In 2008, I co-founded Gravel & Gold, a design collective and shop in San Francisco. In 2015, my partners Lisa Foti-Straus, Nile Nash, and I passed down the business to the wonderful Holly Samuelsen and Tomra Palmer, who carry it forward.

Gravel & Gold has always been a community—a place to exchange information, skills, and support—as well as a shop. Workshops, shows, veggie CSAs, stories, and good pants all happen here.

3266 21st Street San Francisco California

PRINT DESIGN

Retailwise, after finding our footing by stocking vintage clothes, used books, local ceramics, the world’s most intelligent folding scissors, etc., we decided to begin to produce our own stuff. Our seed inspiration was to become the Marimekko of San Francisco. We wanted to feature handprinted fabric made into durable clothing, accessories, and home goods.

Lucky for us, the San Francisco garment industry—a tiny remnant of what was going on in the peak Levi’s and Gap years—was hardworking, capable, and willing to help along a group of eager beginners. The yardage silkscreen printers at ZOO-INK were especially inspiring and educational.

I learned on the job how to design prints for fabric. “Boobs” was my first print– quick ink portraits of every shape and size gossiping among themselves. It was a hit! It was majorly knocked off. Years later, it’s still part of the conversation. I’m lucky I got to learn firsthand, OK, a fabric can be a political publication, a rallying flag, its meaning can go as deep as you like.