A Message from Diane L. Paulenich
Founder & Designer, Zebra e Sole design

I believe the spaces we live in—and the everyday rituals that shape our lives—deserve beauty, comfort, and intention. From an artfully layered pillow to a journal clutch carried from room to room, each Zebra e Sole design piece is created to bring artistry and personal expression into the everyday. Because the objects we choose should do more than fill a space; they should help tell our story.

My love of craftsmanship began with my family. My Nonna worked as a seamstress as a young girl in Italy and brought her creative spirit with her to America. While raising seven children, she continued to sew, passing down an appreciation for artistry, precision, and beautiful detail. Her influence lives in my instinctive combinations of fabric, color, texture, and embellishment—and in every stitch made by hand.

My grandfather built an iron works business with his own hands, inspiring my appreciation for structure, strength, and the unexpected beauty of industrial materials. That part of my heritage is reflected in the distinctive hardware and metal embellishments incorporated into many of my designs.

After years spent leading teams and traveling the world, I came to treasure home as a place that welcomes, restores, and reflects who we are. What began with my own search for pillows and personal accessories that felt expressive and original grew into Zebra e Sole design—an artisan studio devoted to creating one-of-a-kind pieces with depth, character, and soul.

My journey has always been guided by purpose: helping others discover confidence, creativity, and connection. Through mentoring women, championing their growth, and serving organizations in the communities I call home, I have learned that the most meaningful work is both personal and purposeful. That same spirit of encouragement, care, and thoughtful attention guides everything I create.

Every Zebra e Sole design piece is made with intention—layering beautiful textiles, thoughtful details, and skilled craftsmanship to create something deeply personal. These are pieces designed to be lived with, felt, and remembered—because rooms should tell your story, and the things you carry should reflect it.