Joanna Williams and her Splendid Things

I love discovering new artists to learn about their collections and the inspiration behind them. Living in Los Angeles, I can find unique goods in the many pop-ups here and there but also come across established businesses in our multicultural hub. Enter Joanna Williams and her business Kneeland Co. which she founded in 2010. A world traveler with a rich family history, Williams owns a vintage textile library and offers consulting service to designers. Adjacent to her workspace is her retail shop, Kneeland Co., which sells one-of-a-kind, globally sourced, and handmade home goods and jewelry. One of her hottest sellers are candles that are a candle and candlestick in one.

Her space is not big but plan to spend some time when you go as there is a story behind everything she sells. She is a docent in her own museum telling customers of the unique processes artists have used and the painstaking craftsmanship in some pieces like the Kissweh pillows. Kissweh is an embroidery studio that creates hand embroidered pillows which are, “Inspired by the rich folk art of traditional Palestinian needlepoint motifs. Each pillow is made by skilled craftswomen living in the refugee camps of Lebanon, giving them the opportunity to earn a fair living.” You will not find two alike.

If you can’t enjoy the unique experience of visiting Kneeland Co. in person, there is always online shopping. Williams describes each piece and its origin in detail to give you an idea of the process that makes it into this one-of-a-kind shop. Let me know if you find a treasure (or two).

So much to behold in one space

Intriguing finds at Kneeland Co.

Photo credits: Kneeland Co. and author’s own.