International Women’s Day at Astek Home

Happy Women’s History Month! The Astek Home crew is made up of many wonderful individuals, including plenty of talented women. For International Women’s Day, we surveyed our women staff across different departments to get their thoughts on how we can support and uplift women while advancing equal rights. Read on to get to know some of the women working hard throughout our production pipeline to make your wallpaper possible. (Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.)

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you in your career or personal life.

Feme Herrera, Account Manager: My mother.

Sam Sokolow, Junior Designer: My grandmother was a teacher, a world traveler, an amazing embroiderer, and a jewelry maker. Most importantly, she was a lifelong learner. As a child, I said that I wanted to grow up to be like her, and at thirty years old, I still feel that way.

Natasha Jones, Chief Project Officer: One woman who has truly inspired me is my boss, Sarah LaVoie. She is a leader who leads by example, always maintaining professionalism, composure, and kindness, even in high-pressure situations. What stands out most is her ability to balance efficiency with empathy. She knows how to push her team toward success while also genuinely caring about our growth and well-being.

She taught me the importance of organization, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving, which are all skills I use daily in my work. Her mentorship has shaped my approach to work, and I strive to embody those same qualities in my own professional journey.

Sarah LaVoie, COO + Creative Director: I had the privilege of growing up with both my grandmother and great-grandmother in my life, and my grandmother, in particular, has been one of the most inspiring figures to me. She was the most selfless person I have ever known, and I aspire to be like her. From a young age, we had a special connection—she just understood me, and I understood her. She was pure love.

She dedicated her free time to volunteering and was incredibly intentional about how she lived her life—including never learning to drive, by choice. She taught me the importance of value, the love of gardening, and the joy of cooking and baking. She poured creativity into sewing, quilting, and crafting, bringing joy not just to my childhood but to everyone who knew her.

I feel incredibly privileged to have known her, to have loved her, and to have been loved by her. I would not be who I am today without her influence. She taught me to love and respect all living things, to be humble, and to carry myself with kindness and humility. Her legacy continues to inspire me every day.

Kelly Scanlon, Business Development Manager: My mother-in-law has been an inspiration to me as she had to abruptly change from being a stay-at-home mom raising two kids when her husband was unable to work and support their family. She started out as a sales clerk in a retail store and, through hard work and determination, moved on to become head of product and business development for a home goods manufacturer. The journey was not easy, and she had to make many sacrifices along the way as the family had to make many moves there were lean times as she progressed in her career, but she was able to support her family and eventually afford to send her kids to good colleges which was very important to her.

How can we, as a society, empower women?

Feme Herrera, Account Manager: Being equal.

Sam Sokolow, Junior Designer: As a society, we can empower women by listening to what they have to say and elevating their voices. It is hard to feel empowered when you don't feel like your voice matters.

Natasha Jones, Chief Project Officer: Support and amplify female voices, and mentor the next generation. When women uplift one another, real change happens and barriers break, opportunities grow, and communities thrive. Because when women support women, magic happens!

Sarah LaVoie, COO + Creative Director: Women are the foundation of a thriving society and the backbone of humanity. To truly empower women, society must ensure they have equal access to education, career opportunities, fair wages, and leadership roles. Policies that support work-life balance, parental leave, and affordable childcare allow women to pursue their ambitions without unnecessary barriers. Representation in government, business, and media is also essential—when women’s voices are heard and valued, entire communities benefit.

The outdated notion that women should remain in the background or subordinate to men only holds society back. True progress comes when we actively dismantle systemic biases and create environments where women can lead, innovate, and shape the future. By investing in women, we invest in a stronger, more just, and more prosperous world for everyone.

Kelly Scanlon, Business Development Manager: Be supportive and provide mentorship. Support programs that are geared towards helping women and families. We all come from various backgrounds and we can learn from each other to foster growth. 

Just for fun, what is your favorite Astek design or collection, and why?

Feme Herrera, Account Manager: All patterns are beautiful– they are designed with care and enthusiasm. [If I had to pick a favorite,] the mural collection In Bloom. I like the colors and the detail of the image– it makes a living room or a lobby light up with the colors.

Sam Sokolow, Junior Designer: My favorite Astek collection is Terrene. The rich textures jump off of the substrate, and the neutral tones would pair well with so many different types of furniture.

Natasha Jones, Chief Project Officer: My favorite pattern at Astek constantly changes, but right now, it’s Elysian Mural in Autunno. It transports me to a storybook fairytale. There’s something about it that feels incredibly relaxing. I love a wallpaper that not only transforms a space, but also evokes emotion.

Sarah LaVoie, COO + Creative Director: My favorite Astek design or collection tends to change over time, but lately, I’ve been especially drawn to the Iconographic collection, created in collaboration with Terry Crews. This pattern, explored through various colorways, was a true creative fusion between our design team, Terry, and even myself—a rare opportunity for me to contribute artwork amidst my now busy day-to-day.

What makes this collection so special is how it resonates differently with each viewer. The hidden easter eggs woven into the design add layers of meaning and intrigue, offering an insider’s perspective that makes it all the more compelling. Guiding our immensely talented team alongside Terry while also getting to contribute creatively was a truly rewarding experience—one that felt like a perfect chef’s kiss moment.

Kelly Scanlon, Business Development Manager: Merian in Blithe. I love nature, and this design is so beautiful with its gorgeous wildflowers. I have seen it used in many applications. Hopefully I'll get to use it in my home soon!