2020 has turned out to be a year like no other, in many unprecedented ways. What started out as a great intro to the New Year, turned into a lockdown and a rather difficult time of life, for many, due to Covid-19 and other devastating events that have occurred throughout the year. Our hearts continue to be with those affected by this year’s happenings.
To recap the year and share some of the good that still came from it, here are our highlights of 2020.
To start off the year, we were featured on American Dream TV’s “Hidden Gems” Los Angeles edition with host Rima Shideler. We took the crew inside our 40,000-square-foot Los Angeles showroom and factory and discussed our production process and gave a little history behind our company. We were thrilled to be featured! You can watch the episode here.
With the international pandemic hitting an all time high this past March, we were forced to put a stop on production and lockdown for almost two months. We saw that in those first few months, there was a shortage of PPE. Looking at our shelves full of fabric, we decided we could help others by designing and making masks. First, we had to outfit our work areas to be safe for our employees. We built stations six-feet apart with protected shields. We pivoted our business to making masks. We donated masks to food banks, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and more. After a while, we added some masks for sale to our website. The proceeds were donated to Global Giving’s Corona Virus Relief Fund.
In April, Spring’s High Point Market, an event we spend six months preparing for, was cancelled. This was a major upset for us, as we love meeting you and debuting our newest designs . Thankfully, for technology, we could turn to webinars and lots of video production to keep the connection with you .
Our EMBRACE sofa introduced for April High Point Market was an immediate hit. Embrace was then nominated for the 2020 Product Design Award! The award voting dates have been rescheduled to February 2021. Stay tuned for links and information on how you can vote!
Design et al London named our Tina Nicole to the WORLD’S LEADING DESIGN NAMES LIST 2021!! Wow! Tina Nicole is our co-founder, creative director and principal designer here at Nathan Anthony. Her incredible vision, fearless approach to design, dedication and devotion to her craft makes it only fitting that she was selected for this prestigious recognition. Read here a full article including her background, philosophy, predictions for 2021 and to find out some of her favorite things! We are pinching ourselves and are so proud of her!!
Fall’s High Point Market was given a green light and we were able to continue the show, but at 70% less attendance. We still had a huge success with the introduction of our EMBRACE Collection extensions – Cuddle chair, Swivel Chair and Sweetheart ottoman and a sweet designer taught us a new way of relaxing on a sofa… and begins with “the slide.”
On December 3rd, we enjoyed the highlight of the year, the World’s First Luxury Digital Designer Showhouse, Created Entirely And Only In The Virtual World! With products highlighted in augmented reality! See here!
15 amazing sponsoring brands + 11 nationally known A-List designers have come together to make this a fun, beautiful, safe and inspiring experience (((can we refer to the prior blog post for more info here))). You’ll be able to go on a 360 walk-around inside each room, peer in corners, look at ceilings, floors, zoom in, zoom out!⠀
The Showhouse has product discovery built in as well as some shoppable links – so you will be able to click open every product featured by our 11 participating designers to get the stories, additional images and details you need, fast!⠀⠀⠀
In addition, some of the products will be highlighted in augmented reality, so you can scan the QR code and project these products in your home to see how they look!
To close, 2020 has taught us to cherish health, family and friends. To be appreciative for all that we have, not matter how small. Life may not always go as planned, but the strength to adapt, grow, listen and overcome will get us through.
From our family to yours. Thank you to our customers and fans for your continued support. Our hearts are with those of you who are struggling during this time.
Thank you to everyone for reading our blog. We hope you all stay safe and enjoy the new year. We look forward to seeing you next High Point Market in June 2021! To keep up with the latest happenings here at Nathan Anthony, please follow the hashtags #nathananthony, #nathananthonyfurniture and #uphlstryart or connect with us directly on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Also, you can always check out our latest videos on Youtube.