Two girls. One ‘shady’ dream.
This is the inspiring story of two friends' relentless pursuit to bring a vision to life, despite countless challenges and a 20-year journey of perseverance.
Rebecca and Jill met in high school in the vibrant city of New Orleans during the 1980s. They quickly became best friends, bonded by their love for fashion, music, and an eye for design. Their shared passion for life cemented a lifelong friendship that would later become the cornerstone of their business partnership.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, displacing thousands and destroying homes and businesses. In the aftermath, amid the ruins of their beloved New Orleans, Rebecca and Jill found themselves facing their own losses. Rebecca's bustling restaurant and Jill's well-established antiques store were among the casualties. With their livelihoods uprooted, the two friends faced an uncertain future. Yet, out of this adversity, they nurtured a vision to help others rebuild their lives.
Rebecca and Jill noticed a glaring need in the market for stylish and sophisticated temporary window coverings. Inspired by necessity and driven by their keen design sensibilities, they envisioned creating a product that would not only offer practical solutions for those rebuilding but also bring a touch of elegance to temporary living situations.
While grappling with the chaos of their disrupted lives, Rebecca, with two small children to care for, focused on reviving her restaurant in New Orleans. Jill, forced to close her antiques store, moved to Los Angeles and embarked on a new career in the film industry as a wardrobe supervisor. Despite the geographical distance and the demands of their new lives, the duo never abandoned their shared dream.
For years, they searched for a local manufacturer who could bring their vision to life, but they were met with repeated setbacks. Undeterred, they expanded their search overseas, determined to find a partner who could deliver the quality and style they envisioned. Their persistence finally paid off when they found a manufacturer capable of producing their innovative window coverings.
With manufactured samples in hand, Rebecca and Jill showcased their product at the prestigious 2023 NY NOW Trade Show. Their creation received immediate acclaim, winning the Best Textile award on the first day. The recognition didn't stop there.
After 20 years of unwavering dedication, Rebecca and Jill's vision had become a reality. Their journey from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to the triumph of their innovative product is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and unbreakable bond.
Today, Rebecca and Jill's business continues to thrive, providing stylish solutions to those in need and honoring the spirit of their beloved New Orleans. Their journey underscores the power of friendship, the importance of community, and the enduring impact of never giving up on a dream.'