Language, Literature – and Linen

Growing up in Blauvelt, N.Y., Michele (Ancin) Duncan didn’t give much thought to career-related study plans, assuming “I’d learn on the job – which has happened!” But a love of “literature, art history, and subjects that supplemented them” pulled her toward the liberal arts, a field the former German major has found valuable in her work as co-founder and owner of Australia-based Linen House. 

After attending SUNY Potsdam for two years, Duncan transferred to the University at Albany, which offered a junior-year-abroad program at Schiller College in Heidelberg, Germany. She spent her year there studying and teaching basic German to American officers and enlisted personnel at a U.S. Army base.  

Medieval Literature was Duncan’s favorite class. “Observing changes (or not) in the written language was intriguing. The subject matter was amazingly ‘contemporary.’ Human emotions don’t seem to change over the decades or centuries,” she observes.

Assistant Professor Ulrich Froehlich, her mentor and “a great teacher,” encouraged Duncan to study in Würzburg, “where Albany has an exchange program and where he conducted summer language programs for many years.” She lived there for nearly three years and has revisited the city “many times,” including last May while attending the wedding of a friend’s daughter. 

After earning her master’s in German language and literature, Duncan worked for Miller & Co., a German-owned supplier of raw materials to North America’s ferrous-foundry and steel industries. While living in Chicago, “I met my Australian husband, Gordon, on a blind date. We returned to Melbourne in 1985.”

In 1993, a year after import textile quotas were lifted, the couple saw “opportunity in a traditionally closed industry” and launched Linen House, which started as a wholesale business selling to Australian department stores, specialty bed-linen chains, boutiques, and other retailers. “Gordon had extensive retail-buying and wholesale-importing experience. The last of our three children was entering kindergarten, so the time was right to start our own business.” 

All of the Duncans work for the private, family-owned company, which employs 120 staff in Australia, 25 in New Zealand, and 35 in South Africa. Most of Linen House’s manufacturing is done in China, Pakistan, India, Turkey, and Thailand. “We have worked with many of these mills for over 25 years,” says Duncan. 

Wholesaling “is still a major percentage of our business,” she adds. “We also supply some retailers their own ‘home-brand’ merchandise, and represent and manufacture under license-specific ‘designer brands,’ as well.” 

In addition, Linen House has 12 outlet shops; another three are planned to open this year. “They are all beautifully styled and located mainly in the heart of the town, preferably with a great coffee shop nearby. We intend to open another 25 shops in the next few years, and ultimately some flagship stores,” Duncan notes.  

As owner and creative director, Duncan is involved “in all facets of the business, although over the years my main activities have been to manage the textile and graphics departments, to work with merchandise development, product management, and marketing. Currently, I am heavily involved in the sourcing and establishment of new Linen House shops.”  

Duncan’s German-language skills have served her well in business. “Someone from our company has visited the International Heimtextilien Fair in Frankfurt, Germany, every January, and we exhibited there three times. Learning a second language is key for opening up new contacts and helps engender a greater appreciation and understanding of different cultures, peoples, and markets – necessary and important for our global world. 

“The literature aspect of my study has also helped. Understanding different characters, and their emotional aspects and motivations, helps form a basis of dealing with colleagues, personnel, and partners. 

“Every form of study supports an individual’s career and personal development. It is all worthwhile!” says Duncan, whose brothers Martin Ancin ’85 and Matthew Ancin ’80, 
and nephew Michael Ancin ’14, are also UAlbany alumni.