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Life & Work with Kate Ward of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Ward.

Kate, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Orijinal started in 2015. I had several kilim rugs I inherited from my grandmother and I wanted to make them into something wearable. I didn’t know what. I started cutting, and the first pieces, necklaces, came to be. Since then, we have made all sorts of accessories out of hundereds of old, threadbare, and damaged, kilims.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I worked solo in my garage for several years and through the addition of several children, a home renovation, and Covid. During the home renovation, I turned an exterior building in my yard into what is now the studio. Now, I have a designated place to sort through dusty rugs.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are experts in changing and rearranging Turkish kilims and funky textiles into wearable art.

How do you define success?
It’s very subjective, isn’t it? I define success (in business), as bringing to life and making it work. For me, it is textile artistry, but any venture had to be dreamed up by someone, whether it be selling office supplies or putting out a shingle.

Pricing:

  • $60-$175

Contact Info:

Person holding a colorful patterned bag with a handle, wearing camouflage pants and a dark top, with red nail polish.

Person holding a stack of straw hats, one with colorful decorations, outdoors with a building in the background.

Person wearing a white shirt with a large, colorful square pendant necklace, standing outdoors with one hand on hip.

Collection of colorful, patterned caps arranged on a surface, featuring various geometric and abstract designs.

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