Episode
Art, Interiors and Slow Growth | Iona Crawford of Iona Crawford Atelier
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2274
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Summary
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Iona Crawford , founder of Iona Crawford Atelier , a Glasgow-based multidisciplinary design studio that began as a luxury womenswear brand and has evolved into a rich, design-led business spanning fashion, textiles, interiors and art. Nearly 19 years after launching straight out of art school, Iona is still driven by the same core passion: painting, storytelling and expressing ideas through beautiful design. Iona shares how the business first grew from luxury fashion into printed garments and accessories, with collections sold in Japan, Europe and the US. Over time, as her artwork was printed onto heavier fabrics and collectors became interested in seeing her pieces interpreted in new forms, interiors became a natural next step. That shift opened up a whole new world of creative possibility, allowing her to translate her painted narratives into fabric, upholstery and interior spaces that influence how people feel, live and connect with their surroundings. A big theme in this conversation is evolution — both personal and commercial. Iona talks about launching young, hungry and full of enthusiasm, expecting success to come quickly, and how 19 years of perspective have taught her that a more gradual progression was exactly what the business needed. She reflects honestly on early mistakes, taking bad advice, being too trusting at times, and how every setback became something to learn from rather than something to regret. We also explore the power of partnership and support . Iona credits her business partner Tracy as a major force in the growth of the interiors side of the business and speaks warmly about the trust, shared decision-making and respect that underpin their relationship. She is clear…