And when you meet someone like Virginie, owner of Honey Bee Homewares and Toile a Matelas, who’s sweet and beautifully creative – it’s hard not to sing out vive la France!

How and why did you start Honey Bee Homewares?

I’ve always been involved in homewares and interior design in France. So when my husband was transferred to Sydney I wasted little time looking for French homewares shops. I discovered one in Fairlight called Honey Bee Homewares. I used to love spending time (and money) there and eventually ended up working there. When the shop owner moved to Noosa it was an obvious choice to take over the business. The shop had to be relocated, so I took this opportunity to bring my French touch to it and add products directly from France and exclusive to the shop.

How would you describe the Honey Bee style?

I like to believe Honey Bee style is unique in Australia as I put a lot of effort to source original products from France and display them in such a way to recreate a stylish French interior. The French Provincial style has been so popular that it has lost some of his appeal and originality. It’s still great if you live in a huge house with high ceilings and old features (even better if you happen to live in a chateau) but to my view it’s not always suitable for beach living, apartments or more modern residences. The French style displayed at Honey Bee is more simple and adaptable to any interior.