Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Leftwich.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever Atelier began her 1st chapter in late 2019. The studio was born intentionally to create a space in the luxury interior design industry for wallcoverings created by varying artful practices. All of the patterns had different stories and artistic practices within their inspiration. I had been a part of the Dallas luxury interior design world for s(ever)al decades and I wanted to see my avant garde vision represented. I wanted to bring creativity back as the forefront in all of Ever’s patterns; and have my visual voice encountered within the high-end textile/wallcovering industry.
Ever Atelier changed last year when my co-founder left the studio and went another direction. It nearly dissolved the studio- but we got by, and are here, with more creative energy than (ever). We have been working around the clock on Ever 2.0 with the same intentional classic vision that I began with in 2019. I am so excited for Ever’s future. I want to re-introduce our Yates/Maestri/collaborative patterns into the market. Additionally, we have s(ever)al new patterns in the works that I am BEYOND ecstatic about- stay tuned!
Last year was an extremely challenging year for Ever, but I am reminded that our path is not always straight. It tends to get super windy- and entrepreneurs/others who tell you it is straight forward, and easy, are probably not being honest about their journey. I look down (ever)y day and am reminded- I keep creating; I get to keep creating. I am working differently because of last year (with other jobs included to make it all work), but I will figure it out, and I will keep creating..I am for(ever) grateful for the journey- even if not easy, the reward IS the journey…not the destination.
Alright, 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?
It has not been a smooth road, but I would not have it any other way. Ever has a strong creative story to tell, and I think clients connect with the inspiration/practice within it.
Other struggles this year include navigating profits in a world with increasing pricing in all facets of the business world. Our shipping rates, our wallcovering paper/ground rates, our printing rates- they all have increased with growing costs…it has been difficult as a small business owner to keep up with all of the inflation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Ever Atelier is a local wallcovering/art studio based in pure creativity. I get inspiration from (ever)ything. Our studio dreams up/creates patterns and operates/prints our designs locally (to enhance our local community + be tariff/duty free). I am most proud of continuing to be here as a studio + being a part of the AMAZING/TALENTED/STRONG Dallas design community. Many others travel here for design inspiration. I have enjoyed being a voice in it, amongst many others, over the past few decades. What sets Ever apart- is the basis/intention to include emotional experiences from clients that connect- in living with the wallcovering designs we create. I am always trying to create new textures and have SOOO many ideas. The pattern names and color ways all have creative intention.
Another thing that sets us apart from large wallcovering/design houses, we try to alleviate waste. We do not make you order a double roll of wallcovering- if you just need a single roll. There is no standardization in the design/wallcovering industry- so most print/ship in specific larger increments. We print in 3, 4, or 5 yard roll increments to alleviate waste and help the E(art)h.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
I see the design industry becoming much more experiential overall. Interior design has become more about the experience created when you are in the space, or existing in the space. Think of an immersive art exhibition- or feelings when walking into a crazy cool boutique hotel (with service on (ever)y level)… So product design will continue to grow with pure inventiveness (to keep up). I also see the Dallas design landscape changing. It is being re-invigorated in new ways with new galleries, types of businesses, and new showrooms. Growth continues!
Pricing:
- Please inquire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.everatelier.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everatelier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everatelier
