In 2016, Grace Bonney, founder of Design*Sponge, published In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs. In it, she interviews and highlights women from a diverse range of backgrounds, races, ages, and abilities. Natalie was proud to be included among this talented group of entrepreneurs and makers, all of whom contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and better world for other female creatives.
In The Company of Women featuring Thelma Golden (@thelmagolden)
Grace, and her publisher Artisan Books, re-released the book in paperback version this September and have announced some major updates. First, 50% of all profits from the sale of the book will go to the women featured. Second, each new edition published will feature a new group of women on the cover – hopefully giving each artist a chance at their own cover spot.
From Top Left: In The Company of Women featuring Michele Quan (@mquanstudio), Jonna Twigg (@twiggsbindery), Lorna Simpson, Alice Randall (@msalicerandall) and Caroline Randall-Williams (@caroranwill)
Additionally, she is changing her credit on the paperback edition (and all future printings of any kind) from “by Grace Bonney,” to “edited by.” She wants to make sure proper credit is given to the women included, who wrote their own stories as answers to her prompts.
From top left: In The Company of Women featuring Samin Nosrat (@ciaosamin), Carmen Argote, Lizzo (@lizzobeeating), and Cheryl Day (@cherylday)
As any writer knows, you are never really sure how your book will sell and what kind of profit margin you, as the writer, will see. Grace is hoping that she will be able to share whatever she receives with those highlighted in the book, a rare gesture, indeed.
We thank Grace for her commitment to show the world the power of women in the creative world, no matter what role they play—and for her desire to honor the labors of those involved in the creation of this important work. Find a copy of In The Company of Women here.
P.S.: Grace is inviting any woman who wants to create her own “page” in the book, so they can be a part of the Company of Women. Follow this link to upload a photo of yourself and answer interview questions from the book. You will receive your own page images and templates to share, print out, or revisit any time. This is a way for all women to share their stories and work.