Today’s Entrepreneur of the day is Kerry Stokes! Kerry is the artist and founder of Calhoun & Co.
In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, Calhoun & Co. stands out as a vibrant gift and home décor brand dedicated to infusing homes with warmth, humor, and personality. Founded by artist and designer Kerry Stokes in 2016, this creative studio has garnered attention for its playful designs that resonate with a diverse audience.
Kerry, the visionary behind Calhoun & Co., brings a unique blend of artistic flair and personal touch to her creations. A mother of two and a lover of travel and nature, Kerry draws inspiration from her surroundings, including cozy weekends with her family and their dog, Slug. Her designs often feature whimsical illustrations of insects, tropical motifs, and retro patterns, reflecting her eclectic interests and vibrant imagination.
After earning her degree in apparel design in Boston, Kerry moved to New York, where she lived in four apartments in a single year. As she styled each space, she became enamored with interior design. Each time she moved, she tried to make each new apartment feel like a safe haven. Eventually, after working in both fashion and gift industries, she took the leap and launched Calhoun & Co. in 2016, with a mission: to bring more personality, positivity, and playfulness into home décor.
Calhoun & Co.’s product line is a testament to the brand’s commitment to storytelling through design. Each item, from knit throw blankets to screen-printed tea towels, is crafted to evoke a sense of comfort and joy. Notable pieces include the “Meat Shop” knit throw blanket and the “Shrimp Cocktail” tea towel, both showcasing Kerry’s signature illustrative style.
Each Calhoun & Co. throw blanket, tea towel, greeting card, area rug, and tote starts with an original sketch drawn by hand using ink, marker, acrylic paint, or colored pencil. These sketches transform into vibrant, giftable home goods adorned with jewel-toned beetles, hot sauce bottles, jungle cats, and other cheerful motifs. The result? A collection full of bold color, good vibes, and a sense of joy that makes each piece a celebration of everyday life. Kerry’s specific designs strike a sweet spot between quirky and comforting, where each item feels personally crafted to the user.
Beyond creating delightful home goods, Calhoun & Co. is deeply committed to community involvement and philanthropy. The brand regularly donates products and makes financial contributions to various organizations including: ACLU, World Central Kitchen, Planned Parenthood, NAACP, and Casa de Amparo, emphasizing the importance of kindness and social responsibility. This ethos is central to the company’s mission of spreading positivity both locally and globally.
When asked what advice she had for women who wanted to start their own business, Kerry said, “Don’t wait for things to align perfectly – Go for it and learn as you go. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s OK – it’s actually a great way to learn. Go with the flow best you can, and do what feels like you. Never try to be another business or artist… only be the best version of yourself.”
What sets Calhoun & Co. apart is the personal narrative woven into each product. Kerry’s hands-on approach, from initial sketches to final designs, ensures that every item carries a piece of her artistic vision and personal experiences. Even gift notes are all hand written, adding a meaningful touch to cozy blankets and home goods sent to loved ones. This authenticity resonates with customers seeking unique, heartfelt gifts and home décor items.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone special, Calhoun & Co. has a collection full of pieces that make your home feel more you. Cozy, colorful, and filled with charm, every item is designed to bring a smile.
