San Francisco native Kathryn Duryea is Founder and CEO of Year & Day, a home brand launched in October 2017 and purveyor of that pale pink tableware that’s been on all of your favorite sites this year. After earning her MBA from Stanford and a Bachelor’s from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, but before starting her own company, Duryea spent over a decade working in e-commerce and brand marketing at Tiffany & Co. And when it was time to step out on her own, she spent a year delving into the tabletop industry, taking a glaze-making class and researching craftsmanship legacies to understand the hallmarks of luxury in ceramics, flatware, and glass before opening the proverbial doors to Year & Day. Kathryn also met with vendors around the world to find partners who employed responsible manufacturing practices as well as understood her vision for top quality products that were beautiful enough for special occasions, but durable enough for everyday use. Thanks to all of that upfront work, Year & Day can offer its customers an intentionally limited as the best products at the best value. Today Kathryn is sharing five of her favorites for Friday Five.
Listen beautiful relax classics on our Youtube channel.
Photo by Rachel Schwartzmann
1. Morning Rituals
Starting my day with a set of grounding, nourishing, and uplifting rituals sets myself up for the daily excitements and challenges of running a business. I wake up before my husband and have quiet time to make breakfast and coffee or matcha while listening to the news, followed by a stretch and morning meditation. Since I’m often on the road, I bring these rituals with me, which helps to keep me focused.
Photo courtesy Gardner Museum
2. Gardiner Museum in Toronto
For the plate-obsessed, this museum is heaven. My husband is from Toronto, so whenever we visit his family, I head here. Its extraordinary collection covers the history of Ceramics from their origins in China and Japan to Europe and I love seeing how the tastes, styles, and materials have evolved over time.
Photo by Jenni Bick
3. Delfonics Rollbahn spiral notebook
No matter how digital my life becomes, I am a paper notebook loyalist. Grid paper is a must: great for writing, graphing, drawing, to-do lists. I’ve tried several brands, but this brand from Japan is my current favorite. I carry one with me at all times. The paper is sturdy, slightly tinted, and it has an elastic band to keep it closed or mark a special page. When I run out of pages I get to pick a new color cover. In addition to to-do lists, I use them to store new ideas for products, content, and ways to grow the business.
Photo by Susan Edel
4. Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur
The California Coastline is an endless source of inspiration to me, and Big Sur is my favorite place – I was married and engaged there. The Post Ranch Inn experience is extraordinary. You are confronted with the beauty and vastness of the Pacific, the California mountains, the grand Redwoods, and the cheerful wildflowers.
Photo by Lena Rewell Textile Studio
5. Lena Rewell Blanket
This handwoven mohair blanket from Finland is pure comfort. When I’m home I wrap myself in this and it feels like a fluffy, luxurious, endless hug. They come in a fantastic array.
Source: design-milk