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The Story behind Our Founder
Introducing Katie Graham, the creative force behind The Family Love Tree.
Born in the vibrant era of the 1970s, Katie's journey began with a deep appreciation for vintage culture and a keen eye for timeless style. As a teenager, she immersed herself in the world of retro fashion, collecting vintage clothing and being influenced by iconic musicians of the 60s and 70s, including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac.
After High School, fueling her passion for design, Katie pursued her studies in costume design at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAPPA). This foundational education laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the fashion and film industries. In the early nineties, Katie made a pivotal move to Melbourne, a city known for its thriving arts and fashion scene.
In 1994, she transitioned into the realm of film, where she found her niche in costume design. Katie's flair for costume design flourished. She worked on numerous Australian film and television projects, as well as styling music video clips for various Australian bands and singers.
However, Katie's creative journey didn't stop there. Embracing her entrepreneurial spirit, Katie took the leap to establish her own fashion label, which quickly gained recognition at prestigious events such as Melbourne Fashion Week and Sydney Fashion Week. Her innovative designs caught the attention of industry giants, leading to features in renowned publications like Marie Claire and Vogue magazine.
Amidst her professional success, Katie's personal life blossomed as well. She embraced the roles of wife and mother, finding fulfillment in nurturing her growing family. It was during this period that a new passion ignited within her – one that would shape the trajectory of her career.
Fast forward to 2011. A pivotal moment came when Katie purchased an old peacock bedhead for her daughter on eBay. This purchase ignited a new passion for interiors and vintage furniture, planting the seeds for her next business venture.
Feeling the film industry was no longer aligning with her desire for a career that better suited family life, Katie embarked on a trip to Indonesia in 2012. This adventure, which involved days of exploring on the back of a motorbike, led her to a manufacturer capable of reproducing the peacock bedhead, a key piece in her new vision.
Further enriching her collection, Katie found a supplier of vintage kantha quilts in India. Balancing her role as a costume designer, she invested her earnings from film into her burgeoning business.
Naming it "The Family Love Tree," Katie's vision was to curate beautiful, handcrafted furniture and homewares for the family home, with each piece echoing the vintage inspiration of her own childhood and beyond. The business was a journey through her family tree, encapsulating the essence of her life's experiences and passions.
