Meet the i in idesign + co

Designer. Entrepreneur. Child at heart.

Ilene Segal is the founder and designer of idesign + co. Ilene welcomes life with big open arms. She embraces creativity in her work and in her lifestyle and has built a brand blurring the two. Ilene’s career started in publishing where she later quit her dream job at New York Magazine and launched idesign + co in 2004 with a single stationery collection—it was an instant hit and she hasn’t slowed down since. Over six million customers strong, idesign + co is sold worldwide at some of the largest, well-known retailers.

Ilene has created a world of colorful, quirky, fun nostalgia that makes people happy. So much of her upbringing and personality are reflected in each design with her unique ability to turn the unexpected, under-the-radar into something fun and fresh with each design. Ilene’s spirit, wit and playful sophistication have created a brand that appeals to the playful at heart.

Recognized as a trailblazer for women in business, Ilene won the prestigious Make Mine a $Million Business contest for women entrepreneurs (founded by OPEN from American Express) and their potential to grow women owned businesses in the United States. In her spare time, Ilene also mentors young entrepreneurs and designers. She feels strongly about giving back and works with pediatric cancer organizations dear to her heart.

Over the years, idesign + co has received continual national press from the TODAY Show and ABC’s The View to The Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, Redbook, Better Homes & Gardens and Time Out New York to name a few. Celebrities like Mark Wahlberg, Laura Dern, Rosie O’Donnell, Elisabeth Hasselebeck and Jessica Seinfeld are just a few who love idesign + co too.

Ask her for advice and Ilene will undoubtedly say: take chances when they are offered, always follow your instinct and remember that if you’re truly doing what you love, your business is already a success.