Meet Emma Macdonald: TBCo CEO & Co-Founder
Why did you start TBCo?
TBCo was born from my deep love of design and creativity, and a desire to build something meaningful from the ground up. I’ve always believed in the power of self-expression, whether through the clothes we wear or the spaces we create at home. The way we surround ourselves with colour, texture and pattern can completely change how we feel, and I wanted to build a brand that celebrated that.
After working in fashion and seeing the impact of fast fashion firsthand, I knew I wanted to create something different. I didn’t want to choose between beauty and responsibility. I wanted to prove you could have both. When we moved back to Edinburgh and into our first home, I realised how little there was on the market that combined thoughtful design with sustainable values. That’s how TBCo began, with one recycled wool blanket and a dream of doing things differently.
Creating something beautiful from nothing and knowing it brings joy, confidence and comfort into someone’s life, whether they’re wearing one of our pieces or wrapping up on the sofa, is what drives me every day. TBCo is the result of that passion. Design-led, purpose-driven, and made to make people feel good while doing good.
What’s most important to you about TBCo?
For me, TBCo is about combining purpose and beauty in everything we do. What matters most is that we create products that not only look and feel amazing but are made with real integrity, from how they’re designed to the materials we use. That means championing quality, using natural and recycled fibres, and crafting unique pieces that inspire, delight and last.
I want people to feel something when they choose TBCo. A sense of joy, comfort and confidence. I want our pieces to help express who they are, whether that’s through bold scarves, playful PJs or colourfully curated interiors. And I want every purchase to feel meaningful, knowing that it’s contributing to a more thoughtful, sustainable future.
We’re proud to be a purpose-led brand, powered by an incredible team who live our values every day. We’re always asking how we can be better, how we can have more impact, and how we can bring even more beauty and warmth into the world. That’s what TBCo is all about.
How has TBCo changed through the years? And what do you have in mind for the future?
TBCo has evolved far beyond its beginnings as The Tartan Blanket Co. We’ve grown from a small start-up with a handful of products and a big dream into a design-led brand with a clear identity and global reach.
Over the past decade, we’ve sharpened our aesthetic, strengthened our sustainability commitments and expanded our collections into fashion and home. From our cult-favourite triangle scarves and PJs to bedding, curtains and artist collaborations. We’re proud to be a certified B Corp, using our business as a force for good and holding ourselves accountable to people and the planet as we grow.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue pushing boundaries creatively and consciously. We’ll keep expanding into new categories, building meaningful partnerships and designing joyful, expressive products that reflect our customers’ individuality while leaving a positive impact.
