Mumbai-born Mili Suleman founded textile brand KUFRI because it was what the world needed. In an age of mass-produced home products, Suleman’s roots in India inspired her to start a brand focused on the natural production of linens, upholstery, wallpaper, and ceramics, developed with the principles of shibui and wabi-sabi in mind. Determined to use her passion for fabrics to make a change, Suleman co-founded SHIFT, a Dallas-based collective of designers and design professionals, with the hope of putting Dallas on the design map. The KUFRI studio employs women and aging weavers, keeping the tradition of hand-woven products alive. Now branching out into wallcoverings, KUFRI has released a collection of three organic, whimsical designs. Take a look at KUFRI’s natural offerings at KUFRILIFEFABRICS.com and meet founder Mili Suleman in today’s Maker Monday!
Apart from fabric by the yard, KUFRI offers pillows and table linens to brighten any home.
Andrew: How would you describe your personal style?
Mili Suleman: Natural, artful, fuss-free…I love simple lines and natural fibers, while also maybe pairing details with an animal print jacket or bold vintage earrings!
Andrew: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
Mili: Decking out a hotel in custom textiles by KUFRI or doing custom woven textiles for Commune Design!
Andrew: What’s your favorite cocktail?
Mili: Three Olives Cherry Vodka with Diet Sprite.
Located in Dallas, the KUFRI showroom is an ideal shopping destination for shoppers seeking handmade holiday gifts.
Andrew: What’s your design pet peeve?
Mili: Designers who make everything look too perfect and showroom-like! We’re all about the beauty of imperfection and natural details over here!
Andrew: A book that everyone should read?
Mili: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Andrew: What are some of the podcasts you listen to and why?
Mili: BOH (Business of Home) – I really find this to be one of the only podcasts in our industry worth listening to (I haven’t found any others that I love as much)!
WSJ’s “The Journal” – Very insightful business stories!
Brooke Castillo’s “The Life Coach School” – This one is really my go-to when I want a fresh perspective!
About The Maker | KUFRI founder and designer Mili Suleman was born in Mumbai, India and raised in Oman. A graduate of Texas Christian University, she sees KUFRI as an amalgamation of her multi-cultural background, explorations in design, and passion for natural spaces. Mili lives in Dallas, Texas, and is heavily engaged in building an awareness and appreciation around textiles by speaking on the process, culture, travel, and entrepreneurship. She is also co-founder of SHIFT, a group that brings together local designers and to-the-trade for monthly round-tables.
The KUFRI mission is to champion the craft of handloom weaving, to provide employment to women and aging weavers, and promote a conscious, beautiful life at home through our products.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine. See more of his work here.
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