In this solo Field Notes episode, Kari reflects on the ever-present question for independent makers: how do people find us? From juggling the busiest production season at KHEM Studios to navigating Google Ads, Merchant Center changes, and the shifting digital landscape, she shares an honest look at what it takes to keep a small design studio visible.

Kari dives into the realities of multi-channel marketing, from the unexpected power of Pinterest to the importance of having the right “instruments” in place to track what’s working. She recalls lessons from in-person events—like the sensory pull of Williams-Sonoma’s bacon and shallots trick—and explains why trade shows like Field + Supply still play a vital role in connecting with the right audience.

This isn’t a how-to guide—it’s a candid field note about the stretch of running a creative studio, balancing production with promotion, and finding creative ways to bridge the gap between the workshop and the wider world.

Explore the KHEM Studios collections

Visit khemstudios.com to see all our work from furniture to cutting board and bean bags.

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Studio Talk by KHEM Studios is a design podcast that explores the world of small-batch furniture and handcrafted cutting boards made in the USA. Hosted by Kari and Erik, each episode takes listeners inside the studio to uncover how timeless design, sustainable American hardwoods, and real customer feedback shape their work. From dining tables to statement cutting boards, Studio Talk blends craftsmanship, design inspiration, and the behind-the-scenes process of running a modern design studio. Whether you’re passionate about home design, entertaining, or learning how thoughtful products are made, Studio Talk offers authentic conversations that connect creativity with everyday living.

Visit khemstudios.com to see all our work from furniture to cutting board and bean bags.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Youtube

In this episode of By Design, Kari and Erik from KHEM Studios take you behind the design process of the Sparrow Collection—a series of chairs that balance function, form, and timeless style. From the compact Small Sparrow, perfect for slipping on shoes or adding an accent to a bedroom, to the Sparrow Dining Chair built for comfort during long gatherings, we explore why “a chair is not just a chair.”

We dive into the details that shape each piece:

• How leg design and scale create unique seating experiences.
• The role of caning, Danish cording, and textiles in blending tradition with modern living.
• Why classic tweeds, herringbones, and quilted fabrics offer both sophistication and versatility.
• The introduction of custom color finishes using Farrow & Ball and Benjamin Moore paints.
• How furniture designed in the Hudson Valley resonates from coast to coast—whether in historic farmhouses or modern California homes.

This conversation highlights the deep consideration behind every Sparrow chair, merging craftsmanship, comfort, and customization into designs that feel at home anywhere.

Discover why the Sparrow Collection is more than furniture—it’s a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and modern life.

👉 Explore the Sparrow Collection: khemstudios.com