Interview with Our Artistic Director, Tuulia Mäkinen Diallo
Q: Tuulia, can you share with us how your journey began?
A: As a child, I dreamed of becoming a film actress to bring stories to life. Today, I’m living that dream through our designs and fabrics. When I moved to Paris in 2005, I was captivated by the iconic French fashion houses like Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. Their influence inspired me to study fashion and textiles. I began my professional career at Jean Paul Gaultier in New York and later joined the prestigious French house, Roger Vivier, in Paris
Q: Tell us a bit about your background and early influences.
A: My father was an architect, and my mother was a university professor. Sadly, my father passed away in 2010. As a child, I loved school — which might sound funny, but it was largely due to the supportive Finnish education system. I was an extroverted, imaginative kid who thrived on performance and creativity. I had a fun and vibrant childhood, spending cherished times with two of my best friends.
Q: How did you meet your husband and how did that influence your career?
A: I met my husband, Hamidou Diallo, in Finland back in 2003. We fell in love and moved to Paris together. Hamidou always had a passion for entrepreneurship and promoting Guinean handcrafts, inspired by his mother, a talented indigo dyer. His Guinean heritage, with its rich traditions of weaving and dyeing, played a crucial role in the creation of Tensira, blending Nordic design with West African craftsmanship.
Q: You have a busy life as an entrepreneur and a mother. How do you find the creative process amidst all your responsibilities?
A: I’m often asked how I balance the creative process with such a busy life. Surprisingly, the creative process isn’t difficult for me, I can't quite explain it — although many other aspects of entrepreneurship are, creativity remains the highlight of my work. However, as an entrepreneur, I do have many other responsibilities. Perhaps one day I’ll be able to focus solely on creation. At the same time, the interactions I have with our clients enrich me immensely, and it’s another aspect that I love. Creation is a collaborative effort with my wonderful team and our clients. When I enter the creative space, it’s like for a singer or a painter — time and space seem to disappear. Colors and compositions come to me as if I were composing a song. It’s a flow that transcends the everyday hustle and is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Q: What inspires you in your work and how do you balance your personal and professional life?
A: Paris remains a perennial source of inspiration for me, as does our everyday life. My two lively and beautiful daughters, aged 12 and 7, certainly keep things exciting at home! They bring a lot of joy and creativity into our lives. My mission is to infuse timeless elegance into your interiors and take you on a journey through our creations, all while ensuring the best quality and durability.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share?
A: I am deeply grateful to be living my dream through the work I create for you. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to combine my passions and experiences into something beautiful and meaningful. This year, we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with some amazing brands, including Zara Home, Banana Republic Home, and Blanche + Mimi and of course with many long time partners such as Goodee or Jayson Home as well as the iconic Le Bon Marché, along with Merci and La Trésorerie in Paris.
