Susan Pilato started life as an interior designer, but today she is the founder and CEO of Mantra Inspired Furniture, a manufacturing and design company in Norfolk, Virginia. But Susan is not your typical CEO, and Mantra is no ordinary small business.
For one thing, the company manufactures its products in the United States, collaborating with the Amish artisan community to produce sustainable, investment-grade furniture. “Our designs aim to inspire the user through functional style and modern sensibilities with a commitment as solid as the wood used in every piece we create,” the company says.
Pilato has said in the past that she started Mantra to bring her personal values to work, as a result the CEO and the company are very vocal about their positions on the environment, diversity, equity and inclusion. Pilato is also an advocate for women-founded companies.
“The more women founders we have, the more diverse companies will become,” she has said in the past. “Diversity has been linked so much to race only, but if a truly diverse company has diversity of generations, experience levels, gender, color, and all of that, you’re going to realize better returns.”
We caught up with Pilato recently for a wide-ranging discussion about her career, her company and her views on social issues.
Design Vibes: What is your background and how did you end up CEO of a furniture brand?
Susan Pilato: I’m formally trained as an interior designer. Almost immediately after I earned my bachelor of science in Interior Design from Virginia Tech, I decided to found my own company. I recognize that choice was a privilege. I needed to bring my personal values to work, and I knew that I couldn’t do that working for someone else.
DV: What is the origin story of Mantra?
SP: I always believed that furniture should be beautiful and functional. I love great craftsmanship, and wood is a natural choice for truly sustainable furniture. But the guiding tenets and the name Mantra Inspired Furniture are both heavily inspired by my father. He taught me that beyond anything else, having a set of strong principles is what enables us to strike a balance in life. I’ve found that applies in business too.
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DV: How would you describe the brand’s design philosophy?
SP: Sustainability is at the core of everything we create: Our furniture is made locally from responsibly sourced materials, and we prioritize longevity over trends. Our products are highly functional and flexible, supporting a wide range of commercial environments from collaborative workspaces to boutique hotel lobbies.
DV: How important is the Made in America story to the brand (especially in a price-conscious world)?
SP: Being American-made is central to our identity. Everything is designed, sourced, and built in the U.S., using American hardwoods and American-sourced steel. Investing in quality and in local craftspeople and local economies provides better value in the long run. Our furniture is built to last for generations, not to be replaced every few years.
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DV: How do you differentiate your products from other brands?
SP: Mantra Inspired Furniture stands out in three key areas:
- Material Integrity – It’s built from solid American hardwoods and steel, NOT composites held together with chemicals.
- Sustainability & Longevity – Our products are designed to last, and pieces are thoughtfully crafted with durability in mind.
- Inclusivity & Purposeful Design – We design for real people who have different and changing needs. That means incorporating features that support neurodiversity and accessibility. Our Unity Table, for example, is designed for inclusivity and ease of use and assembly.
DV: The company has taken visible positions on some culture war issues. How has that affected the brand and staff morale?
SP: You know that messaging is an extension of personal values that I grew up with — those values that I knew from he beginning I would need to live up to at work. If science teaches us that biodiversity is important for the environment, then it must also be good for maintaining good business. Incorporating inclusivity, accessibility, clean chemistry and other ethical practices into our day-to-day operations isn’t political. It is simply the intelligent thing to do. Yes, taking a stand on that can bring criticism, but it has also led to stronger support from like-minded customers.
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DV: How has the “work from home” trend impacted the industry?
SP: Remote and hybrid work has transformed the way people view workplace furniture. It’s no longer just about office design. It’s about flexible, adaptable pieces that support productivity and well-being regardless of the rooms they furnish. We’ve seen increased demand for items that blend residential warmth with commercial durability. Our response has been to focus on designing furnishings that function well and look at home in any setting where work is performed.
DV: What is your most popular line?
SP: Our Unity Table Collection is our most popular at the moment. It embodies everything we stand for—solid American hardwood, clean chemistry, accessibility, and timeless design. The Unity Table is also designed for easy assembly, which is unusual in high-quality contract-grade furniture.
DV: What are your hopes for the company in the next five, 10 years?
SP: To push the boundaries of sustainable, inclusive design. We want to be known not only for our great products, but for the positive change we’ve brought to the industry.
