Having grown up across Washington DC, London and the South of France, Lily Ebrahimi-Qajar, founder of Lekàla Collective, is no stranger to beautiful cultures and creations. In January 2024, Ebrahimi-Qajar launched Lekàla to connect local artisans with larger interior design institutions. Today, she is growing the business one artist at a time, fostering collaboration, hosting events, and supporting sustainability in design.
Ebrahimi-Qajar spoke with Lekàla’s social team about why she founded the business, the importance of shopping locally, and the future of the Collective.
Lekàla: What inspired you to start Lekàla Collective?
Lily: As an interior designer, I’ve always been passionate about creating beautiful spaces. Alongside this, I have a deep love for photography, which I picked up from my dad at a young age. Travel photography began as a hobby until friends wanted to purchase my photography prints and have me shoot their events. Looking back now, this is where the business really started.
When I started selling my photography prints to interior design firms, I realised there was a demand for unique and beautifully crafted pieces in larger-scale projects. This led me to start Lekàla Collective, which brings together a global network of artisans, creating a marketplace for interior designers to source unique interior goods. We are stronger as a collective, and featuring the artists has always been at the forefront of what we do.
Lekàla: Your core values seem to be deeply intertwined with the business. Can you tell us more about your ethos?
Lily: Yes! Our brand was built on four guiding principles: authenticity, creativity, sustainability and empowerment. These pillars really form the essence of our identity and guide everything we do. From day one, I’ve been passionate about the environment and believe it’s our responsibility to take care of our planet. That’s why we produce on-demand, ensuring there is no waste from the work we craft and sell. Additionally, for every item sold, we plant a tree.
Our artists are also carefully selected not only for their beautiful work but also for their commitment to authenticity and sustainability. Our goal is to empower local artisans and help them reach a larger audience. Additionally, we strive to make ‘shop local’ accessible and straightforward designers who are often on tight deadlines.
Lekàla: Why create a platform for interior designers, hospitality groups and restaurateurs & enthusiasts to shop? What makes Lekàla unique in a saturated consumer-goods market?
Lily: Lekàla was created by designers for designers (and enthusiasts). We understand the intricacies of the interior design process and all that goes into it. Historically, art and accessories have often been an afterthought in this process. Our goal is to revolutionize how these items are sourced and curated, making them a central focus from the beginning. The final decorative pieces are what truly bring a space to life!
In the world of Architectural Digest, where everyone appreciates a beautiful space, what makes it unique are the stories behind the pieces and the artists who created them. At Lekàla, we put great effort into highlighting our collective and sharing their stories.
Lekàla: What is your favourite part of running the collective?
Lily: I have always been an extrovert and I love a good chat. The beauty of the work we do is that it is very social and all about building relationships and curating beauty. I really enjoy the entire process of finding the artists, collaborating on projects, and supporting their goals; whether it be to sell more of their work, or experiment with new ideas and elements - it really is a lot of fun.
Lekàla: What’s next for Lekàla?
Lily: We have a lot of exciting projects in the works. The beauty of being based in London is that there is always something happening - from new developments, to restaurant openings, and hotel redevelopments - we are kept busy.
Our artists absolutely love collaborating on commissioned pieces for specific spaces, so that is a major focus for us right now.
Additionally, Lekàla Supper Club is in the works! Intimate evenings of good music, local food & natural wines, all served on pieces from the Collective. Stay tuned!
