From Thailand With love: Lotus And Luna Promote Artisans For Change
By Megan Warren-Henderson
Looking for a Christmas gift for a woman in your life that will also contribute to the greater good?
Adorn yourself (or a loved one!) in a Lotus and Luna kimono and bejewel yourself in their ocean inspired bracelets and necklaces, and you will instantly be transported to the beach, and feel free to dance barefoot on a soft sand beach as a salty breeze ignites your senses. (This actually happened to me!)
Like most great endeavors, Lotus and Luna started with a journey that seeded an idea, that with hard work and perseverance, bloomed into reality. When Jenelle traveled to Thailand for 4 months in 2010. She went to a market, where it seemed to be saturated with artisans as far as the eye could see. There was so much creativity and craft in one place she was in awe. The best part of it was that the artist’s space to sell was provided for free! What incentive for the artisans. They spend all week creating and then sell on Sunday. It’s a proud lifestyle for the locals, though a living wage is hard to come by.
Four years after that trip, with the idea still swimming around in her head, Jenelle submitted a travel diary/story photo bucket to “life is an adventure” and her story was selected! It was sent to millions of people and that was the boost of confidence she needed to launch Lotus and Luna.
Jenelle started meeting people who introduced her to more people who were eager to craft her ideas and designs. What began as 5 or 10 artisans has grown to 150-200 across four villages! Lotus and Luna is providing jobs for single moms who can work from home and others who may be caring for elderly parents or disabled family members. This work is empowering for many women who endured the backbreaking work in the rice fields. It provides a living wage and an opportunity to learn a trade.
4 very good reasons to shop at Lotus and Luna!
1. Their jewelry designs are stunning. Semi-precious stones woven with cotton, each with their own energy and significance. They provide bling without an overstatement. And, what I like best is that they are comfortable enough to wear all day, every day. You can mix and match the many different styles and designs and they all compliment each other.
2. Lotus and Luna is 100% vegan. The beautiful bracelets adorned with semi precious stones are strung together with cotton cord and fastened with a coconut shell button. I also like that you can choose a bracelet on their site based on your preference of stone.
Their kimonos are silk free yet light and the best part-washable! Each kimono is artfully designed with vibrant colors. They are delightful to wear either as a beach coverup, over tight clothes, to yoga or even a night out!
3. Lotus and Luna is a fully female company! Designed and managed by women and for women while supporting women is a win win in my eyes.
4. Lotus and Luna has something for everyone! Be beautiful, be yourself!
To learn more visit: lotusandluna.com.
