Terra Kushner (left) and Nathalie Butterfield (right) are the two-woman team behind Fluf, a textile-based design and manufacturing company headquartered in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. Nathalie, a lawyer, and Terra, an interior designer, met thanks to Terra’s husband David. They shared a dream of opening a retail space, and Fluf was born in 2005. Today, the business operates online and wholesale only.
Fluf designs and prints sustainable fabrics and creates bags, pillows and other accessories for the home. With four kids between the two of them, Terra and Nathalie have a keen eye to products that are durable, practical and beautiful. We recently caught up with them to find out about their favourite things for their work, their kids and themselves.
Favourite Thing for Your Kids
Nathalie: Books! My kids are crazy about books. Right now they are into Charlie & Lola and Clarice Bean (both by Lauren Child).
Terra: A fresh pack of Crayola markers. Washable – of course!
Favourite Thing for You
Nathalie: Stolen time … with nothing to do.
Terra: Yes! … or a clean kitchen and an empty dishwasher (unloaded by someone else).
Favourite Thing for Work
Terra: Definitely lead pencils.
Nathalie: Sticky notes! They are indispensable. Small ones, medium ones and oversized ones to post on the wall for brainstorming sessions.
Favourite Neigbourhood in Toronto
Both: The Junction, around Dundas West and Keele. It’s where we work. The restaurants and shops are great. It is affordable, artistic and happening.
Favourite Gift Idea
Both: Other than Fluf? Kidding.
Terra: A stack of mindless magazines, passing along a book I’ve just read or (a new fave!) something indulgent and beautiful from Ninutik (Maple Sugar).
Nathalie: The store Neat on Queen West is great for organizational products. I also love things that can be consumed, like a big chunk of cheese or handmade Soma chocolates. But it really depends on the person.
Favourite Restaurant
Terra: I love comfort food, so my current favourite is a small, cozy neighbourhood spot called Fanny Chadwick’s at Dupont and Howland. They have an amazing veggie ragu that I can’t resist.
Nathalie: A long-time favourite is the Universal Grill at Dupont and Shaw. Their dry ribs and sweet potato fries are amazing. And The Beet, an organic café close to our studio.
Fluf
www.fluf.ca ι Twitter ι Facebook
About the Author: Tamara Sztainbok
Tamara loves children’s books, running, and pie. After nearly a decade working in children’s publishing, she launched Puzzle Box Communications - an agency offering editorial services to small businesses. Running her own business affords her the luxury and pleasure of walking her two children to school, and gives her the opportunity to rediscover her Midtown Toronto neighbourhood. Related Posts
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