Reserved, and even a bit shy, the Been Sisters need no introduction. Daughters of two long established Islanders, Jess McKenzie and Emily and Courtney Been, are quietly creating Part 2 of the family development business — a Sister Act of Collaboration — where design meets build. (Merrill Been, the youngest sister, is finishing up her senior year at University of Tennessee and is going to work for a financial firm in Nashville.)
Annaliese Kondo
Emily Been, Jess McKenzie, Courtney Been
With an easy-going approach, The Been Sisters draw on each other’s natural talent and expertise in all their collaborations.
Jess McKenzie, owner of Loom & Wire, a St. Simons based textile importer of Turkish and Persian rugs and curated lighting, takes the lead for design decisions and input. “We’re unique because a lot of families who move back to the island don’t get to work together. They’re a lawyer or doctor or accountant.” She adds, “It’s fun to cross pollinate with my sisters.”
Emily Been, a graphic designer who graduated from SCAD and owner of Em Been Designs, a branding and design agency based on St. Simons, handles logo and social media with input on design direction.
“When we all get to work together, we have similar ideas. We’re very creative,” she pauses, smiling. “Well, Courtney, we love you but…” Courtney laughs. “I’m more like my dad – business-focused.”
The Been Sisters are quietly changing the on-island development game, a traditionally male dominated industry.
“When I started working for my dad’s former company, there were only males. No woman made decisions on anything,” Courtney explains. “When Jessie started, she had a hand in a lot of the decisions from how to design closets to overall aesthetic.”
Merrill, Emily, Jess, and Courtney
Emily sums it up. “It’s fun. The memories. The giggles.” She adds. “But on the serious side, our collaboration delivers more for the client.”
