Why We're Doing This Thing with Things

Insight from the Founders

Chantal and I first met at a tech company in San Francisco. While a lot of folks in the Bay Area bonded over startups and code, we first connected over food. And eventually, over the things food and drinks were served in.

She had this passion for mugs that still persists today. I happened to love collecting ceramics while traveling. Her as well. Then we started talking about Heath Ceramics, and the bond was solidified. We've been building companies and a beautiful friendship ever since.

As a side note: I'm really trying to collect something lighter on my travels now. Fabrics, maybe. Although I do love having coffee in one of Chantal’s mugs. There is always a great story behind it. 

“GatherOn is a company Chantal and I are building to share thoughtfully. To help people see their belongings differently.”

Why Things Matter to Us

We're both interested in making and the making of things. I think we have a unique lens and approach to them.

At the end of the day, we both have a deep interest in the process. From a maker in their studio down the street to global manufacturing abroad to where things go when people let go of them. And more and more, an interest that probably comes with a deeper understanding of how the making and gathering of things affects everyone involved. The people who make them, transport them, sell them, reuse, and eventually recycle them. Then, how they affect communities at large and the individual.

After building companies for over 25 years centered around things, in the direct sense all the way to technology and supply chain innovation, I felt like I needed to do more. Make a bigger impact. And then you do that and realize something important.

Encouraging the making and reuse of thoughtful things that can be cared for and eventually passed on or sold, it's worth it. These choices have global impacts on people and the places we live, our children live. 

What We've Learned Along the Way

We're both intrigued by people. Observing, being curious, and then being thoughtfully helpful. At some point, we were both curious about journalism. That spirit of asking questions, listening deeply, and telling stories honestly has shaped how we approach building.

One day, mid-marathon of racing to the next thing, Chantal stopped me. She said: take some time and think about having a blank canvas. Creativity and business skills and a love for beautiful things, especially ones that tell a story. What would we build?

That question sat with us.

The Problem with "Good Design"

We both love design. But so many times, elitism is associated with it. Well designed things become inaccessible. Reserved for those who can afford the right brands, the right aesthetics, the right taste.

That never sat right with us.

What if thoughtful living, beautiful things, and intentional choices weren't just for a select few? What if caring about what you own, how it was made, and where it goes next was something anyone could do?

That's the heart of GatherOn.

“We believe that sharing stories about everyone’s things and having the ability to see everything you own at your fingertips has the power to make big changes for people and the places we live.”

Why We're Building This

GatherOn is a company Chantal and I are building to share thoughtfully. To help people see their belongings differently. To make it easy to care for what you have, repair what breaks, and pass things on when you're done. And if you choose, make a little money along the way.

We hope others will share their own stories too. Because every object, every philosophy around things, has a history. Every choice has an impact. And every person deserves access to tools that make thoughtful living simple, not exclusive.

So here we are. Building this thing around things. Because we believe that sharing stories about our things and having the ability to see everything you own at your fingertips has the power to make big changes for people and the places we live.

Thank you for being here with us.

— Ashley & Chantal

P.S. We feel most comfortable with a mug in hand. Turns out, my son does too. Some things get passed down. - Ashley