Meet Frédérique Sullivan & Charlotte Thivaios | Co-Founders of onsēm

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frédérique Sullivan & Charlotte Thivaios and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frédérique Sullivan & Charlotte Thivaios, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Our story kicks off in the lively and colorful markets of South London, England where serendipity led me to beautiful African prints. (Both Charlotte and I used to live in London but only met later in New York).

My initial plan was to create some pillowcases for my three boys. Little did I know, those fabrics were about to take us on a fun adventure.
African prints come in 6-yard pieces, and I was left with more fabric than I knew what to do with. Being a skirt enthusiast, I thought about getting an elastic waisted skirt with it. As I didn’t have the slightest clue about sewing (then!), I reached out to a friend’s mom in France, who happened to be a sewing wizard.

Fast forward a few weeks, I was strolling the streets of Manhattan, wearing my ‘one-of-a-kind skirt’ and received compliments from strangers every time I wore it so it sparked an idea.
As we chatted with friends, the idea started to feel less like a wild dream and more like a potential reality. The trio, consisting of Charlotte and myself (Marie has since ventured into new horizons), took the plunge.
Equipped with newfound sewing skills acquired through a crash course, we transformed from sewing novices into decent stitchers in just three months. The culmination of our efforts led us to set up shop at a local fair, albeit with modest expectations. To our sheer amazement, we sold 30 skirts in a single day – Onsēm was born!

Our love for African prints has deep roots. Charlotte grew up surrounded by the vibrant wax fabric of Ivory Coast, and my own fascination began during my student days in the eclectic streets of Paris. And let’s not forget one husband, who has his own connection to Africa, having spent his childhood in Nigeria.
Today, Onsēm is a celebration of the enduring beauty and versatility of African textiles. From the heart of London’s markets to the bustling streets of Manhattan, our adventure is a testament to creativity, friendship, and the timeless allure of African prints.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Our proudest achievement is the joy all women find in wearing our skirts. One client hadn’t worn a skirt in a decade but the versatility of the design plus the vibrant color convinced her to embrace them again. Many clients share stories of compliments received while wearing onsēm skirts. Last summer, a lady chose one for her 80th birthday, and a few days ago, a gorgeous 6-year-old picked one mini skirt for her first day back to school. onsēm clients, much like our skirts, embody true versatility.

We also take pride in forging a new path for ourselves in a completely unfamiliar field after leaving England to support our husbands’ professional journeys in New York. We drew upon the skills we had honed over the years. Charlotte’s craftiness, including her knitting talents, proved invaluable (she sells her knits to freezing New Yorkers), and her teaching experience added to her versatility. My 20 years in event marketing provided a solid business and marketing foundation. We blended these skills with our creativity and our deep interest for fashion. Most importantly, we trusted our instincts, which, so far, have served us well on our journey. As French women, we are always looking for timeless pieces that seamlessly blend elegance with practicality and onsēm offers just that.
Our process is a fusion of instinct, inspiration and a healthy dose of trial and error. We follow our vision and dedicate time to exploring and getting inspiration from diverse sources. Then, we meticulously craft the design and search the Bronx and Manhattan, for beautiful African prints. It’s in those moments when everything aligns—when we know we’ve got it just right—that our confidence surges, and we dive into the creative process, firing up our trusty sewing machines.

As onsēm expands, Charlotte and I can no longer handcraft all our skirts and bags ourselves. We are therefore on a new challenging journey proactively searching for manufacturing partners who align with our core values of ethics, respect, and a commitment to quality. As we continue to champion slow fashion, our focus remains on producing only a very limited number of models per fabric so the skirts are truly special.
We’re also venturing into new sales channels, including wholesale opportunities both within and beyond New York. Watch out, Los Angeles – we might be heading your way soon!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Begin your adventure by exploring the vibrant street art of Bushwick Collective in Williamsburg, where you can witness the latest murals and immerse yourself in the local street art scene. If you’re visiting during the first weekend of June, don’t miss the free outdoor festival celebrating street art, music, and food, where you can watch both local and international artists create stunning murals. While in Bushwick, take the opportunity to indulge in some fantastic thrift shopping. Next, take a scenic ferry ride to Manhattan, savoring breathtaking views of Manhattan along the way. For lunch, you can enjoy some amazing ramen at Momosan, located near Grand Central Train Station (you can’t book but the wait is usually short), or you can opt for a delightful meal at Jardim in Greenwich Village, where you can savor fresh dishes with an excellent selection of natural wines.
Afterward, follow the peaceful High Line, a 30-minute walk that offers respite from the hustle and bustle of New York City. As you stroll, admire captivating artworks, remarkable architecture, and a scenic view of the Meatpacking District. Alternatively, you can rent a bike, (including the city bike service), and embark on a 13-mile ride along the picturesque Hudson River. For a magical sunset experience, visit Grand Bank for cocktails and oysters or head to the 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar on 5th Avenue.
To conclude your day, consider dining at one of two great spots. Wildair, located on Orchard Street, is a personal favorite and renowned for its top-notch bar food. Alternatively, venture to Ataboy on 43E. 28th St. for an unforgettable Korean-inspired dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Onsēm wouldn’t be what it is today without the amazing support of our friends and family. They have been pushing us to new heights on this fantastic adventure.
Our friends are a crucial part of our journey. They were not only our very first customers but also served as our tireless cheerleaders, urging us to dream bigger . Their expertise and connections in the industry have been nothing short of a lifeline for us newcomers.
As individuals with no prior experience in the fashion industry, we have had a steep learning curve, and the guidance provided by our friends has been invaluable.
Our husbands and our collective brood of seven boys (yes no girls!) have been nothing short of extraordinary.Whether it was helping us source fabrics, pushing us to craft a solid business strategy, or just being there to share in our excitement, they’ve been with us every step of the way.
And let’s not forget their versatility! From loading up our cars for markets to stepping in as our trusty photographers, capturing us rocking our Onsēm skirts in all sorts of settings and locations. Their belief in our vision, especially during those moments when we questioned our direction, has been essential to our journey.

Website: www.on-sem.com

Instagram: @onsem_ny

Facebook: onsem

Image Credits
Justin Knight Photography: @justineknight for the photo of Charlotte and Frédérique sitting on the bench and walking.