The Ibu Movement

An Ibu is a woman of respect in Indonesian.  The Ibu Movement is a movement of women helping each other grow into economic self sufficiency.  Artisans, craftswomen, collaborators coming together to lift each other up economically through "the art of their hands."

Ebullient Susan Hull Walker began this movement just a few years ago.  Woman from 34 countries and 71 cooperatives around the world create beautiful textiles, jewelry, home decor and more, to enrich their lives and the lives of others.  It is a matter of independence and self respect explains beautiful Ali McGraw, Ibu's ambassador extraordinaire this season.  I had a chance to chat with Ali who was so gracious, and at 79 years old, listening to her speak, I could't help but feel like I was in the presence of a very spiritual soul.  Obviously passionate about furthering the cause, she took time and care with everyone she spoke to in an effort to make sure each of us understood Ibu's message and her belief of being of service and helping raise up women around the world.  The self esteem a woman feels when helping her family and making money of her own is  completely transformative!

I really loved everything I was seeing and noted how modern everything was.  In some cases Susan and her team design things in house and have them executed by global craftswomen.  Ibu also buys things they come across from places far and wide.  I especially loved the message bracelets woven out of caña flèche fiber by a Zenu artisan group in Northern Columbia.  Mantras can be created by pairing words that have meaning for each of us.

Ali thanking Susan and her team

I am a huge believer in empowering others to help themselves, so I especially loved this message.  These women work hard using their talent and craft to enrich themselves and their standing in the family.

From the Kuma Indians in Panama to the Massai women in Africa to the Miao women in a tribe in Southwest China, and beyond ~ Ibu by exposure, encouragement and collaboration help give these of women and others self respect, the ability to carry on family traditions and save a dying art form.

Ali mentioned her love of connecting with others.  The world has gotten so small.  Connecting women around the world and changing lives has a ripple effect that is far reaching.

Ibu has a showroom in Charleston on King Street that is on my short list of places to visit in the coming year but until then the website is shop able.

Ibu collaborates next with Charlotte Moss, and knowing Charlotte's aesthetic, this is sure to be another show stopper!




photos myself, Ibu Movement

With Joy in Mind

I tagged this story because it said in the first paragraph that the owners of this home gave their designer instructions that they just wanted the home to feel full of joy.

From there, I lost the story.  I apologize for not being able to tell you more but ~ the pictures are pretty, and ultimately shouldn't we all strive to have a home that is beautiful and full of joy?
To these traditionalists that meant a house full of color, pattern, and a dose of drama.

However, having a beautiful home is no longer enough.  Having a beautiful home that holds peaceful, tranquil people within is what really matters.  If we don't feel our best, live our best life, if we feel stuck, if we have negativity, are not mindful, that energy is held within our home.

It's not black and white ~ to have joy and happiness is to have rooms full of color, at least for those that occupy this home.

Life is too short for negativity, toxicity, not being your best, not doing your best.  If there is something on your mind ~ let me help you explore it because our living space mirrors our inner space.  Drop me a line  carrie@carrieleskowitzinteriors.com





If you are familiar with this project, do let me know who to credit, so I can give credit where credit is due.


Peace out

Mad for Matches Marbleized Boxes

We all know details matter!  Every time I get a package from Matchesfashion.com I am a little more thrilled than usual at the prospect of receiving something fabulous in one of their beautiful marbleized boxes!!

Branding is more than a buzz word.  In business, actually in life, everything nowadays is about your brand.  Who you are, what you stand for, how you show up on the world and consistently over many platforms.  I have been having this conversation a lot, as I have been "rebranding" of late.  There is a lot to think about.  You cannot underestimate the thought, and sometimes research, that goes into creating a signature look and logo.  British company Irving & Co created this look with marbleizing by artist Annie  Muir.  This brand look for Matches Fashion packaging is genius.  The boxes are so gorgeous that I want to hang onto them.  They not only look good, but they are weighty and have a magnetic closure.  I have taken to decorating with them.

It is worth buying something so you can get the box that is included free of charge with each purchase.  With a sale going on, now is the time.  If you are unfamiliar with the website ~ you have now been informed and warned.  It's addictive.  I'm sorry (not sorry) and you're welcome.

Design from Within definitely subscribes to the notion that if you want to elevate an experience, tune into how you can make it the best it can be.  You cannot overlook the details.  Up leveling an experience is good stuff!

Butterfly Effect

Natasha Poly, ph:Txema Yeste

Butterflies are deep symbols of freedom, metamorphosis, and the life cycle.  They are the perfect little, graceful, winged metaphors  When we acknowledge ourselves fully, strengths and weakness, foibles and  accomplishments, we feel free to be ourselves, to be authentically who we are.  Inner peace springs from that like wind off the wings of those butterflies fulfilling the life cycle they were meant for.  In Feng Shui they represent joy and love.  Surround yourself with some!  Their beauty knows no bounds.  Even in death, their beauty remains intact.

Fran Hickman, the Chess Club

Valentino

They also represent creativity and transformation.  The butterfly effect's meaning is that small changes in one state (of mind) have large differences in another state.  For example, caterpillars begin life tiny and helpless, eating for survival and molting along the way.  Shedding their skin as growth occurs, like humans on their path to self actualization.  Finding renewal, spiritual growth, a lightness, a joy, a new found sense of freedom are all equated with this process.  In the chrysalis stage, everything appears normal, but great change is occurring within ~ a metamorphosis is at hand.

Lalique

Oscar Glottman

Vincent Wolf

Jean Louis Denoit ph:Derry Moore

Alex MacArthur

William T. Georgis, Damien Hirst

Growth is inevitable, transformation occurs.  For a caterpillar to become a butterfly it must change. We must change too as we move through life, maneuvering all the ups and downs we face throughout our different stages.  The good news is, we as humans, get to decide what that looks like.  Will we be more like moths or monarchs while we are working towards understanding ourselves better, finding our purpose, our peace and putting it out into the world, ready to spread our wings..... and fly.....