Now seems like the perfect time for us to start getting to know each other.

And by “getting to know each other,” I mean giving you a peek into the people, places, and things that inspired C’est Cool—offering a sense of what’s to come and the tastes I find exciting and worth sharing.

Since January, I’ve been building a database of female, queer, and culturally diverse founders whose companies I feel connected to—brands whose mission, aesthetic, or both sparked something in me. Over the months ahead, I’ll be sharing that research, along with what makes each founder and their work so special. At the very least, I hope you discover a brand you think is cool, and a few founders you’re proud to support.

C’est Cool knows no limits when it comes to categories.

I recently stumbled upon Nightfall, co-founded by Eveline Rigouts in Antwerp—pieces so striking they could be mistaken for art in my living room. On the other end of the spectrum, I sought out the founders of one of my beloved Venice gems—Open Studio—where Manoj Dias and Raed Khawaja have created a mindful wellness space I’m endlessly grateful for. In the “must-shop-now” lane, there’s Dissh—founded in 2001 by Maree Henry and now led by her daughter, Lucky Henry-Hicks—a wardrobe staple for me thanks to its timeless, high-quality pieces.

And while we’re here, here’s a deeper look at some of my current favorites…

Nadia Lee Cohen — A constant on my inspiration radar. Introduced to me by my artist brother, Nadia is a British photographer, creative director, and endless hyphenate known for her striking caricatures of Americana. Her work feels original yet familiar—cinematic stories and characters that make you think and feel.

ELOREA — Founded by Korean-American couple Wonny Lee and Su Min Park, ELOREA is a genderless fragrance line made in small batches with high-quality Korean ingredients—no harmful materials. The branding is gorgeous, the mission compelling, and the scents transformative. Their discovery sets (with a gift card toward your favorite) make for the perfect gift. If you’re in NYC or LA, their stores offer a full sensory experience.

Holzweiler — Co-founded in 2012 by Susanne Holzweiler and her brother Andreas, this Norwegian fashion house delivers artful, investment-worthy pieces. I first found them through a Rent the Runway order (shoutout to female founders Jenn Hyman and Jenny Fleiss), when I rented—and then purchased—a stunning pair of green trousers. Their silhouettes are timeless yet fresh.

Hey Humans — I can’t claim to live a 100% non-toxic life, but when it comes to deodorant, I’m all in. It took years to find one that was clean and effective—Hey Humans’ Lavender Vanilla is my holy grail. I stockpile it. The packaging is recyclable paper, which I love, even if it’s less efficient. Co-founded by Jada Pinkett Smith, their products are purpose-driven and deliver on their promises.

Jude — Founded by Jurgita Dileviciute and Denitsa Bumbarova, who hail from Lithuania and Bulgaria, Jude was born from a desire to redefine intimacy and confidence for women. With backgrounds in fashion, branding, and storytelling, they set out to challenge taboos with products that blend sophistication and empathy. Their designs are as considered as their mission.

I could go on—my database is full of cool people doing cool things—but I hope this gives you a sense of my taste and whether it resonates with your own.

In the weeks ahead, I’ll be diving deeper into these founders and creatives: what they’re building, how they got here, and where they’re headed. And every Tuesday, you can look forward to a weekly drop of cool.

And always, if there’s a female, queer, or underrepresented founder or creative you love, drop them in the comments — I’d love to discover them.

Until next time,
Kelly

The Cool Drop: A Taste of C’est Cool