Holstee Manifesto
January 25, 2012
Life has been a bit crazy for me lately…(8 week old twins and a toddler:). Shall I say more. It’s always nice to have reminders about the things that are important. That is how I discovered this manifesto poster by Holstee. I eagerly looked up the company and fell in love their story and products. Two brothers, along with a business partner started the company without a business plan in mind but instead created a mantra “This is your LIFE”, which has been seen over 50,000,000 times!
Another meaningful product that caught my attention is Holstee’s Upcycled Wallet. Working with an NGO in India, Holstee came up with a ‘no two alike’ wallet made from recycled plastic bags and newspapers collected from the streets of Delhi.
Check out this video based upon the Manifesto. This video will be part of my new morning routine! Sometimes certain words are so encouraging. Life is all about that. Thank you HOLSTEE.
source: Holstee and YouTube
by ST in Accessories, Art, Charity, ECO, Fashion, Gifts, India, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco
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Ruby Rani
January 24, 2012
BollyInstyle has given me a chance to read incredible stories on how people start their little ventures. Some make it and some don’t, but usually there’s a universal theme where ideas comes together after discovering a void in the market.
Kit Bhatti’s story is simple yet inspiring. In just one year, she opened up Ruby Rani after noticing her daughter’s reluctancy of wearing Eastern style clothing because of its discomfort. My sentiments exactly. Indian-wear for children is just not made with comfort in mind. It’s usually itcy for the little ones and the ornate sequin style dresses never has lining underneath.
Well, thank goodness for Runy Rani’s breathable tees and indian outfits. I love that the outfits have snaps on the bottom for easy dressing and simple diaper changing.
Hurry readers! Ruby Rani is currently giving away 30% off on all products with free delivery.
source: Ruby Rani
by ST in Children, Gifts, London Facebook this Tweet this Email this- 4 Comments
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Archena says:
January 24, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Gosh I wish this was here in the US, looks like they are based in UK and all items listed in £
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Kit Bhatti says:
January 25, 2012 at 5:57 am
We are working on shipping to the US, will keep you posted. If anyone can think of potential stockists in the US then point them my way!
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Archena says:
January 25, 2012 at 11:24 am
It would also be nice to see bigger sizes, upto 5 years old. My son has a large head and he is just two and half.
Always looking for better Indian wear for him.
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Archena says:
Funk.licious
October 19, 2011
Hi everyone! Richa from MalaHandmade here with a love letter to Funk.licious, an amazing line of funky home furnishings that I adore. Back in early spring, I wrote about moving being inspired by a recent trip to India and the amazing style of Good Earth, one of India’s audacious new design stores. My husband literally had to pry my hands off of the pop art inspired pieces throughout the store: graphic scenes of Bollywood heroines silk screened onto bedspreads and trays, tea sets with kitschy quotes. I had absolutely no space left in my packed luggage for another funky cushion, no matter now: Funka.licious to the rescue!
Self described as kitsch, retro, pop, colorful, and unconventional, the line’s punchy cushion covers are a lot of fun. Bollywood images are collaged on top of traditional paisley motifs for a majority of designs, making this the perfect accent piece for Bollywood lovers among you. I’m love with the pictures of old Maharajas with stars in their eyes, which would be a great conversation piece. It’s fun to browse through the designs and pick out a favorite, but a few of you might be wondering how to actually incorporate such a bold piece into your home. I’ve found that these pieces are best used sparingly to pack the best punch – as the lone accent pillow for a side chair, or the focus in a group of other colorful pillows. I also really love really bold pieces like this set against white and other light colors. Share tips for how you incorporate Indian pop art into your homes in the comments below!
source: funk.licious
by ST in Accessories, Art, Bag, Fashion, Gifts, Global, Handmade, India, Richa Gulati Facebook this Tweet this Email this- 0 Comments
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BollyInstyle’s Online Collection of Global Shops
March 16, 2011
Hi everyone! It’s Richa from Mala Handmade. A week or so after returning from India, I’m trying to get my eyes adjust back to the grey, dreary end of NYC winter after two visually stimulating weeks in Rajasthan! I love going to India because creative, colorful goodies nearly everywhere you turn, ripe for inspiration. But indulging in these amazing crafts is no longer confined to shopping trips abroad – online shopping sites are popping up everywhere and provide access to designers and goods that used to require a long flight!
Styled after the flash sale model of Gilt, Exclusively.In is one of my favorites of the group. The sales are typically live for five days and are broad in scope: from traditional and contemporary wear to jewelry, home goods, and even vacation and spa certificates, the site does a great job in providing access to a variety of Indian designers that aren’t available in the U.S. and looking at their list of designers has opened my eyes to the many rising talents from India and elsewhere I totally want to keep my eyes on.
Red Patang is another site to be excited about! Founder Swapna Mehta founded the site as a one-stop shop for Indian inspired products that are unique, fun and usually hard to find. As a new mom, Swapna was disappointed at not being able to find a single online shopping portal for Indian families, so she created Red Patang where you can find Amar Chitra Katha, hand crafted lacware toys, kurtas for children, and much more!
As opposed to the flash sale model, StylishDesi lets uses both buy and sell on its website which is designed to let buyers and sellers of Indian fashion and accessories find each other. Users can select an item, which are refreshed often, and ask a seller directly each and every question they have and check out through Paypal for the transaction. I love the Etsy style individual boutiques on StylishDesi and the ability to communicate directly with sellers is convenient!
Last, but certainly not least, is Indagare Souk – a lovely marketplace of world goods ranging from fashion and accessories to books and old maps. Users can shop by region as well as by product or artisan, and I love seeing the range of items from Columbia and Morocco mixed with India – a true global mix! The site is two-fold: Indgare hosts limited events tied to specific markets that allows for direct interaction among the Indagare community and with the designers themselves. The Souk online allows broader reach and attracts a wider market, as it is open year-round to people all over the world. Both formats focus on sharing the stories of the designers and artisans and ties to their country’s indigenous craftsmanship.
Happy shopping!
by ST in Accessories, Fashion, Gifts, Global, Handmade, India, Jewelry, Lifestyle Facebook this Tweet this Email this- 0 Comments
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bollyINSIDE with: Sarena Udani of PajamaSutra
March 14, 2011
Good monday morning! I’m delighted to present to you our latest BollyInsider interview, Sarena Udani of Pajama Sutra! If you’re not yet familiar with her stylish, functional and wonderfully affordable pajamas then you’re in for a real treat.
Mompreneurship has been a great career move for many mothers. As this trend of Mompreneurs gains interest, there’s a greater understanding and acceptance of women making the choice to actively attempt to balance work and family. I chatted with Sarena to get her stance on the state of Mompreneurship. I have such admiration for Mompreaneurs because they not only have created GREAT products, but they’ve worked their fannies off to get where they are today! As we learn from each other, we find our own ways to be the best moms we can be, and be the best in our careers as well. Read on for words of wisdom from the lovely and oh-so-talented Sarena Udani…
——PAJAMASUTRA——
Tell us about your company PajamaSutra, an online Indian-inspired pajama boutique?
PajamaSutra is a feminine and comfortable line of sleepwear made from collectable cotton prints from India, with ultra-flattering details tailored to compliment a woman’s body.
I love the name of your company – PajamaSutra. How did you come up with it?
The fact that the word “pyjama” originally came from India fits so well with the inspiration and aesthetic of my line. I think the name PajamaSutra conveys a sense of playfulness, and I love that the word “Sutra” also means “thread” in Hindi. There is more behind the name, though. I decided when I was in third grade that I wanted to change my name. I went from Pooja to Sarena on my own, without telling my parents. My last name changed from Jaggia to Udani after I got married, so I went from PJ to SU. I incorporated both sets of initials into the PajamaSutra name as an homage to my roots.
Are you hoping to expand PajamaSutra throughout the country?
Definitely, both online and in retail stores. I am also adding new styles and prints this spring.
What is your design background?
I studied Design at UCLA and continued with it at Stanford for my Master’s Degree.
Were you creative as a child?
I would sit and draw for hours! Art was my favorite subject at school. I knew from an early age that I wanted to do something creative.
What propelled you to found your own company?
Most of the women in my family are entrepreneurs, and I grew up wanting my own business. In college, I started my own freelance web and graphic design business, which taught me a lot about entrepreneurship. By the time I got to Stanford, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. That program produces an uniquely high number of business owners and CEOs.
What are some of your favorite textures and fabrics?
I love natural fabrics! With sleepwear and intimates, it is even more important to use breathable, natural fibers. I love cotton, and am interested in incorporating other natural fabrics into the line, like bamboo – a soft and sustainable fabric.
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
Simple, balanced, clean. I love to play with color and prints, and will choose a geometric, modern and clear print over a fussy floral any day.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
To think big! Many women entrepreneurs sell themselves short, but it is important to aim higher.
Creative businesswoman you admire?
There are many, but I think that Mayura Kona, a colleague of mine from UCLA, is truly inspirational. Her business, One Thread Fair Trade, is a LA based company that works to train villages of women in South India in textile arts, and they in turn create the cushions that Mayura designs. These women were victim to poverty and domestic violence, and through this work are able to provide for their families, educate their children, and really transform their lives. Designers can often become self-indulgent, and I think Mayura is a shining example of how to produce your own designs while thinking of others first.
How have you handled the stress?
I take active measures to remove it from my life. If it means I move leisurely in my business, I am okay with that. I have goals for the year, and give myself plenty of time to achieve them. I think that is the luxury of owning your own business; you are your own boss!
——ON MOTHERHOOD——
What’s the hardest thing about motherhood (name, age)?
My daughter Anya just turned two, and the hardest part about the past two years has been learning how to let go of trying to be the perfect mom, perfect wife and perfect entrepreneur. I think it is possible to have it all, but you have to can’t do it all at the same time, and it takes a lot of work to balance everything. Anya is growing up so fast, and I don’t want to miss a second with her.
Is there such a thing as a typical workday for you?
My business runs in “bursts” and is not like the steady, continuous occupation of being a full-time, stay at home mom. When my daughter is busy with playdoh, I know I have about fifteen minutes to check email or work on new styles. When she is napping, I have a couple hours to get things done. It isn’t as productive as full time, uninterrupted work, but it is a lot more interesting and challenging!
What do you want your daughter to grow up knowing?
That she can have a fulfilling career, and a family, and not feel like she has to sacrifice one for the other.
With your busy work schedule, how do you carve out quality time with your family?
On weekends we spend a lot of family time together, but on weekdays we have to make an effort. We recently discussed changing our bedtime routine so that my husband and I put Anya to bed together, reading books and talking about our day. We turn off the TV, cellphones, computer and all the lights, and watch the sunset through the window. It is my favorite time of day.
What’s the best part of being a working mom?
I feel like I truly have the best of both worlds!
Can you reveal a recent “tough mom moment”?
It involved an enormous diaper blowout, being away from home, and no spare clothes. Luckily we were at the mall, so I could buy her new clothes. I will spare you the details, but let’s just say that I had to buy new socks in addition to new pants and top, and that it took me about an hour and an entire package of wipes before we were good as new.
Who makes dinner most days?
Anya and I do! She is fascinated with the kitchen and wants to be involved as much as she can. My husband is a neurosurgical resident, and works long hours. Sometimes he comes home long after Anya is asleep.
Have working and being a mom ever conflicted for you?
Yes, during my first year of motherhood. I stopped working completely for about 10 months! The transition to motherhood was intense for me, and I really struggled with the lack of sleep. I gave myself the time I needed to get back up on my feet, and waited until I was truly ready to begin working.
What has been the biggest surprise in becoming a mother?
Well, I knew I would love my daughter, but I was surprised at how much! I would do anything for her. It is a wonderful, fulfilling feeling that is unmatched.
What words of wisdom do you hope to pass on to your daughter?
I want her to have fun with life, and not to take things too seriously. And not to be in a rush to grow up! I am reliving my childhood through her, and I see how wonderful it is to be little and carefree.
What would you tell women who struggle with working-mom guilt?
It is important to examine where the guilt is coming from. Is it internal, or is it the result of external pressure? Is it coming from your past or present? There are so many influencers: your childhood, societal pressure, your family, and your friends. Once you identify the source, you can decide if it is something to address, or to just get over it.
One of the toughest times for moms of young children is leaving for work. How do you handle those hard goodbyes?
I think sometimes it is harder for the moms to leave! Kids may be upset for a minute or two, and then are fine. They just need to be secure and know that you will return. I think it is a mistake to sneak out; it creates anxiety and distrust. My daughter went through intense separation anxiety, and we worked around it, playing a lot of peek-a-boo games until she was comfortable knowing that “mommy always comes back”. I am lucky in that I work for myself, so I had the flexibility to wait until she was ready – and since I work from home, I am never far away!
Do you ever feel it’s hard to continue to fulfill yourself professionally and be fully engaged with your daughter?
It is difficult, but I’ve learned to be creative with it! If I am working on new designs, then I will take out her markers and paper and we will both sit and draw together. If I am working with fabrics, I give her some swatches to play with too. If I have to sit on the computer for a few minutes, then I pull out her toy laptop and we sit together. She loves to imitate me, and I love being able to overlap work and playtime. It makes everything more fun!
I am always interested in different styles of child rearing that work for different families. What’s your parenting style?
We began with the principles of attachment parenting, which was a style that worked well for us since I was at home. Now that Anya is older, we feel like we made a good decision for our family. She is secure in our bond, and we see that it gives her self-assurance and confidence.
What kind of mom do you want to be?
Lately there is a lot of talk about “tiger moms”, “helicopter moms,” and even “elephant moms.” Honestly, I just want to be a regular, human mom. I’m not perfect, and I don’t expect my daughter to be either. I just want her to be a happy, confident, good person and I want to be worthy of being her mother!
source: Pajama Sutra
by ST in Accessories, bollyINSIDE with:, Fashion, Gifts, Interview, People Facebook this Tweet this Email this- 1 Comment
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Aruna Bua says:
March 26, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Very nicely said Pooja. I totally enjoyed all your answers and comments. As always it is fun to hear your sweet talks. Girls are enjoying your Pajamas. I see it on Sarika almost every evening.!
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Aruna Bua says:
January 25, 2012 at 7:02 pm
Congratulations on the twins, ST! Wonderful news though I can expect how tiring it must be.. Glad to see that you are back!