Shiny Elephants is a product design studio located in Houston, Texas, founded in 2020 by Industrial Designer, Emily Platt Priebe. We provide meaningful collections of tabletop products with a focus on textiles and paper goods for dining and entertaining.
The name "Shiny Elephants" is inspired by Emily's grandmother, who had a penchant for elephants and traveled the world collecting elephant figurines that she passed on to Emily in her passing. The little elephants remind Emily of the rich diversity of culture, people, and vision that permeates the globe — each elephant a tiny expression of how different individuals from different backgrounds can interpret and represent a singular concept in a unique artistic way. The way that these pieces make her feel is akin to the feeling she hopes to inspire with her designs.
Our tabletop products are inspired by stories of history, hope, and companionship. We offer these products to those who appreciate thoughtful design, hand-made details, high quality materials, and are excited to share everyday beauty with those they love. Our collections are a reminder of both the personal and artistic roots of Emily, as well as the universal unifying language of art that is common to all. We aim to create pieces that tell a story that resonates with everyone.
We welcome you all on this journey with us.
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Emily Platt Priebe | Founder & Product Designer
Descending from a line of artisans and craftspersons, Emily's passion for creating and designing started at a young age. That passion led her to the University of Houston, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture & Design, where she earned her B.S. in Industrial Design. Her post-grad experience includes product development, interior design, window display and sign art, and showroom management. For the past few years she has served as project coordinator for an interior design group for a national company, and enjoys the role of team organizer. She has moved projects through the interior design process, from initial client engagement to final installation.
Emily, Designer and Founder of Shiny Elephants, started this company in order to create beautiful expressive tabletop items — dinnerware, serveware, linens, and gifts — that can become vessels for your stories, providing inspiration, comfort, or delight.
"I am an Industrial Designer inspired by my heritage, my craft, and the world around me. I design because my creativity is my gift to share. It’s my voice, and the voice of my ancestors.
I create for those who value thoughtful design, high quality materials, and are inspired by everyday beauty. I hope my designs spark the imagination and bring comfort, happiness and fun into homes. I intend for my designs to become time capsules that incite remembrance and emotion for their owners throughout their lives."
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