Today we showcase the talents of Karen Enis (right) and Amber Molnar (left), best friends and co-founders of me and amber. We talked to them about their distinctive style, and what it's like working with your best friend.

What is the best part of having a business with your best friend?
Work doesn't seem like work at all! We have a great time working together, and often stop to think how lucky we are. The old saying goes never work with your friends, but we believe it is the greatest thing, and like to think we have proved the cynics wrong! We have been friends since kindy, and know each other inside out - we know how each other thinks, often don't have to speak to communicate, and have 100% trust and belief in each other... business trips become holidays and working days are full of laughter.


Screen printed plywood artworks

Creatively 'me and amber' has developed a distinctive graphic style – was that always your aim?
We never wanted to create designs that looked like anybody else's work, so yes, designing with a distinctive style was and always is important. There is an overload of visual material and designs out there, so for us there seems no point in creating anything that has been done or seen before. We are proud to have developed a style that people recognise as our own.


Kitchen tea towel

You put a great deal of emphasis on supporting local business through manufacturing in Australia. Is this part of the ethos of 'me and amber?
Absolutely - producing locally normally means production is more expensive, however it is so important to us. Establishing relationships with local makers and suppliers is such an exciting and rewarding part of our design process, and we feel proud that we still manufacture in Australia. Not only does it benefit local industry, but it is also far better for our environment, reducing carbon emissions in freight.


Limited edition prints

What about sustainability?
Every aspect of our business considers sustainability, and has the environment in mind. We use recycled paper, water-based inks and biodegradable bubble-wrap and linen which is not only durable but consumes far less water in its production than cotton. We only have one environment, so it's important that we all look after it. We also avoid designing to fashions or trends, and hope to create designs that are durable in quality and timeless in design.



You produce pieces from cards and artworks to cushions and table-runners, yet they all feel part of the same aesthetic. Is this crossover of ideas important to how you work?
Having a coherent collection is really important, and we always want our work to sit well together. We work with a number of different mediums, but because of the bold simple nature of our style, it is easy to make our range work as a whole.

People frame your tea towels – do you take that as a great compliment?
We do! It seemed a little strange to us at first, as we love using them as conventional tea towels… but it is very flattering that people consider them to be art.



Are you looking for new ways to apply your creative talents?
Yes, at the moment we are spending more time on the graphic design part of our business. We love designing logos, and are focusing on designing more wedding invitations. We are always looking for collaborations with creative people too!

Quick fire questions

Design hero – dead or alive: Antoni Gaudi
Favourite colour combination: Hot pink and orange
Pet styling hate: Cowhide rugs
Best op shop find: The cutest old timber drawer - we love it!

Images courtesy of me and amber.