As part of our International Women’s Day series, we’re highlighting the voices of women across the gift and home industry. In this reflection, designer and founder Vicki Thomas of Vicki Thomas Associates, shares her perspective on creativity, collaboration and the deeper meaning behind the objects we create and give.

I think it is the way I see the world – as visual patterns. Not necessarily repeating ones like in textiles or wallpaper, but more like the patterns in nature and geography, or even the human body. We are all human but still unique. Whilst studying design history at the V&A, I spotted a similarity between the artefacts on display: they were designed to be presented, to be given. This led to my founding Vicki Thomas Associates and continuing to be fascinated by the things we create and what that means for us and the planet.

I like sharing and learning from others. When I taught, I enjoyed it most when I inspired others to think for themselves. In business, I enjoy collaborating and working with others. I like to be part of the team, so I have avoided being an agent. I contribute – be it research, a new product range or a visitor experience.

Some people find designing gifts trivial and less worthy. It is not usually Fine Art, as few can dedicate their skills, time and money to create it. We are not engineers who aim to create functional objects like tools and machines. The things we create have something to say. They represent. They evoke a feeling. Generate a memory. Tell a story. Make someone smile. The Māori say gifts contain a spirit – a Hau – something that represents the understanding between the giver and the recipient.

Working as someone who can create that spirit and generate opportunities that bring people together to create those bonds is my role. People’s motivations can be varied, their skills and expectations too. In business, I have walked away from projects when a primadonna artist ego, or profit-making at any cost by a client, was the only motivation.

Many people do not see the world as I do, and that is fine. Some people understand and value what I do, and that is great. We are all human and yet very different. In the world of gift design there are an infinite number of ways of expressing the right message. I still find it fascinating.