We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Kellim & Erin Conklin | Humble & Grand and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren Kellim & Erin Conklin | Humble & Grand, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
In the early days of our company, we really focused on Simplicity, Authenticity, and Sustainability as core values. Those are still central to all decision-making within Humble and Grand. But what we have discovered is that trust is actually the most important principle for us. We have learned that we must trust our abilities, the knowledge, and the skills we hold to help others. We must trust the process. We must continue to put our love for what we do above financial successes because when you trust in your work, you do it for the greater good of others. Then when you continue to help people and inspire them they have trust in you. So it ends up being a much more reciprocal principle. Which really is a backbone to any good sustainable business, Trust. So I suppose now, Trust and Trustworthiness are principles that matter the most to us.

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?
We are a design studio that combines interior design and organization for individuals. We believe that we are somewhat of a reflection of the things that surround us. We don’t believe in over-consuming, we believe in simplicity. We let every job be guided by the theory of Lagom, “not too much, not too little.” just enough. We are very proud of how unique our company is. We get to help people create homes that feel slower, more simplified, and more in control, not a place that is controlling them. Our work helps people feel happier at home, it gives them more clarity and peace. That is what keeps us excited about work every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would wake up and walk to the neighborhood coffee shop, Lovewell. It’s also run by sisters and serves great coffee and pastries! No pretension, just a great neighborhood coffee shop that welcomes all with smiles! Next, we would go for a hike. So many good ones in Ventura / Ojai area! Would definitely go to Timbre bookshop! It’s the most adorable little bookstore in Ventura! With tons of excellent titles! Would finish the day off with a picnic at Cemetary Park. The view and sunsets are some of the prettiest in Ventura. All simple pleasures! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our Recognition goes to a village of people! First, our parents. They have supported us and encouraged us in absolutely every goal we have set! You just can’t get better parents anywhere! Our husbands have been extremely supportive of us since day one of this business, even if they could not see the vision of what we were creating, they trusted in our abilities. That’s huge when you have trouble trusting in yourself! As to credit for what inspires us, travel has to be no. 1. When you visit places that are culturally, artistically, and geographically different from where you are from, it makes this lovely imprint on your brain, at least for us it does. Every time. Another credit goes to great designers and artists that are leaders in our industry, such as Ilse Crawford. She is a revolutionary in making design about the human being and less about aesthetics.

Website: humbleandgrand.com

Instagram: @humbleandgrand

Image Credits
Image credit – Stephanie Plomarity

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