Post by Danielle Kurtz, Creative Director at The Land of Nod

In honor of International Women’s Day, we asked 13 women who inspire us to answer one question. What advice would you give your twelve year old self? Here’s what they had to say. And, we gotta say, we think it’s all great advice for any woman or man, no matter their age.

Michelle Kohanzo is The Land of Nod Managing Director, mother of four and a champion for artists and makers ‘round the world.

Roxy Marj Barrus is the designer and illustrator behind Roxy Marj. She studied at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City and believes design should be a slow and thoughtful process. Roxy’s quirky creations are loved by both kids and adults alike.

See all the incredible products that Roxy Marj has created for Nod.

Carrie Kiefer and Morgan Georgie are the designers behind Ampersand Design Studio. In 2009, Morgan and Carrie followed a long-time dream to start a company together. Since launching Ampersand Design Studio, their signature, bold patterns, which are playfully energized by shots of surprising color, have appeared on textiles, paper goods, home décor, fashion and accessories.

See all the colorful designs that Morgan and Carrie have created for Nod.

Michelle Romo is a self-taught illustrator and designer fueled by cookies and naps. Her influences include Mid-Century, Japanese and Scandinavian design, along with pretty much anything cute. When she isn’t working she spends her time eating good food, hugging her friends, playing video games and crafting.

See all the cute items Michelle Romo had created for Nod.

Michelle Jewell left her job in 2010 to follow a dream of becoming a creative business owner. Combining her love of illustration and sewing, a line of quirky creatures formed. In the years since starting Finkelstein’s Center, Michelle has worked on design projects including stuffed animals, illustrations, gift wrap and more.

See all Michelle Jewell of Finkelstein’s Center creations for Nod.

Partnering with Etsy for their Open Call program, we’ve had the chance to meet and collaborate with amazing independent designers like Earth Cadets. Krissy Callahan started Earth Cadets in December, 2008 with a love for t-shirts. Since then, Earth Cadets has stayed dedicated to creating unique and hand printed home goods, accessories and clothing while also committing to maintain and respect our environment.

Checkout Krissy’s adorable clothing.

 

Partnering with Etsy for their Open Call program, we’ve had the chance to meet and collaborate with amazing independent designers like Baby Jives. Jahje Ives is the creative mama behind Baby Jives Co. She started her company in 2010 after the birth of her first babe, who was affectionately nicknamed baby Jives. Working with natural materials and her sewing machine she handcrafts each of her heirloom mobiles just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

See all the Baby Jives mobiles here.

Venture into New York City and you’ll find illustrator Erin Jang. Venture into Erin Jang’s art and you’ll find out why we love her so much. Erin’s art creates a world of colorful designs that are both simple and sophisticated. Her quirky and playful style is what makes every product she designs so great.

See all Erin Jang for Nod products.

Lots of artists got their inspiration from nature. But, not many got their inspiration from nature and from their mom’s orange floral drapes like artist Elizabeth Olwen. Her love (or obsession, as she would call it) of bold prints and patterns has led her to create vivid, outdoorsy designs for everything from fabric and apparel, to home décor and stationery.

See all Elizabeth Olwen for Nod products.

Ashley Goldberg has loved arts, crafts, creatures and nature her entire life. Her artwork tends to be simple, but with a sophisticated or stark color palette. She believes great emotion can be conveyed in a simple gesture or look. And, after looking at her artwork, we’d have to agree. The characters she creates are simple, humorous and empathetic.

See all of Ashley Goldberg’s creations for Nod.

Adrienne Antonson is an artist, clothing designer, and general maker of all things. She lives in a tiny Georgia town where she runs STATE, a women’s clothing label that celebrates small batch manufacturing and hand painted textiles. When she’s not running a business, she’s re-designing the nursery. She’s a wife, a mother to a young daughter and a pasta addict.

See our line of Baggu bags handpainted by Adrienne Atonson.

Danielle is the Creative Director at Nod and an over-protective mother of two. She’s also completely obsessed with Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and her Kindle, but not necessarily in that order. Danielle loves to craft, sew and crochet. Her current craft of choice is weaving tiny wall tapestries.