Step inside the vision of founder and social media icon Katy Degroot. After over a decade as an innovator in the beauty space, Katy transitioned into entrepreneurship and launched her fashion brand, Thirty Years, in 2021. With recent additions to her collection from Tappan artists Ali Enache and Hannah Carrick, we invite you to take a peak inside her stunning home and her ideas around collecting.
"Emerging artists often bring fresh perspectives and experimental approaches, which keeps art collections dynamic and personal”
What inspires you to collect the work of emerging artists?
Emerging artists often bring fresh perspectives and experimental approaches, which keeps art collections dynamic and personal.
What is your earliest memory of art, and what led you to start collecting it?
My earliest memory of art is from going antiquing and discovering these amazing, old oil paintings. I was struck by the way the colors looked against the antique frames—it was beautiful and mysterious. I’d find myself wondering about the stories behind each piece and imagining their histories.
How has the sentimentality of your collection evolved over time?
Each piece I collect feels like a snapshot of where I was and how I felt at the time I acquired it. As my collection grows, it’s becoming a window into my past. I hope that, as it continues to expand, it will feel like a scrapbook of emotions and memories gathered throughout my life.
Is there a particular type of art you collect?
Currently I’m collecting paintings, I would love to explore sculptural pieces in the future.
Where and when do you feel the most creative?
I feel most creative the day after I've been out and about, whether it's with friends or on my own. That change of scenery and social interaction gives me a burst of energy and inspiration, and by the next day, I’m ready to dive into creative work with a fresh perspective.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I love being around different settings and environments – it keeps my perspective fresh and gives me new ideas to explore.
For new collectors, do you have any advice you wish to impart? Do you have a collecting ethos or philosophy that you want to share?
Don’t overthink it, if something speaks to you there’s a reason for it.
Describe your collection in three words.
Relaxing, fresh, inspiring.
