Need a throw pillow to liven up your sofa or bed? Consider UniikPillows. The Phoenix-based home décor brand was established in 2015 by a family team making eclectic throw pillow covers. “We started out of our home, just real home-grown,” South Africa native Yolindi de Gouveia says. “It was an idea my daughter and I had. She’s very creative, and we love home décor and decorating.” Her daughter, Carealee, is UniikPillows’ resident artist and photographer. “We don’t approach it as mother-daughter, but partners, and always have,” de Gouveia says. “I’m blessed to work with her and build a mutual dream together.” The company now has a manufacturing studio with four employees and “is 100 percent woman-owned and -operated,” de Gouveia says. “People have ideas of wanting to give someone something that has a very special meaning, so we’ll design something either from scratch, or use photographs… and we’ll take that and bring their ideas to life.” This year, the team has been making face masks with that same Uniik flair. “We’ve donated hundreds and hundreds of masks to organizations and hospitals,” de Gouveia says. “So we’ve really done our part in just helping out with that when that need arose.”
UniikPillows
302 W. Melinda Ln., Phoenix
623-232-8844, uniikpillows.com
