I met and discovered Brandie Gehan recently at the Dallas Market – Sneak Peek. During market a favorite spot of mine is the Temporaries; the two mile trek usually pays off. And, this time didn’t disappoint.
As I came around the corner, there was B by Brandie a young spirited tabletop line that matched the creative behind it. I immediately knew I wanted to visit with Brandie to learn more about the story behind her tabletop collection.
On the day of the interview we met in her home, it was vibrant and welcoming – certainly a home where interesting and lively discussions take place. Her young, fresh and modern tabletop line certainly matches Brandie’s aesthetic in fashion and home decor. Although her style is modern; her values are traditional; from the beginning with the influence from her mother’s love for entertaining at an early age to her daily business dealings with her company today – family is front and center.
So, dear reader, without further due have a cup of coffee and visit with us for awhile….
Who and what is B by Brandie?
Founded in 2012, B by Brandie, presents high-quality home accessories that add a dash of fashion to the table. The brand’s fusion of distinctive design and modern styling with durability and practicality lends itself to a variety of settings, from traditional dinner parties, modern cocktail gatherings or every day use. With pieces from the brand, consumers can update everyday family dinners with sleek porcelain combinations or take out the bone china for more intimate gatherings. B by Brandie evokes the world of grand entertaining to everyday tableware. Each piece bears the name of renowned party mavens, such as Jackie O., Zelda Fitzgerald, Brooke Astor and more. The brand’s color options and varying patterns can inspire adventurous consumers to showcase their own take on entertaining by creating their own customized place setting while pre-styled suggestions provide an effortless option. “B by Brandie was highly influenced by my mother’s love of entertaining and her well known dinner parties.” With the new collection, I wanted to share my family’s love of gathering an eclectic mix of people for delicious food, lively conversation and a bit of bubbly paired with accessories that add another memorable element.” Each dinnerware piece will be sold individually, enhancing the mix-and-match component.
What were you doing prior to designing a tabletop collection?
I was working in E-Commerce for AT & T. I have always loved to entertain and saw the need for a tabletop line where you didn’t have to buy in sets.
What inspired you to design a collection where you can mix patterns?
The younger demographic uses paper plates for everyday dinnerware without knowing there are options besides how their parents or grandparents purchased tabletop. The model of buying a 10 place setting is not in the vernacular of modern living for the younger demographic; which is expensive to purchase and replace if one piece breaks. I created this line to provide everyday use, flexibility to purchase individual dinnerware, and allow the consumer to use their creativity to mix and match place settings.
What is your favorite tabletop setting that you designed?
The black and white collection; it was my first creation.
What are three things that update your dinnerware?
1. Personalization (monogramming) 2. New pattern or color 3. Layering your place settings (dinner plate, salad plate and bowl).
What should he/she splurge on in your collection? Where can they save?
Splurge on the charger; it makes a great impact but you can use it as a dinner plate as well. To save; the salad plate or glassware they are great small additions that are reasonable but make a statement.
When you were dreaming up your collection, what were your resources of inspiration?
Travel, tearing out pages of shelter magazines, patterns and especially color – I love color. But, I looked for inspiration everywhere I went.
Since you love to travel; What is the place that inspires you most?
Charleston, South Carolina – its easy and beautiful living…especially love the Rainbow Row Houses
Because you travel to NYC for business, what is one of your favorite neighborhood haunts in the city?
There is a great restaurant on the Upper East Side that changes its name as the seasons change – Park Avenue Summer becomes Park Avenue Autumn becomes Park Avenue Winter
A key distinction of B by Brandie is practicality. What are a few things that help you balance family and business life?
Time management is key and the support of my family.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t working?
Spending time with my family, shopping and going to the movies – I love movies; as a child it was one my favorite things to do with my mother.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cookies – my favorite are Animal Crackers
What makes you laugh?
My family, but I always try to find the humor in things I can’t control.
What are you most proud of in your life?
My family – I can go anywhere and be okay; they keep me grounded.
So, what’s next for B by Brandie?
Right now, we are trying out other color palettes to introduce into the line. For the future; We are looking to expand into flatware and eventually small home accessories.
Well, I am certain we will see more fantastic things from B by Brandie and I will be sure to post it here. Dear reader, I hope you’ve enjoyed our visit and as a special gift to you – B by Brandie is offering all my readers 20% off purchases until 3/7. Purchase B by Brandie pieces here and use Discount Code: ELLEBBB at checkout.
Please comment and let me know what collections you love…my favorite is Navy and White. And, for July 4th; I will be snatching up her red, white and blue collection, which will arrive in pretty packaging (see below).
(Just had to throw this one in….)
Enjoy!
2. Update Bathroom Faucets: This is one of the least complicated parts to updating your bathroom. But, it will dramatically update your space. A great company that has quick delivery and reasonable prices is Signature Hardware. And, their customer service is excellent!
