Kathy’s Incredible Journey
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF GIVING BACK
Combining our passion for creativity with our culture of caring.
Inspired by her desire for unique and creative items to fill her own shelves, Kathy took matters into her own hands, literally. She designed the first “primitive candle box” in 1997. Crafting the box by hand, taking care into each detail from the sanded edges to the type of ribbon tied on the wire handles, each was a work of passion. Driven by her innate creativity and entrepreneurial spirit – the product that started it all was born.
Demand grew quickly for the growing line of handmade products, and Kathy enjoyed great success, it was then that she enlisted the help of the wonderful people at Goodwill Services to aid in fulfilling the increasing demand. It was at this moment that one of the most valuable philanthropic partnerships was formed and still exists to this day.
OUR JOURNEY
Learn more about the beginning and how Kathy got to where she is today.
Like all great ideas, Kathy’s started with a challenge – trying to find unique products for her paint studio and retail store in Lancaster, PA she owned with her Mother for over 10 years.
Inspired by her desire for unique and creative items to fill her own shelves, Kathy took matters into her own hands, literally. She handmade the first “primitive candle box” in 1997. Crafting the box by hand, taking care into each detail from the sanded edges to the type of ribbon tied on the wire handles, each was a work of passion.
Driven by her innate creativity and entrepreneurial spirit – the product that started it all was born.
Demand grew quickly for the growing line of handmade products, and Kathy enjoyed great success, it was then that she enlisted the help of the wonderful people at Goodwill Services to aid in fulfilling the increasing demand. It was at this moment that one of the most valuable philanthropic partnerships was formed and still exists to this day.
Because of Kathy’s passion for creativity, her experience in strategic product mix, the addition of a talented team creating product with ahead of market styling and WOW customer service from sales and operations, Primitives by Kathy experienced record-breaking growth year after year. Within 20 years, Primitives by Kathy grew from 1 product to over 8,000 with a team of over 150 talented and passionate industry experts – and is ranked as one of the top 25 fastest-growing women owned businesses in the world.
Kathy’s expertise is frequently sought after for trends and new products by publications and media in the industry with a secured position as a thought leader and innovator for the gift & home industry. The industry is always waiting for what Kathy will come up with next – the constant product development is unlike any other company in the industry and sets Primitives by Kathyapart.
To this day, Kathy Phillips remains at the helm, driving the company with her innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit and artistic vision. It might seem like quite the story – but we can assure you, it is only the beginning.
OUR INSPIRATION
We create product that is ahead-of-the trend, uniquely designed and constantly evolving. We embrace the unexpected, set the trends and challenge ourselves to create décor and gifts that are memorable and one-of-a-kind.
We believe that a combination of the perfect sentiment and fresh design never goes out of style. Our promise is to create the designs that you love – with the expertise and product mix you desire.
We’re inspired by you, our loyal customers, to bring the best products to market for you to enjoy.
True success for Kathy is giving back - and remembering the organizations and individuals who had supported her in the beginning. Because of this, Kathy makes giving part of the corporate strategy, creating products that not only look good, but do good in our Benefit Collection - which have raised over a quarter million dollars for various organizations.
OUR CARE
Kathy has worked tirelessly to give back to the community where she lives and works. Over the past 20 years, Primitives by Kathy has raised and donated tens of thousands of dollars through our philanthropic initiatives and give back programs including our Benefit Itemsproviding all or a portion of the proceeds of the sale of items to organizations like the Friendship Heart Gallery, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Fisher House Foundation, The United Disabilities Services Foundation, and more.
We also partnered with the Friendship Heart Gallery to create our Friendship Heart Gallery Collection - which includes beautiful artwork created by the artists at the gallery with autism and disabilities as a way to contribute to the success of the gallery and showcase the incredible work by the artists. These partnerships have truly illustrated how Primitives by Kathy combines a passion for creativity with a culture of caring.
In 2018, Primitives by Kathy founded Kathy’s Circle of Friends as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Kathy’s Circle of Friends is an employee run non-profit that provides social opportunities to those with disabilities by organizing bi-monthly themed events and activity nights – fostering an environment where new friendships are formed and so much fun is had by all.
In addition to charitable partnerships, Kathy is an active participant in mentor programs where she instills the values of leadership, creativity and drive into young women across Lancaster County to inspire them by all she has accomplished.
Kathy’s passion for quality doesn’t end with the product she prides herself on a team of equally passionate people who serve customers with exceptional ‘WOW’ service. The care for excellent customer service has remained constant through the explosive growth and is a reflection of Kathy’s unwavering dedication to her product and customer experience.
