Collectors Gene Radio

• Camilla Marcus - Founder, west-bourne

  Camilla Marcus, founder of west-bourne is my guest today and as someone who embodies the intersection of sustainability and community, her various collections feel right at home. She’s a chef, entrepreneur, activist, and environmental trailblazer, redefining how we think about food, gathering, and planetary care - which is probably why she’s been named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business.As the founder of west~bourne, New York City’s first zero-waste certified restaurant turned regenerative provisions brand, Camilla is deeply committed to making a lasting impact.Beyond her work in hospitality, she co-founded ROAR and the Independent Restaurant Coalition, collaborated with visionaries like Oishii, Ron Finley and MAD Agriculture, and written a cookbook, My Regenerative Kitchen, that empowers us all to eat well while doing good. And yet, as ambitious as her career is, Camilla also finds inspiration and grounding in the art of collecting.Today, we’ll dive into the stories behind her incredible collections—vinyl records that set the tone for gatherings, signed menus that archive her love for what she calls a restaurant's first piece of art, and ceramics that embody her ethos of mindful craftsmanship. We’ll hear how her collections reflect her values, influence her creative process, and offer a quiet, yet natural place to turn in the midst of her ever-expanding world.So without further adieu, this is Camilla Marcus, for Collectors Gene Radio.Westbourne - https://westbourne.com/Westbourne Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/westbourne/?hl=enCamilla Marcus Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/camilla.marcus/?hl=enCollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner/?hl=en

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• Stephanie Housley - Founder, Coral & Tusk

  Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Coral & Tusk founder, Stepahnie Housley. Stephanie is someone whose work beautifully embodies the art of storytelling through collecting and creativity and her journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in the Ohio Valley, she cultivated a deep appreciation for nature and found objects—traits that became the foundation for her unique creative voice. After studying textile design at RISD, she spent 15 years as an interior textile designer in New York City. But in 2007, with a single embroidery machine in her Brooklyn apartment, Stephanie took a leap of faith and started Coral & Tusk, a brand now celebrated for its spirited embroidered textiles and home goods.What sets Coral & Tusk apart is the magic of Stephanie’s process: every design begins as her original hand-drawn illustration before being meticulously translated to cloth. Today, Stephanie calls the mountains of Wyoming home—a setting that feels perfectly aligned with Coral & Tusk’s celebration of nature and imagination.We delve into the idea of collecting with your eyes first, how her latest book, In Stitches, offers a window into her collections and creative process, and three of my favorite designs from the book and the stories behind them. So without further adieu, Stephanie Housley, founder of Coral & Tusk, for Collectors Gene Radio. 25% Off Code - CGxCoral25Coral & Tusk - https://coralandtusk.com/ CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/

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• Alexia Ioannou - Giving "Nou" Purpose To Vintage Fashion & Homes

  Today, we’re diving into the world of vintage fashion with Alexia Ioannou who has turned the act of collecting into an art form. She’s the founder of Nou, a boutique vintage studio that has become a go-to for tastemakers, stylists, and starlets alike. Since its launch in 2018, Nou has redefined what it means to shop vintage, offering ultra-rare, handpicked treasures that seamlessly blend heritage and modernity.Alexia’s journey is one of passion, intuition, and a deep love for the stories behind each piece she discovers. She grew up immersed in design, honing a discerning eye for craftsmanship and timeless style. From sourcing vintage shoes and bags that make you swoon to expanding Nou into homeware, her philosophy is clear: every item she shares carries intention, individuality, and a slice of her vision.She takes us through her evolution—from a young collector with a love for fashion history to a tastemaker who spends her days chasing the thrill of discovery. You’ll learn how she defines what’s “Nou-worthy,” what it’s like to curate for others, and how no matter what, she’s the customer. So without further adieu, this is Alexia Ioannou, for Collectors Gene Radio. Nou - https://shopnou.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqdxt6-qGbitVaEs2g-68qo9r5UhmGKGZFJnxE4EeoUPRmwms9G BohoChicken Blog - https://www.bohochicken.com/ Nou's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shopnou_/?hl=en Cameron's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner/?hl=en CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/

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• Chris Martin - 190 Years Of Making The Most Collectible Guitars

  Today, I have the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Chris Martin, the sixth-generation CEO of Martin Guitars. For nearly 190 years, the Martin name has been synonymous with music, and their iconic guitars have graced the hands of some of the world's most legendary musicians. But the question we explore today is, what is it that has allowed this storied brand to remain at the pinnacle of excellence for nearly two centuries?The answer lies in Chris Martin IV, who has led the company for over 40 years, all while remaining steadfast to the legacy that has defined Martin from the very beginning. Chris is, by nature, a collector, and upon joining the family business, it became clear that his passion for preservation would extend to Martin's rich history. He has meticulously gathered some of the brand's most prized instruments from the most renowned collections and has created a museum to house them—a museum that is anything but traditional. Rather than a sterile, glass-encased gallery, the Martin Museum invites visitors to engage with the guitars, some of which can even be played. And as we’ll learn during our conversation, Chris is considering letting anyone play the guitars, in exchange for a donation to the Martin Foundation.Martin Guitars has long been hailed as the gold standard in the industry, and after spending time with the man at the helm, it’s easy to see why. So, without further ado, I’m honored to present Chris Martin, here on Collectors Gene Radio.Martin Guitar Company - https://www.martinguitar.com/CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/

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• Enis Karavil - A Teapot Collection Worth Displaying

  Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Enis Karavil, the visionary founder of the interior design firm Sanayi313 (Sah-Ny-EE), a studio celebrated for its distinctive blend of craftsmanship and storytelling in design.But today, we’re stepping beyond the world of interiors to uncover another layer of Enis’s creative soul: his remarkable collection of vintage teapots, lighters, and other storied objects. Enis doesn’t just collect; he curates with heart first, weaving narratives through the items he acquires—whether it’s a patinated silver teapot with a storied past or a vintage lighter that sparks conversation.We explore how his professional ethos intersects with his personal passion, the allure of patina and imperfection, and what it takes to build a collection that bridges art, history, and design. So without further adieu, this is Enis Karavil, for Collectors Gene Radio.Sanayi313 - https://sanayi313.com/en/Enis' Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eniskaravil?igsh=ZG56OXAwOHgyMW42Sanayi313 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sanayi313?igsh=eXA2b2ZhdWI5OTJkCollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/

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