Celebrating Women - International Women's Day

celebrating wahine Gift ideas local makers

As a women owned and operated business, we felt there was no better time to introduce our blog than by honoring this special day that brings together women of all different backgrounds and cultures.

March 8 is International Women's Day - a global day celebrating social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women - while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Celebrated on March 8 every year, it is a day for women from all different backgrounds and cultures to band together to fight for women's rights. First officially celebrated in February 1917, the theme for 2020 is #EachforEqual. Let’s choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations, and celebrate women's achievements. We want to do our part by celebrating some of our women makers who we feel are role models by empowering others - setting new bars in fashion, in self care, in all aspects of daily life.

Here are some of our makers we are proud to feature:

Loup Charmant

Loup Charmant is family-owned and handcrafted in New York City from organic and thoughtfully sourced materials since 2006. Inspired by her childhood growing up by the ocean, designer Kee Edwards has built a line that embodies timeless versatility - “A true lifestyle brand... ethereal basics that allow freedom, set a mood and make women feel beautiful in their own skin, whether they’re on vacation or just want to feel that way. Feel free, easy and beautiful in your own skin.” They are pioneers of responsible luxury, striving to imbue all of their goods with the warmest of wishes— a feeling which we hope you enjoy in each piece.

 

Pietsie 

Pietsie was launched in 2015 by designer Pietsie Campbell after working as a graphic designer and art director for many years. Each piece of her collection is ethically and sustainably made in California USA and embodies an effortlessly chic look. All of her garments are made out of deadstock or vintage fabrics and natural fibers. Her favorite part of the process is hunting for these vintage and deadstock treasures discarded by bigger labels. She draws inspiration from Japan, North Africa and the Desert Southwest for her designs, creating clothes that reflect her love for beautiful fabrics and easy shapes with relaxed pants, loose caftans and soft dresses. Pietsie grew up in Southwest British Columbia and spent summers making rafts, camping and thrifting with her mom and sister. Inspired by the coast, desert and uncomplicated California lifestyle she now makes Los Angeles her home.

 

Auntie Oti / Altar Ceramics


Top: Auntie Oti
Mug: Altar Ceramics 
Auntie Oti was founded in 2011 and aims to introduce the world to time-honored Indian craftmanship by way of beautiful, artisan-made linens. They search India for domestic articles essential to the everyday life of this rich cultural society. The collection is rooted in khadi - a government-protected, hand-woven cotton fabric made of hand-spun yarn. M.K. Ghandi himself is credited with reviving the handicraft in the 1920's in an effort to encourage small villages to become self-sufficient. Practiced today, this slow community based method defies generic mass produced products. Each piece delights in its own singular way, all are beautiful. Auntie Oti embodies the spirit of adventure with treasures not everywhere, uniquely yours.
Altar Ceramics is the body of ceramic work handmade by Karina Subijana. Her line is handmade + intentional + sustainable. Each piece is touched by her over a dozen times as it evolves from clay to fully formed vessel. She began making pottery as a way to mark time in the days of early mothering and focus on creating. Making objects for her home and daily use brought her such joy that it evolved into Altar Ceramics. Karina's simple esthetic harkens a nod to Maui's landscape; rounded pieces inspired by smooth beach stones, raw specked sandy clay bodies and deep red and black earth tones. 

 

TOTeM Salvaged / Jenni Earle / Bluma Project

TOTeM Salvaged (left)
Jenni Earle Bandana / Bluma Project Earrings (right)
TOTeM Salvaged was introduced in 2010 by designer Stephanie Larrowe, sustainably utilizing salvaged vintage materials from around the US and repurposing them into one of a kind handbags, furniture and accessories. The focus at TOTeM is creating bold, artistic and tasteful pieces that are contemporary yet rich with history. TOTeM uses salvaged materials and textiles from the late 1800's era to the 1970's rescued and thoughtfully given new life in our Los Angeles based studio one piece at a time. 
Jenni Earle makes bandanas as a symbol of strength to hold, wear or carry to remind you how capable you are to authentically live your life.  Each one is made with you in mind. They squeeze conviction and courage into each one, right along with the dye, so you can define your life on your terms. They are made with care 100% in the Southern US beginning with cotton that is grown there and then cut, sewn and hand dyed with love in South Carolina. Jenni’s love of bandanas started early when she was inspired working in the garage with her Grandpa Earl who always had a bandana tucked into his pocket. She now aspires to channel his strength and bravery in every piece.

Bluma Project is a culturally inspired and globally minded Brooklyn-based contemporary jewelry and accessories company. While the collection is designed in Brooklyn, it is inspired by global culture and is produced by artisans in Peru, India, Guatemala and other developing nations. Designer/founder Beth Schaeffer travels to gain inspiration and works with artisans in the regions they discover. All pieces are fully crafted by hand using ancient techniques, resulting in designs that have an organic but modern feel — an east meets west sensibility. Color is a huge part of their narrative and every season’s palette is sprinkled throughout the collection. Bluma Project is proud to be working in these parts of the world, supporting women being inspired by women to produce authentically handcrafted designs. 

 Lux + Alder 

Lux + Alder is a women owned curated candle line comprised of wonderfully scented, all-natural wax candles. They design, hand-pour, and package each candle from their studio in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lux + Alder keep their ingredients simple - their candles are comprised of all-natural coconut and soy wax, phthalate-free premium fragrance oils, cotton wicks, and reusable or recycled-content vessels. Lux + Alder are cruelty-free + never ever test on animals.

Monk Oil 

Monk Oil was started and is owned by best friends Katie and Monika since 2000, who met working at a honey factory in Brooklyn. Monk Oil came about after an annual camping trip in the Pacific Northwest. Living in New York City, they had been feeling the strain of urban life and they came away from their camping trip feeling centered and inspired. Monk Oil came out of a need to recreate that feeling, imagined with a blend of ingredients to support the body, the soul, and the spirit. They started selling it in small homemade batches to their friends and decided to make Monk Oil official after seeing both men and women in the city really needed some comfort and Monk Oil could help them. Monk Oil strives to keep the magic alive in the city, in everyday life.

 

So many more in store we haven't even touched on. We couldn't be prouder to feature so many talented women in our shop - makers that are trail blazers in re-purposing, rethinking or using traditional methods of craft - leading the way for other women makers to emerge!


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