THANK YOU

Wednesday, March 20, 2019


I woke up to a 150K followers on Instagram and all I could think was - THANK YOU.  Going to Thailand back in January has led me to reflect a lot on this entire journey because, as I've mentioned, Thailand is sort of where this all began.  

Back in the summer of 2012, I did an internship for my university working with a small nonprofit organization in a very rural part of Northern Thailand.  We worked with different "Hill Tribes;" groups of immigrants from surrounding nations such as the Lahu, Akha, and Karen Long Neck tribes. It was a life-changing experience and I grew to love that country and its people SO MUCH.  It broke my heart to see the poverty and struggles these Hill Tribe people had to work through.



A little over a year later, after a string of events that included getting engaged and calling off the wedding (don't worry it worked out in the end but that's a story for a different time haha!) I ended up deciding to serve an 18 month voluntary mission for my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  When you volunteer to serve, you don't get to choose where you go. You're assigned by one of the leaders of the church.  I was beyond surprised when they called me to serve in Thailand! 

For 18 months the only thing I did from sunrise to sunset was work to love, help and support the people of Thailand and it was the most amazing experience!  Throughout that time I got to be fully immersed in the culture and began to notice how beautiful their textiles were. I hadn't ever seen anything like them in the United States.  That thought persisted when I got home and was trying to decide what I wanted to do next with my life. I had a passion for International Development, and a love for Interior Design, and slowly I started to realize a way that I could bring the two together. A way that I could help my friends in Thailand expose their craft to a larger market and help provide for their families in a much bigger way.  And now, almost 4 years since I returned home from my mission, here we are. Helping to support families in countries throughout the world to bring their beautiful, hand made work to you. 

None of this would be possible without YOU.  So THANK YOU.  Thank you, thank you thank you!!!! Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Thank you for taking a chance on me, for shopping small, for liking our posts, commenting on our pictures, giving us feedback and love and support.  THANK YOU.

As always, we want to improve and grow and make sure we are meeting YOUR wants and needs! Leave us a comment below letting us know how we're doing! Is there anything you would like to see more of in the shop? On Instagram? Or this blog??  Your feedback matters and we want to hear your opinions!!

xoxo,

Ally


In January when I went back to Thailand for the first time since my mission, we visited an Akha Hill Tribe and got to see the women hand print beautiful indigo batik fabric.  Each is truly a work of art.




46 comments

  1. Wow, so cool to learn a bit more history behind collectiv co! I love your heart behind this brand. You are an inspiration! Keep up the good work!
    -Rachel (@rachelleabell)

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  2. Every post I see I always think... I would die if my space was anywhere close to looking that DREAMY!!! Congrats on 150k! Cheers to many more!
    @coachcarliwester

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  3. Ally,

    What a cool story! I've been an avid follower on Instagram for a couple years now but failed to learn more about your company and mission. Thank you for providing great content and products, and thank you for being an advocate for those who are less fortunate than us across the globe. I look forward to seeing what kinds of great things you do next!

    Elise
    @veganelise4

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  4. What an inspiring story! Those women have amazing talent. Thank you for sharing!!
    Mari (@amintyhome)

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  5. Beautiful! You have a great eye for design. Keep up the great work. @em.shipman

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  6. I didn't know you are LDS! So cool how we are redirected to the right path; in your case, Thailand! Amazing. I love your style and your designing eye. Your IG feed always brightens my day and inspires me. Keep up the amazing work! ✨

    @hellohardings

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  7. This is amazing!!! I love to hear stories like this and see how God works in peoples lives. Good for you for following your passion and helping people along the way. I look forward to watching you continue to grow!!

    @lc_lately

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  8. Thank you for sharing your story, what amazing work you are doing! I just love your design and merchandise, it inspires my personal home decor. Congrats on the 150k followers and God Bless! (@cilla0906)

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  9. There are a ton of Instagram accounts, but there are certain accounts that are on the cutting edge of design and trends. You are one of those accounts! People constantly look to you for inspiration because your brand feels authentic and fresh. I personally love following you on Pinterest, so more of a presence there would be great. Otherwise, just keep doing what you’re doing!

    ❤️, Brittany (@lecatescreates)

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  10. Congratulations on making it to 150k. I’m one of your new followers and glad to follow your journey now. Thailand has been on my bucket list for years and I can’t wait to visit even more now. My name is Ally as well! - @virtualreallyty

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  11. wow! i’ve followed you for quite some time now, mostly because i love interior design and textiles and i get so much inspiration from your photos- but i has no idea about your journey! what an incredible experience!! my boyfriend and i traveled last january- may in south east asia and thailand and i had such an amazing time, and like you, fell in love with the people and textiles. i had no idea about your story and it makes me appreciate the collectiv co that much more! thanks so much for sharing :) @ker.b

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  12. Ally,

    This is such a beautiful story! Your work and life adventures are inspiring. Reading the blog lifts my spirits during my lunch hour! �� My path was not interior design, but organizational leadership. A lot of times, I wish I could change that decision, but I love how you were able to marry the international development concept with design. It made me think a lot.

    As for some feedback, I think seeing some of the processes and profiles of the people of Thailand would be really wonderful. You’ve done so much to popularize their craft and when you post pictures, it’s makes me want to learn about them and their unique stories.

    Everything is so much bigger than us.

    Congratulations on your milestone followers and I wish you the best!

    -Taylor (taylormmmays)

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  13. I’ve followed you for a long time mostly because I love interior design and melt for beautiful textiles but I had no idea the story behind your work and photos! So stinking awesome! I’d love to read more posts on IG about the people who create your textiles. And I always love seeing how different people mixed and styled your pieces. Love this mission and your shop. ✨��
    IG @ohjustshea

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  14. Congrats on 150k! The objects you post about are as beautiful as the backstory. Keep sharing such authenticity! The followers will keep coming! Xx - Meg (ig: @megzstatic)

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  15. Congrats! I looove all your things and style in general! I hope there are more Kilim pillows in the future! Love the story behind this all. I studied abroad in Thailand and was able to work with women in fishing villages in the south. It made me so happy to hear your story and how you are empowering women across the globe! Thanks! :) Claire (claire_bear48)

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  16. Hi Ally!

    What an amazing story, thank you for sharing with us! I love your shop and instagram feed, you have such a beautiful collection, I especially love your Sabra Silk Pillow! As for feedback, would love to see more frequent blog posts- especially your DIYs! I know they take a ton of time though, which isn't always available with a new baby! Thank you again Ally!

    -Eliana
    Instagram- @elianaminna

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  17. Loved hearing the back story behind your collection and how you were able to bring two passions together to create a new business, while also supporting a group of amazing artisans. Inspiring! Congrats on 150K followers!
    xx @jennifercameronnyc

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  18. Congrats on reaching 150k! I’ve been following along Collectiv Co. for a couple of years now but haven’t had the chance to buy anything yet because I’ve been living abroad. Similar to your story, I studied International Development and have been living in rural Guatemala for the past two years working for an ethical accessories brand called Hiptipico. We work with artisans who make camera straps and bags by hand. This work has really brought my two passions together. I’m getting ready to move back to the US next month and would love to have Collectiv Co. in my home! Keep up the amazing and impactful work you are doing! xx Erica (@ericalatack)

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  19. Your story is such an inspiration to all of us owning small businesses. It gives us hope that our businesses can grow and impact people, as yours does/is. You can tell your heart and soul are in this company. A huge congratulations and I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

    @raytheshoemaker

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  20. Everything about this is truly inspirational! I have been following Collectiv Co. for about a year, and am in love with your aesthetic and design style. I was an Interior Design major in college and I definitely have a passion for it. I love bringing a unique and eclectic style into my own space and love buying hand made goods. I would love to see more decor items in your shop, but other than that, keep doing what you're doing!

    @merrissann @wildharedesign

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  21. The story behind the beautiful designs is what means the most to me! I love hearing about your background, and the people you've learned from and their stories. This is something not everyone gets to experience and it truly shows when you've met the makers themselves! I would love to travel someday and hear stories from unique people around the world. We all need to share a little more love! Keep up the beautiful work and keep sharing about yourself! It's inspirational! @laceyspice @laceymclaughlinphoto

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  22. First off big congratulations on making your pipe dream a reality! Very inspiring to follow woman making big things happen for themselves!
    I would love to see more Of the process that goes into staging for photos.. it’s skmething that I find can make or break a pic and you seem to blow it out of the water every time!

    Keep on rocking the world!
    Tyece
    @tyfair7

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  23. I had no idea the story behind the brand. So cool and also shows how God’s plan is always way bigger and better than we can imagine! I love your shop and would love to see more rugs and baskets! Congrats on 150k. I think that’s a testimant to your work and the products you offer. Keep it up!

    Ellie
    @avantcollaborative

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  24. What an inspiring story, thank you.
    @@instinctinteriors

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  25. Its amazing where the journey can take you! Its inspiring to watch others turn dreams into reality and hear the stories of how things came to fruition. I love your style and knowing that your brand and design comes from such a meaningful place.

    Looking forward for whats to come.

    Laura Eileen

    @lauraeileenbrown

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  26. What an awesome story! Your collections are dreamy. Congratulations!
    Best,
    Rachel
    @rachluvzchloe

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  27. Congratulations on another milestone! I am so happy that I found your IG page and website. I would love to see some unique jewelry pieces or flatware, if possible. Congratulations again and keep up the great work! IG: ____jaki

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  28. Thank you for sharing your journey! Your story is inspiring!! I like how you combined your passion for interior design and love of helping people together.

    Aside from seeing more one of a kind homeware (eg: trays, candle holders), I’d love to see more tips on how to sustain a small business - from social media to photography and networking, etc!! Seriously, you’re a jack of all trades it seems!

    Best,
    Lilly - IG @strangenarwhal

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  29. CONGRATS ON 150K!!! I am such a huge fan of yours and your brand. I'd love to see more behind the scenes - how you run your business, create/source product, social media, etc, as well as, more tips/guides on how to style a space! xoxo
    Kristin

    @kristin_kathleen and @shopbocu

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  30. You guys are an inspiration! I have always dreamed of visiting Thailand ❤️ @briitunes

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  31. Congrats on 150k! That’s awesome! Love hearing the story of how it all got started. I’d love to see some more poufs and one of a kind home decor. As always, love the variety of pillows! I think it would be great to see more behind the scenes and more about starting the business.

    Aloha,
    Natalie
    (IG: natvergara_)

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  32. Congrats on 150k! Love your story and I cant wait for what you have in store for us in the future ����

    xoxo
    Queenie (@queenieruan)

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  33. I would love to see more unique homeware items! Keep up the great work! @gwesslen

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  34. What an inspirational story and amazing journey you've had! I love how beautiful creations can some from meaningful experience. Im a designer and always interested more in textiles and culturally motivated designs. I'm in love with your pillows especially ������

    @thetaylordayne

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  35. A really inspiring, beautiful story. Congrats on turning your passion into something that serves others & for reaching 150 k! I’d love to see more sabra silk pillows always :) they’re a hot commodity! Also- pottery, blankets perhaps.

    Best,
    Samantha
    Ig: @et_sam_an

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  36. What a beautiful story! Ut is wonderful that your experience has turned into a business that benefits so many lives!

    @urbanblume

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  37. Congratulations! I love your story and find it really inspiring! I love seeing your instagrams posts, they are beautiful and love how unique the style is!

    @paocaa96

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  38. This is such an inspiring story of how you began and still make such a difference in the lives of those in Thailand! I think it is so special how we all get to see how talented and beautiful their work is so thank you for sharing and starting this journey, truely a magical one✨

    purelife_essentials

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  39. Wow! What a cool backstory?! It’s amazing how all of your puzzle pieces came together into a beautiful business!


    @asthelittlethingsgo

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  40. I love everything you’re doing- - and you’re doing it all so very well. The story behind Collectivo is inspiring, thank you for sharing that with us - unfortunately no notes for improvement because - well, it’s just too good!!!- KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING!!! �� @_whitneyward

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  41. Wow! So inspiring! Thank you for sharing!!! Love your style!

    @imivonnetorres

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  42. Such a beautiful journey! I love how the Lord leads us sometimes without us realizing it! ♥️

    Ig: melissa_guerpo

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  43. Thanks for sharing your beautiful journey! Where in Northern Thailand were you? I was only able to spend a few days in Chiang Mai, but completely fell in love with it!

    IG: jrowlife

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  44. I would love to see a section of cheaper items that maybe are not perfect or mismatched or samples that would be available to us with smaller budgets thank you!- IG: biankasblessings

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  45. Sounds like an amazing experience! <3
    Although I love the perfect finished photo, I enjoy seeing the process and the messiness of the behind the scenes work that interior designers do! It shows how hard you work and also give us great tips!
    Theresa @tobes918

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  46. Loved reading about your journey! Having been following you for a while now, your posts have been so helpful with putting together rooms and decorating. We have the same style and it’s helped make our home so comfortable and just the way we want it. Thank you!!
    Instagram: @kaileyletz

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