Meet Aisling Ackerman of Seoda

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aisling Ackerman

Hi Aisling, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Los Angeles the day after graduating from college in Florida in 2010, knowing only two people. Through a connection, I was introduced to an opportunity at a startup with fewer than 20 employees. That role turned out to be at One Kings Lane, where I spent four years thriving in a fast-paced, competitive environment. I was empowered in my position, managing my own team, reporting directly to the C-suite, and fostering brand partnerships with industry-leading designers and tastemakers like Diane Keaton and Iris Apfel.

After my time at One Kings Lane, I focused on merchandising, brand strategy, and partnerships for several other VC-backed e-commerce companies. This experience naturally led me to launch my own interior design firm in 2019. In 2023, I expanded my vision further with Seoda, an e-commerce platform where I offer vintage furniture and lighting from iconic designers and architects such as Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, and Jean Prouvé.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my career, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. I’ve worked in high-pressure environments where agility was essential, and learning to adapt, create a plan, and execute quickly has always been a priority. When I launched my own interior design firm, I was self-funded, which meant that every mistake felt personal. I experienced costly setbacks, from broken items to clients rejecting approved upholstery pieces at my own expense. Through it all, I learned that exceptional customer service is crucial to running a successful business.

However, when the Writer’s Strike hit LA, it significantly impacted my firm, as most of my clients were in the entertainment industry. This brought my income to a standstill, ultimately leading to the closure of my firm. Fortunately, I had inventory from my previous work, which I used to launch Seoda. Over time, I’ve expanded the collection with pieces from private collectors and interior designers, growing it into what it is today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Seoda is an online boutique specializing in vintage treasures, many of which are crafted by world-renowned architects and designers. Each item in my collection is not only timeless and classic but also an investment that will only increase in value over time. I am deeply committed to sustainability, rejecting the culture of mindless consumption, which is reflected in the carefully curated selection I offer. To expand my reach to a global audience, I’ve partnered with 1st Dibs, allowing my pieces to connect with collectors worldwide. The name “Seoda” means “treasure” in my native Gaelic, while my own name, Aisling, translates to “dream” or “vision”—both of which embody my passions and vision for the future.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
When I first moved to LA, my sole contact helped me secure my initial job interview, which eventually led to my first role. Her sorority sister had a friend who was seeking an assistant. The company, One Kings Lane, was centered around home design—a field in which I already had a deep understanding. Growing up with a mother who was an interior designer, I was naturally immersed in all things related to home and design from a young age.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopseoda.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopseoda
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinglauren/
• Other: https://shopseoda.substack.com/

Image Credits
Headshot: Jonpaul Douglass
Product Photography: Dan Arnold