Serena and Lily. It's a good thing.

That's what Martha always says, and I think she would totally agree that Serena and Lily is a really good thing.

The catalog and retail company sells super cute linens for adults, kids, and babies, and custom furniture. They are based right here in Sausalito, and one of the co-founders lives here in Mill Valley.

I've always admired their fresh, chic designs, but I had no idea the story behind the company, or their philanthropic mission until yesterday.

There was an article in the SF Chronicle on Sunday about Lily Kanter, one of the founders. She started the company with partner Serena Dugan six years ago after retiring from Microsoft (as a multi-millionaire) in 2000 at the ripe old age of 35. (pictured here on the right.)

Her mission is to "empower employees" and "have the means to be philanthropic." She hires former executives who are striving to achieve a more balanced work/family life. And here's the biggie: her goal is to donate all their company profits to charities. Her big wish is to donate $1 million each year.

WOW.

It's left me speechless and wondering if she needs an ad exec that owns an upholstery company as a new partner?

Kidding.

Ha. Not really. I seriously need to figure out how we can work together. Maybe they need a new "made in Napa, CA line?" We should talk.

I have the same dreams they do, only we don't have millions of dollars from Microsoft to cushion our growth. waaaaah. We'll have to do it the old fashioned way. One sectional at a time. We'll get there. It will just take a little longer that's all.

*Photos from www.serenaandlily.com

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