One of the questions I am asked most often is how I choose the brands that become part of CHESKIE folk.
The answer is actually very simple: I have to genuinely love them.
Not just the products, although that is certainly important. I need to connect with the story behind the brand, the values that drive it and the person bringing it all to life. If I'm going to share a maker with the CHESKIE folk community, it has to be a brand I would champion whether I was selling it or not.
That is exactly how I felt when I first discovered Casa de Folklore.
I still remember stumbling across the brand and immediately feeling excited by what I was seeing. The products were beautiful, of course, but there was something deeper that caught my attention. They felt authentic. Full of character, heritage and craftsmanship. The kind of pieces that tell a story and bring a sense of soul into a home.
As I explored further and read more about the story behind the brand, I became even more intrigued.
Founded by Alice Munteanu, Casa de Folklore celebrates traditional Romanian craftsmanship and works with artisans to preserve techniques and cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. Those who know me will know that this is exactly the sort of story that captures my imagination.
Long before CHESKIE folk existed, I was travelling, working alongside artisans and seeking out traditional crafts wherever I went. Whether in Mexico, India, Cambodia or closer to home, I have always been fascinated by the stories behind handmade objects — the people who make them, the skills they have inherited and the cultural heritage woven into every piece.
So when I came across Alice's work, it felt like a natural fit.
Of course, beautiful products and a compelling story can only tell you so much. The real test comes when you speak to the person behind the brand.
Not long after discovering Casa de Folklore, Alice and I arranged a phone call. Within minutes, I knew we would get on.
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More Than Beautiful Objects
The more I learned about Casa de Folklore, the more I appreciated what Alice is building.
While the pieces are undeniably beautiful, what makes them special is the intention behind them. Every collection is rooted in a desire to celebrate Romanian heritage and support traditional craftsmanship that might otherwise be lost.
There is a richness to Romanian folk culture that I find endlessly inspiring. The colours, patterns and motifs have been passed down through generations, each carrying echoes of the people and places from which they originated. Through Casa de Folklore, these traditions are not simply preserved; they are given a place in contemporary homes and everyday life.
The pieces don't feel like museum artefacts or historical reproductions. They feel fresh, joyful and full of life while still honouring the stories and skills behind them.
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As someone who spends a great deal of time thinking about interiors, I am always drawn to objects that bring warmth and personality into a space. The most memorable homes are rarely filled with things chosen purely because they are fashionable. Instead, they are layered with objects that spark curiosity, start conversations and tell a story.
That is exactly what I see in Casa de Folklore.
Whether it is a hand-painted ceramic piece, a beautifully crafted decorative object or a traditional folk-inspired design, there is a sense of authenticity that runs through the entire collection. These are pieces that invite you to slow down, look more closely and appreciate the human hands behind their creation.
Why I Believe Casa de Folklore Fits CHESKIE folk
When I started CHESKIE folk, I knew I didn't want to create a shop filled with endless products. I wanted to create a carefully curated collection of brands and makers whose values aligned with my own.
Of course, the products need to be beautiful and well made, but that is only the beginning. I look for craftsmanship, authenticity, originality and, perhaps most importantly, a genuine story.
I want to work with people who care deeply about what they do.
People who are preserving skills, championing artisans and creating pieces with meaning rather than simply following trends.
Casa de Folklore embodies all of those qualities.
Alice has created a brand that celebrates heritage while supporting contemporary artisans. Her collections are full of character, craftsmanship and soul — qualities that sit at the very heart of what CHESKIE folk is all about.
The more we spoke, the more I realised how closely our values align. We both believe that homes should be personal. We both appreciate the beauty of handmade objects. We both understand that the things we choose to surround ourselves with can connect us to stories, traditions and cultures far beyond our own.
For me, CHESKIE folk has always been about discovering and sharing those stories.
Casa de Folklore feels like a perfect example of that mission brought to life.
And while I was initially drawn to the products, it is the passion, integrity and warmth behind the brand that truly convinced me.
I have a feeling this is only the beginning of a wonderful friendship, and I am incredibly proud to share Alice's work with the CHESKIE folk community.
