WOVEN TOGETHER

Sisters Nora Froelich and Marcella Volini blend artistry, heritage, and heart into their handcrafted lifestyle brand, Sorella Sol.

CREATIVITY RUNS DEEP for sisters Nora Froelich and Marcella Volini. Raised in a lively household of 12 children—seven girls and five boys—with an Irish mother and Italian father who filled their home with music, art, and culture, the two sisters grew up immersed in beauty and imagination.

“When I was 13, I told my dad I wanted to be an artist,” Volini remembers. “The very next day, my parents introduced me to someone and said, ‘This is Marcella. She’s an artist.’ They were so validating. I don’t know how they did it—carting 12 kids to the Art Institute or the opera—but they did. We were so lucky.”

That sense of encouragement and shared vision carried into adulthood. Though 10 years apart in age—Froelich is number six in the lineup, and Volini the youngest—the sisters have always shared an instinctive connection.

“Sorella Sol officially launched a year ago,” Froelich says. “We’ve had businesses together before—our first one was when I was 25 and Marcella was just 15.”

It was that early venture, a ready-to-wear clothing line, that took them to New York and Los Angeles, with their designs featured in Lucky magazine.

“It’s wild to think about now,” Volini laughs. “I was in high school, traveling to trade shows with my big sister.”

Two decades later, they’ve reunited for their latest creative chapter: Sorella Sol, a lifestyle brand rooted in their shared love of textiles, travel, and meaningful design. The name itself is a nod to their roots—sorella means “sister” in Italian, and sol honors their father.

“It’s a fiery combination,” Froelich says with a smile. “An Irish mom and an Italian dad—it makes sense.”

With Froelich in Lake Forest and Volini in Philadelphia, distance has only deepened their collaboration. Together, they design block-printed tote bags, hand-stitched table linens, and a growing range of accessories—each piece created in partnership with skilled artisans in India.

“India is the mecca of textiles,” Volini says. “You can have an idea in the morning and see it come to fruition later that day. It’s magical.”

Their process blends Volini’s fine arts background with Froelich’s intuitive sense of audience and merchandising.

“Marcella handles production—she’s the artist,” Froelich explains. “I focus on sales and connecting with people. We each lean into what we’re good at.”

Their designs are rich with story. One of their most beloved prints—a playful goat pattern—was inspired by the goats at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest.

“It’s so fun developing prints from nothing,” says Volini. “It feels personal.”

That local connection continues through community partnerships.

“We didn’t realize how much we’d be able to give back,” Froelich says. “We’ve done pop-ups that have supported organizations like Elawa, Infant Welfare Society, and the Holocaust Museum. Giving back wasn’t part of our original business plan as we’re just starting out, but it’s been such a beautiful, unexpected surprise.” The response has been heartwarming.

“This community has been so supportive,” says Froelich. “And honestly, I love the holiday rush. It doesn’t feel like work—it’s just part of life. My kids help, my husband helps, Marcella’s husband helps—it’s a family effort.”

Now in their first full year of business, Sorella Sol’s products are available in seven states, with plans to expand further after the holidays. Locally, you can find Sorella Sol at Elawa Farm’s Market Shop and at Homey, 2110 W. Division in Chicago.

“We’re evolving into a lifestyle brand,” says Volini. “We have greeting card box sets coming soon—all featuring my artwork. We love the gifting space.” Their work ethic and synergy have made the journey joyful rather than stressful.

“I know how Nora’s going to respond before I even share something,” Volini says. “And I trust her instincts. Unless I’m really sure about an idea, I don’t push back.” That mutual respect and encouragement echo the lessons they learned from their parents—and the legacy they hope to pass to their nieces.

“They think we’re pretty cool,” Froelich laughs. “We want them to see that you don’t have to go get a corporate job. You can turn your creativity into a career.”

Volini agrees. “Our parents always said: do what makes you happy,” she says. “That’s what we’re doing. And getting to do it with my sister makes it even better.”

To learn more about Sorella Sol, visit shopsorellasol.com.