In Conversation with Rachel Donath

What was the catalyst that led you to launch your own business in 2020?

Covid! With so much downtime at home during the lockdowns, I finally had time to slow down and reflect on what I wanted from my career. I had been working in the corporate world since I was 20 years old and had always felt a strong pull towards the creative—but it didn’t seem ‘practical,’ so I kept my creative pursuits as hobbies rather than a career. In 2020, I decided that life is too short to do anything but what makes me happy. Collecting and sourcing furniture and homewares has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I decided to go all in, quit my job, and start doing this full-time instead. The rest is history.

What role does Australian culture play in shaping your aesthetic?

Australian culture, to me, is a beautiful blend of international influences. There’s also the ‘island’ mindset, which translates into a real confidence in design—a willingness to do things differently. I would say my aesthetic is heavily influenced by vintage and antique European pieces, but it’s also bold and individual, a reflection of living so far from the rest of the world and feeling free to carve my own path, my own way.

How do you select which artisans to collaborate with globally?

A great question, as I’ve just returned from a sourcing trip in Vietnam. First and foremost, how a manufacturer treats its staff—their working conditions and overall team wellbeing—is critical to my decision to work with them. Equally important is the quality of craft, skill level, and material expertise these artisan communities bring to their work, which is so creatively energising and inspiring. We partner with artisans who care deeply for their people, love their craft, and are masters at what they do.

Can you describe your creative process when curating pieces for your collections?

The initial idea can come from anywhere—an architectural detail, a pattern on a footpath, or even landscaping. From there, I start sketching and developing a concept, turning that inspiration into a functional piece of furniture. Next, I begin collecting materials and building out the overall look and feel. Then we move to technical drawings, sampling, and finally, production. It takes roughly 12 months to bring a piece to life from concept to completion.

How do you envision the evolution of your brand in the next five years?

Oh, I love this question! There’s so much in the works at the moment, including a collaboration later this year with an iconic Australian retailer. We’re working hard on global expansion, with some exciting projects in the pipeline. We’re also moving into omnichannel, with a unique retail concept on the horizon. While we’re experiencing a lot of growth, I hope that five years from now, we remain true to our mission: to create a curated edit of beautiful homewares that lift our customers' spirits and bring optimism and beauty into their world.

LEARN MORE - https://racheldonath.com.au