Welcome

About Me

In 2008 I embarked on a new journey. I had been a full time mom for 11 years and I was looking for something creative to do. I purchased an embroidery machine and The Funky Monkees was born. Our brick and mortar store sold all kinds of gifts, mostly items that could be monogrammed. There began my love of machine embroidery. I quickly learned that business logos were not only fun, but profitable. During those years we had the best customers and employees! In 2016 it was time for a change. I closed the store, but continued my embroidery business. After 11 years of embroidering everything from gun cases to unusual wedding clothes, I've begun yet another journey- FunkyMonkeeDesigns.com
This online store has started from my love of creating kitchen towels.  They remind me of my mother's kitchen.  Not that she had a big fancy kitchen, quite the opposite.  It was the size of a shoebox! What I remember are the smells and the love that I felt. The smell of fresh okra and squash frying in the summer. A whiff of chocolate pound cake baking in the oven or candied peanuts roasting during the holidays. My mom always had a kitchen towel hanging from the oven door.  It wasn't a particularly attractive one, but it was useful.
About Me
About Me
I grew up in North Carolina where families worked in cotton and hosiery mills. My uncle was employed creating beautiful furniture. I've always had an appreciation for craftsmanship. When I started creating my towels I became painfully aware of the loss of manufacturing in North Carolina and the US. It was impossible to find linens made in the United States.  My towels are made in India, but they are provided to me by a North Carolina company.  My designs are sewn by me in North Carolina.  I long for the day I can offer linens grown, spun and sewn in the US.
If you are still reading this, THANK YOU.  Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my company. I started this business by creating special gifts for my dearest friends.  I hope you will become one of my dearest friends.

Blessings to you,
Allyson