Aerende
- Location St Albans
- Working on Opportunity - people with mental and physical disabilities
Ethical products, handmade in the UK
First off, Emily Mathieson has great taste. She’s been to some of the most beautiful places the earth has to offer and along the way she’s developed an eye for beauty. Emily is the founder of Aerende and was formerly a travel journalist, working for Conde Nast Traveller, The Guardian and Red. When she opened Aerende, she was determined every single piece would be ethical, yes, but also well-made and beautiful.
Everything is made in the UK, with Emily collaborating with other social enterprises so that they can make unique products, all with Aerende’s particular aesthetics.
“When you buy from us, in most cases we can tell you the name of the person who made the product,’ says Emily. “Behind every single thing you buy, a skirt or a spoon or a toy, is a real human, just like you and me.”
But what about the name of the company finding the products? The word aerende means ‘care’ in Old English. It’s more than just a shout out for hardcore fans of Beowulf*, it informs every aspect of Emily’s business, from cutting out transport pollution by only working with producers in the UK to making sure that every product meets her high standards.
Behind every single thing you buy, a skirt or a spoon or a toy, is a real human, just like you and me.
Why they are different
Aerende has a particular aesthetic, one that celebrates the simple and natural. There are brass hooks, not just a better alternative to plastic, but hand-hammered and really good looking. Linen napkins are edged in coral, charcoal and teal. Pottery glows with deep earth-coloured glazes, but also feels good in the hand. Beeswax candles glow amber.
Why they are kind
Emily meets with every producer she collaborates with. These are real relationships, not just tick box credentials.
