by Leah Wilkerson
A Member Collaboration | Courtney Buchanan of CB Grey + Kristin Meredith of KMM Collective
Sometimes the most meaningful collaborations begin not with a grand plan, but with a conversation, a shared idea, and a willingness to explore what might be possible.
For Courtney Buchanan, founder of CB Grey, and Kristin Meredith of KMM Collective, that collaboration resulted in a silk scarf inspired by an unforgettable trip to Turkey.
But the story behind the scarf is about much more than design. It's about listening, sharing perspectives, and creating something neither woman would have envisioned quite the same way on her own.
It Started with a Trip to Turkey
Kristin had been suggesting a scarf collaboration for some time, but neither woman had landed on the right concept. Then Kristin returned from Turkey, filled with memories and inspiration.
Courtney began exploring the visual elements of the trip: churches, Turkish tiles, and architectural details. The ideas were beautiful, but something was missing. She wanted the scarf to capture not simply where Kristin had traveled, but what the experience had meant to her.
One evening, Courtney called Kristin's husband, Duncan, and asked a simple question: “When did you see her really light up?” His answer was immediate. “In the hot air balloon.”
Suddenly, everything clicked. The hot air balloon became the heart of the design, along with a phrase Kristin already had pinned to her bulletin board: “What takes your breath away?”
The Creative Magic of Working Together
Finding the inspiration was only the beginning. In the following weeks, Courtney and Kristin exchanged photographs, explored color palettes, and challenged one another's ideas. Courtney brought her design experience and artistic perspective. Kristin brought her personal story, distinctive taste, and understanding of her customers. Together, they shaped something more meaningful than either had originally imagined.
As Courtney explains: “Most of my custom work starts with me translating someone else's story. This one felt different. Kristin and I made it together.”
And perhaps the most revealing part of her reflection: “On my own, I would have made a pretty scarf about a trip. Together, we made one she gets to relive every time she wears it.”
Kristin remembers that same creative exchange: “Collaborating with Courtney was a back and forth over weeks, bouncing ideas off each other, sharing images and color palettes.”
The result was a scarf that captured not only the beauty of a destination, but the emotion of an experience.
A Story That Continues
For Kristin, the scarf remains a personal connection to that unforgettable journey. “That scarf allows me to relive that trip every time I wear it,” she shares.
And the story isn't finished. With scarves enjoying renewed attention, Kristin is preparing to relaunch the collection. She's also exploring more ways to share the personal stories behind her work through live videos.
The scarf offers a natural starting point: a beautiful product with an authentic story behind it.
Why This Matters to W4W
At W4W, we believe some of the most valuable opportunities come from the relationships we build with one another. Sometimes those relationships lead to collaborations. Sometimes they lead to referrals, introductions, fresh perspectives, or simply the encouragement to try something new.
Courtney and Kristin's story reminds us that collaboration isn't necessarily about dividing the work. It's about bringing different strengths and perspectives to the same idea—and being open to where that exchange might lead.
Courtney captured it beautifully: “That's the best part of working with another woman who builds things… you each bring half, and the finished piece is better than either half.”
That's what Better Together is all about.
Meet the Women Behind the Collaboration
Courtney Buchanan | CB Grey
Explore Courtney's silk scarves, accessories, and the stories behind her designs. Visit CB Grey →
Kristin Meredith | KMM Collective
Discover Kristin's collection of scarves and the personal inspiration behind her work. Explore KMM Collective →
Read Courtney's original behind-the-design story: The KMM: What Takes Your Breath Away? →
Better Together | Member Collaborations is a W4W series celebrating the creativity, relationships, and shared experiences of women entrepreneurs.
