We’re looking forward to introducing you to Trish Bray & Alex Bray. Check out our conversation below.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi. My husband, Alex and I started Prohibition Coffee Tables because we love to make beautiful, sustainable things. Five years ago, we made our first table; today, we have 10 in our home of varying sizes, styles and shapes. Neighbors, friends, and family love to compliment and inquire about our tables. And so the idea to make Prohibition Coffee Tables came to light.
Using extra slabs from stone fabricators and other local companies, our tables are ecological in practice, perfect for customization, and made to last. Please read our brand story below.
Prohibition Coffee Tables. Badass in name and nature. Although the origin of the coffee table is a bit of a mixed narrative, it has a lot to do with the meaning behind PCT’s namesake. Some say coffee tables originated in the Ottoman Empire (we see you, ottomans), some say they came about in Britain, where they were mostly used for tea ceremonies (pinky’s out); others say (and we agree with the others) coffee tables really found their footing during prohibition. When cocktail tables were rebranded as coffee tables, thanks/no thanks to government restrictions on all things booze. People were all but forced to serve party guests coffee out of polite cups and delicate saucers.
Coffee tables during that time were unabashedly cool, sleek, and, some, stone, just like the ones we make today. Custom stone coffee tables. Made to order in Denver, white-glove delivery included, of course. Unlike other coffee table brands, ours don’t cost an arm and a leg. We skip the middleman, and our materials are sourced from state-of-the-art stone fabricators right here in Denver.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Alex and I both moved frequently as children and love to travel. Seeing different styles, customs, and ways of life has and will continue to play a huge role in shaping our perspectives and ideas. We were particularly drawn to Iceland. It’s vast landscapes, cool undertones, and warm, friendly faces. It’s an incredible source of inspiration, with its mix of island, Scandinavian, and old-world vibes. The natural tones and stones of Iceland were definitely an inspiration for Prohibition Coffee Tables.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
That innovation always trumps tradition. Very hard to prove or convince some folks, but it might be the only true thing in the world.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
My husband, pups, and I feel most at peace out in nature. We love to hike, camp and raft. Alex was a whitewater guide in Jackson Hole, WY, for five seasons, and it’s now a passion we share together. Our two Rhodesian Ridgeback pups are amazing travel and adventure buddies. They are pretty tough, but sometimes afraid of puddles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prohibitioncoffeetables.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prohibitioncoffeetables/
Image Credits
All taken by Trish Bray
