Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Sims.
Hi Angela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I embarked on my journey of creating throw pillows, (unexpectedly, I might add) I had little knowledge about textile sourcing or pillow design. What I did possess, however, was a passion for design and the ability to build a brand. Throughout my life, I’ve had a deep love for interior design, and over time, friends and family sought my help in decorating their homes. It wasn’t until I flipped my 1975 fixer-upper and shared the photos on Instagram that my hobby transformed into a potential career.
As I started designing spaces, I realized that throw pillows played a crucial role as the main focal point. However, my biggest challenge – finding throw pillows that didn’t appear cheap or generic. Instead, I began making my own pillows, curtains, and other DIY projects to create spaces with a unique and personalized touch, steering away from the mass-produced items found in big box stores.
In 2017, an opportunity arose when a colleague offered me her small shop, which included baby items, blankets, and you guessed it, throw pillows. I seized the chance and restructured the company, focusing solely on home decor and creating Laurel and Blush as it stands today. My love for interior design, combined with my passion for throw pillows, led to the birth of a full-fledged company.
Knowing that standard fabric suppliers wouldn’t meet my quality standards, I embarked on extensive research, learning the intricate process of creating exceptional throw pillows. I engaged with fabric suppliers, crafted my own designs, and produced my first set of samples. Over the course of six years, our collection grew from just seven pillows to a selection of over 320 designs. In 2025 I flew across the country to India to design my very first block printed collection with local artisans.
Through dedication and commitment to craftsmanship, our handmade throw pillows caught the attention and admiration of many. We are proud to work with more than 650+ interior designers, two luxury hotels, numerous social media influencers, and reputable publications like HGTV Magazine, Charleston Home + Design, Modern Texas Living, and Bekah Martinez from ABC’s The Bachelor. Additionally, we are honored that 19 of our pillows have earned the distinction of being Etsy Bestsellers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. And I think that’s an important part of the story.
This journey began with stepping into an industry I knew nothing about. No background. No experience. Just a vision and a deep belief that I could figure it out if I didn’t quit. Learning everything from scratch meant a lot of trial and error, a lot of moments where I wondered if I was doing it right, and a lot of nights spent learning as I went.
I don’t personally sew, which meant placing my trust in others I hired and learning the trade alongside them. That wasn’t easy. It required humility, patience, and the willingness to make mistakes publicly and then fix them. Quality has always mattered more to me than speed or shortcuts, and that commitment came with challenges. Changing fabric suppliers when something wasn’t good enough. Letting go of the wrong fits. Searching endlessly for the right people to sew, the right manufacturers to bring our exclusive designs to life the way I envisioned.
There were moments when it would have been easier to settle. Easier to accept “good enough.” But this path has never been about taking the easy way out. It has always been about doing it the right way, even when it took longer, cost more, or required starting over.
The biggest lesson hasn’t been mastering an industry. It’s been learning not to give up when the road feels uncertain. Progress doesn’t always look like forward motion. Sometimes it looks like restarting, refining, and recommitting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Laurel and Blush is a home décor brand rooted in the belief that your space should feel both elevated and deeply lived in. We specialize in thoughtfully curated, designer throw pillow collections that are handmade in-house by our sewing team, with a strong focus on quality, timeless design, and intentional styling.
What we’re known for most is making designer-level styling feel approachable. Instead of asking customers to guess what works together, we create curated pillow combinations and collections designed by real interior designers. Each set is carefully considered for balance, texture, scale, and color, taking the overwhelm out of decorating and replacing it with confidence.
What truly sets Laurel and Blush apart is our commitment to craftsmanship and integrity. We are hands-on in every step of the process, from sourcing high-quality fabrics and working directly with trusted manufacturers for our exclusive designs, to sewing each piece with care in our own studio. Quality has never been negotiable for us, even when it meant trial and error, changing suppliers, or taking the longer road to get it right.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the heart behind Laurel and Blush. This isn’t fast décor or trend-chasing. Every design is created with longevity in mind, pieces meant to grow with a home rather than be replaced season after season. We believe luxury should feel warm, personal, and attainable, not intimidating or disposable.
What I want readers to know most is that Laurel and Blush was built with intention. We care deeply about the details, about the people who make our products, and about helping our customers create homes that feel like a reflection of who they are. At the end of the day, we’re not just selling pillows, we’re helping people create spaces that feel comforting, beautiful, and truly their own.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Austin is the deep appreciation for creativity, design, and artistry that’s woven into the culture of the city. People here truly value beautiful spaces and thoughtful interior design. There’s an understanding that a home is personal, and that quality, craftsmanship, and intention matter. Austin residents appreciate handmade, well-designed textiles and are willing to invest in pieces that are made with care, even when they cost more. There’s a shared belief that it’s better to support small businesses and artisans and invest in something that lasts, rather than choosing mass-produced items from big box stores that lack soul and longevity.
What I like least is that as Austin continues to grow, it can sometimes feel harder for small, handmade brands to stand out amid the noise and rapid expansion. But even with that challenge, the city’s creative heart remains strong, and the community’s appreciation for quality and authenticity continues to be one of its greatest strengths.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurelandblush.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelandblush/
Image Credits
Angela Sims
