Maker Monday: An aspire Exclusive Interview With Margaret Ahearn

Currently based out of Ghent, NY in the Hudson Valley, Margaret Ahearn, founder/designer of M+A NYC, brings her love of design to this latest venture. Her mission for M+A NYC has been to create lifestyle products that have the perfect balance between design and craftsmanship, while delivering to her customers the highest level of satisfaction using business practices that are sustainable and just. M+A NYC has had products featured in Elle Décor, Architectural Digest Pro, and House Beautiful. Learn more about Margaret Ahearn in today’s Maker Monday.

These Horn Salad Servers are the perfect combination of form and function. Made by master artisans in Kolkata by hand and with a lot of love.

These Horn Salad Servers are the perfect combination of form and function. Made by master artisans in Kolkata by hand and with a lot of love.

Andrew Joseph: If you could live in any home in a movie or tv series, what would it be?
Margaret Ahearn: Diane Keaton’s character’s house in “Something’s Gotta Give”. It is a cedar-shingled beauty right on the beach, with spacious and beautifully proportioned rooms mostly in shades of white. A classic that looks both timeless and really comfortable. Love the gravel driveway too – there is something about the sound of a car pulling up on a gravel drive that has always resonated with me, and seems to say, “Welcome home”.

AJ: What was your first job?
MA: My first job in design was working for Cynthia Rowley in the nineties. She had a very lean staff at the time and everyone wore many hats, myself included. One of my responsibilities was working with the editors and stylists that would come in to see the collections. The visits by Carrie Donovan of the NY Times and Polly Mellen of Allure, both of whom were larger-than-life personalities, were definitely “pinch me” moments. I can still hear Polly Mellen declaring that this or that piece was “dee-vine”! Her enthusiasm was so full-on and fun – a pure pleasure to witness.

Solid Brass Halo Taper Holders create a magical and spectacular centerpiece grouping, with the halo naturally glowing bright when set aglow.

Solid Brass Halo Taper Holders create a magical and spectacular centerpiece grouping, with the halo naturally glowing bright when set aglow.

AJ: What are you most proud of?
MA: In a world that has become so divided and acrimonious, I am proud of simply sticking to the basics of The Golden Rule – treating others as I would like others to treat me.

AJ: How would you define your work in three words?
MA: Modern, Artisanal, Timeless.

AJ: If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?
MA: I would alternate between exercising more and reading good fiction. Both do wonders for me in relieving stress.

Hand-Loomed Honeycomb Hand Towels are the perfect simple luxury, made from 100% cotton and woven in a honeycomb pattern for top-tier texture.

Hand-Loomed Honeycomb Hand Towels are the perfect simple luxury, made from 100% cotton and woven in a honeycomb pattern for top-tier texture.

AJ: What’s inspiring you in life in the industry right now?
MA: I am inspired by the sustainable choices that some brands are making these days. Things like using compostable packaging instead of poly bags and creating zero waste design. I’m also inspired by the sense of community that I feel being a designer and entrepreneur in the industry right now. Small businesses are showing up for other small businesses on social media, highlighting pieces we love of each other’s work. There is a sense of “we’re all in this together, and together we can make a difference”.

AJ: Are you a pet person? Why either way? Dogs or cats?
MA: Hands down I’m a dog person. Dogs actually love to hang out with you. Need to go to the kitchen to get some water? Dogs say “sure, I’ll come with you”. Need to go out for a couple of hours without the dog? Dogs say “whaaaaat?” but jump for joy when you return home. I love how playful they are and how big they make your heart feel.


About the Maker | At M+A, we work with artisans to innovate design, product development and product diversification within each exquisite technique. By partnering with them and ensuring living wages, we honor the beauty of craft and help provide economic opportunities for these talented artisans and a future for these precious crafts.

The majority of the textiles that we develop at M + A are made by female artisans who have learned their craft from their mothers, and in turn, pass down their knowledge to their daughters. We take pride in supporting these women and by extension, their families. We know that by helping to empower women and their contributions we are helping to create a more inclusive global economy. We delight in sharing their story and hope that you will be as inspired as we are.

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