Kym, you have an incredible background as a co-founder of True Religion and now the founder of dume. Can you start by telling us a bit about your journey and what led you to venture into the home decor industry?

The transition from the fashion space into the home decor industry was seamless, as I was in the process of building a new home when I sold True Religion. Building and renovating homes is something I’ve always done and turned into a hobby. My passion for ceramics began after a pottery class my son brought me to as a gift. It inspired me to build a studio out of my home and challenged me to create pieces that I wanted to put in my own home and the homes that I was building. The progression felt natural to me — home decor is just a different medium.

dume’s inception was inspired by your mother’s Sunday suppers. How do personal memories shape your design philosophy and other areas of the brand?

My mom and my entire family were largely rooted in tradition. Every Sunday, my two brothers, my sisters, my mom, my stepdad, and I get together to spend time and share food. Tradition instilled, among other things, evokes and instills memories; it instills memories that carry on. My design philosophy goes back to creating pieces that make the time and space for gathering and tradition.

Can you share the story behind one of your favorite pieces from the dume collection and its significance to you?

Hands down, the Nikki Bowl. I have four of them. It’s the perfect salad bowl and makes a great housewarming gift. It evokes a memory of my mom making Caesar salad every Sunday, which was served alongside her signature lasagna. This bowl is inspired by that fond memory, which is why it’s aptly named after her.

What challenges did you face transitioning from the fashion industry to home decor, and how did your experience with True Religion prepare you for this new venture?

I was thankful to experience a natural progression from the brands I’ve founded and was initially part of to building homes and starting the home decor line. I’ve always been interested in the minor details in home builds, down to the doorknobs. This shift didn’t feel much like a transition; instead, I’m simply utilizing a different medium to express myself. My time at True Religion taught me the importance of staying true to who you are and what your designs are because they’re authentically you. I’ve learned to craft and create for none other than myself.

We believe that fashion and interiors are deeply interconnected, playing together in the worlds of colors, textures, juxtapositions, and more, so it’s no surprise that you have an affinity for both. Do you remember what first influenced your interest in decor and interior design?

My family home in Malibu was a project my parents had started from a home that burned down. My parents built around the burnt pieces and restored the beams, preserving their natural beauty. My favorite room was the bedroom I shared with my two sisters — I’m an identical triplet. There were three areas for us to sleep, three closets, and a playroom off the bedroom. There was a space for each of us, which gave us a sense of individuality. Everything in the home, from the stained glass to the spiral staircase and intricate carvings, were details my parents thought of specifically and intentionally, which stuck with me and influenced the way I design.

If your energy and persona were a color, what color would you be?

Green. It was my mother’s favorite color, and she had green eyes. Emerald is my birthstone. Green means life and oxygen from trees. It really is a color that speaks to me.

Nature and the ocean seem to be significant sources of inspiration for dume’s designs. What influences your personal interior style, and is it similar to the brand aesthetic for dume?

The ocean is a huge source of influence for dume and my personal style. The tide changes, and the color changes. You can have white caps and big waves that change with the wind. It is a beautiful, ever-changing being of nature, which is the purest form of design. I grew up surfing in Malibu — the beach puts you in a new world.

What role do you think personal storytelling and heritage play in creating impactful and lasting brands in today’s market?

I returned to the world of design with the inception of dume because it means a lot to me to be able to be creative in a very authentic way. With this venture, I make my own rules, hire my own people, and work with my own people. I’ve prioritized giving artisans and really talented community members jobs. I get to be able to do what I love on my own terms, and I think that shows through in what we do.

What emerging home design trends are you loving right now?

I’m a big advocate for upcycling — taking something and making it new time and time again is amazing for the planet. As I move into my new home, I’m reupholstering everything. It’s preserving what is already made, well-made, and made to last a lifetime.

Reflecting on your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and what future goals do you have for dume?

Hands down, my children. I’m proud of raising my kids and raising good humans.

At dume we have big goals. We want to expand further in hospitality and reach more verticals that enter every angle of furnishings — to be a brand you want in your home, hotel, restaurant, and beyond.

Can you leave us with one piece of advice you often share with aspiring creatives and designers?

Be authentic to yourself. After 58 years, I can confidently say that you can’t go wrong if you are completely and 100% authentic to yourself.