Empowering indigenous artisans through design
Native Trade was born out of a dream to give back. After falling in love with the people, sights, smells, culture, and spirit of Central and South America, it became clear that Latin America was the jumping off point. Combining a formal education in both fine art and interior design with a professional career as an elementary school educator, Cole Barnett is now putting all of her passions to work. Working as a one-woman company she has already found many passionate, talented, and dedicated artists to work with abroad. Native Trade strives to provide stable work to families in indigenous communities and ensure that they can continue their ancient craft in these uncertain economic times.
Native Trade is a collaboration between Cole Barnett and the indigenous artisans of Teotitlan del Valle Mexico. Currently, a product line is being developed that includes hand crafted home goods and luxurious accessories. These designs will be contemporary interpretations of ancient Zapotec designs and will be on-trend with the American market and design firms in the nation.
With a deep love of travel, design, and fashion Cole Barnett infuses her designs with a playful, yet elegant spirit. Barnett is a fan of clean lines, organic textures, muted earthy tones, pops of color, metallic surfaces, and over-scaled graphic elements. She believes that spaces should feel cozy, inviting, unique, and calming. With a deep understanding of interior design history and trends she blends past styles with contemporary pieces to create an environment that speaks to her client's taste and style.
