The French Connection

What can three sisters with a passion for curating their homes and a  love of French craftsmanship accomplish together?   A few international sourcing trips and French containers later, you'll get to find out April 17-19.

Photo credit:  VisitFrederick.org

Growing up in Frederick, Maryland (as I did) meandering through antique shops with a mother imbued with a passion for creating an inspired home (as I did).  These three sisters' fascination with a finely crafted home learned a lot.  Yes, I totally relate to these sisters and how their youthful experiences led them into entrepreneurship.

Their beloved mother, Diana, was at the center of it all, teaching them that a home is not simply styled—it is curated. Nor is it ever truly finished, because it grows and evolves as you do: layer by layer, piece by piece, and this takes time. She exposed them to true craftsmanship, to the value of imperfection, and to choose items not just for how they look, but also how they make you feel. 

For these three sisters, Diane's daughters, that perspective grew into a shared pursuit.  Their young business, Diane’s Daughters, emerged as a continuation of what their mother began, now shaped by their own journeys and discoveries.

Today, their sourcing takes them far beyond Frederick, Maryland, as they travel, search, and form relationships with artisans around the world who
share their reverence for heritage and process.

As the art of antiquing taught them to slow down, they found they were drawn to artisans who share that same ethos— working deliberately, with a deep respect for material and form. These are not mass-produced goods; they are objects with a soul. In partnering with makers like those behind La Soufflerie, whose hand-blown glass embodies centuries-old French techniques, they are able to showcase pieces that feel deeply personal.

Photo credit:  copyright La Soufflerie

"Our role is not just to source, but to translate," muses Ashley, the eldest daughter.  "[and] to share these finds with our community in a way that feels meaningful. Every item we curate is chosen with the belief that it will become part of someone else’s story, just as these objects once became part of ours."

Ashley and her sisters bring their international business to Chartreuse & co beginning April 17-19, with the introduction of handmade glassware from the small French firm, La Soufflerie. 

Photo credit:  copyright La Soufflerie

Family-owned and operated, La Soufflerie aims to support glassblowers. "We preserve the ancestral art of glassblowing, based from our small studio workshop in Paris," states the owner.  They use traditional tools and processes to create original, timeless products from recycled glass.  These unique tableware designs are then handblown by expert craftsmen and sent to select boutiques around the world.  Including Buckeystown, Maryland, beginning in April.

Ashley's almost giddy, "We just unpacked the pallet from France! All items are in mint condition, and no two pieces are the same, reflecting the artisanal nature of the hand-blown glass."

Photo credit:  copyright La Soufflerie

Established in 2007 as a cooperative of glass-blowers, La Soufflerie offers an inspired range of tableware that is attractive, functional, and durable.
Their attention to detail lends sophistication to a centuries-old craft: this is glassware tradition that you can enjoy everyday.

Ashley and her sisters aren't stopping with hand-blown, French glassware.  Look for soaps, textiles, exceptional furniture-care products, and containers of the unexpected from this dynamic trio.

Mark your calendar for Spring Market Days, April 17-19, so you don't miss this limited run of French goodies, and our Market Field loaded with vintage and handmade finds.

Thanks for reading,

Virginia