Alexandria Stylebook

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Kiskadee Loves Local: Tulusa Goods

I've known Sue Henry for a long time. Our kids went to the same elementary school, Mount Vernon Community School. Every day after school, we would all hang out and let the kids play. She talked about starting her amazing business. When I first bought Kiskadee, she too was beginning her business, and bringing her line in was one of the first things I did. I'm happy to report that her items are back at Kiskadee. I asked if she wouldn't mind doing a little write up for this article:"I am the owner and creative director of Tulusa, a textile studio in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. Tulusa lives at the intersection of artful creativity and everyday practicality. My handmade, block-printed housewares bring joy to treasured spaces and help make homes an inspiring place to be. Originally from Pennsylvania, I moved to Alexandria almost 20 years ago after years of working as a sculptor in California and Colorado. Starting my own business gave me the freedom, creativity, and autonomy of entrepreneurship with the flexibility to care for my family. Five years later, Tulusa is a thriving home decor business. My team and I design and carve blocks, print on heirloom-quality linen with colorfast, non-toxic inks that are mixed in-house, and cut, hem, and finish pieces to order. The collection includes tabletop, attire, accessories, bags, and more recently, masks.While Tulusa's goods are sold in boutiques all across the country, I especially love seeing my pieces at stores just a few blocks from my studio. My inspiration comes from the natural world. My block-print designs include everything from wild cats to little critters and breezy monstera leaves to classic roses. Tulusa's signature style is bright, happy colors in bold prints and patterns created to bring a dose of cheer to people's homes."I am so excited to be selling her amazing handmade tea towels, napkins, and apparel. Stop by to see how amazing it is for yourself!