Why Gurus Wear Scarves (and the occasional neck brace) // a visit to The Old Prayer in India

Last week I wrote about how I find product for the Habitation Co. shop, which sometimes looks like having an hour-long conversation with a woman wearing a neck brace, in her tiny shop in a hotel lobby in New Delhi, India...

On the very last day of our two-week trip in India, my friend Erica, and I were meeting a few of the remaining girls from our group for lunch before departing on our long journeys home. One of the girls had just visited "The Old Prayer", the little boutique in the back corner of our hotel lobby, and was wearing the prettiest scarf that she had just purchased there. When Erica and I told her we were planning on stopping by, she asked if we could take a photo of the shop keeper for her. 

We step into the shop, a narrow room with a long rack of pastel cotton tunics and dresses along one wall, and pink floral wall paper along another. In the back, at her small desk, is Mrs. Singh, the shop keeper. Effortlessly chic in a silk jacket, chignon bun, and velcro neckbrace, she stands up to greet us. After a few minutes of browsing around the job, Erica asks Mrs. Singh if we could take a photo of her, explaining that it was for a friend who had visited earlier. Though baffled as to why these American girls would want a photo of or with her, and slightly self-conscious of the foam brace around her neck, she politely agreed. After a few minutes, we had gotten our photo and were ready to pick out a scarf and be on our way, but Mrs. Singh had other plans for us.

Erica, Mrs. Singh, and her neckbrace

One of us must have asked Mrs. Singh about the neckbrace (probably Erica, she asks about those things) and I believe her answer was along the lines of "the normal aches and pains of aging". But before we knew it, she was telling us a very personal story- about the premature loss of her father, husband, and son, and how she has since found peace, and even happiness despite her grief. "We must be worthy of our misfortunes", she explained, that loss and mourning is just as much a part of life as our blessings, and that they can teach us something if we are willing to learn.

At this point, Erica was in tears, and I was silently holding my cell phone camera as still as possible on the other side of the room, but Mrs. Singh had only gotten started. "India loves when white girls come to visit!" she continued, "because they are always looking for something- some answer, something outside of ourselves". Yes, we often believe that some Guru in a remote village has the secret to our happiness, or purpose, in life, and we have to fly to the opposite side of the world and eat a lifetime's worth of curry, to find it.

Mrs. Singh's take on these "gurus"? "What? They don't know shit!" she claims. She has our full attention now.

"What do they (gurus) know?! They've never done anything, been anywhere. YOU are the gurus, you are ones who are doing things, trying new things..." she continued. New "things" like leaving our homes and lives 12,000 miles away to travel in a foreign land with a group of strangers. New things like starting businesses, forging relationships, and learning new skills. New things that rip us out of our comfort zones, stretch us, test us, and challenge us. This is how we grow, this is where our "answers" are. 

In the end, yes, we each bought a scarf as planned, but left that little shop with so much more. It was truly the best way to end our two-week journey. Also the best? Spending our last hours in Delhi exploring the Gandhi Museum and having tea in the garden of our hotel. Followed by a delicious dinner (of chow mein, because enough with the curry already.) And the hour-long massages we opted for before taking a late night taxi to the airport where we had one last drink ("sweet lime") with one of our incredible hostesses Lisa before boarding our separate flights... Really, the last day of our trip was, in every way, just as amazing as all of the others. 

Last year, as I was preparing to order products for the shop, I knew that I needed to find a way to carry some of these "Old Prayer scarves". After a few months of sending Facebook messages and emails back and forth I received my first order of scarves last fall. I named each scarf for one of the amazing women I spent those two weeks in India with. Several have already been snatched up but there are still plenty of styles in the shop. 

When the first set of scarves started to sell out (and I started getting asked about when a new order would be coming!), I began the process of re-ordering and I am so excited to share that our new shipment has arrived!! Twelve more of these beauties will be making their way to the shop in the next week or so. 

the new scarves! watch for them in the shop soon!

The internet, photos, and my words cannot do these scarves justice but trust me when I say that they are the most beautiful and unique (truly one-of-a-kind!) scarves I have ever seen. They are soft, and light weight, and versatile, and high quality- made from the softest fabrics and finished with unique details like little hand-sewn buttons and seashell tassels. They are also big because what use is a tiny scarf. These scarves are easy to wear and seriously perfect for all weather, year-round, and can easily be layered over a dress, t-shirt, or sweater. 

I mean, look, they are scarves- you know how they work. I'm not here to tell you why scarves are fun- you probably already know that. What I am here to do is share stories about things that have been made with love and skill by people who value the same things as you and I. Not only do these scarves remind me of people like Mrs. Singh, the "gurus" I already know, and the interesting places I've visited- they are also just really beautiful. and comfortable. and high quality. and unique and something you probably need at least one of in your life.

But what do I know, I'm just a guru. 

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Enjoy the process!

Hailey

FAQ: Where in the World Do You Find This Stuff?

My fellow treasure hunters, deep in the thick of our first market experience in Nawalgarh, India last March. 

One of the questions I get asked most frequently is "where do you find all of these things?" Or, how do I source merchandise for the Habitation Co. shop. Of course, the most romantic answer is the one involving me wandering outdoor markets and bazaars in exotic countries, digging through piles of textiles and handicrafts, engaged in friendly bartering banter with the shop keepers. And, yes, while this is how I have found a few items in the shop, the methods I use for the majority of ordering may seem surprisingly simple and modern... I go online.

My goal as I set out to build Habitation was not to try to re-invent the wheel of Fair Trade businesses or to become a manufacturer of goods- I knew that my plan was strictly retail, as in, I sell things that other people produce. This decision was a natural one because my background has been in working for small retail businesses, and I know absolutely nothing about actually making products for wholesale. But it also stems from the fact that I have a difficult relationship with many other Western-owned (read white-female) "fair trade" businesses that dictate the styles and types of products the artisans make (based on Western, white-female trends). I have started several other posts along these lines, but I want to tread carefully as my thoughts and opinions are constantly evolving along with my own business. Simply, I knew that I wanted to build a retail business with companies/products that reflect my own values (yes, as a Western white-female) as well as the integrity and creative freedom of the artists and artisans who produce them, and not just what fashion trends dictate. 

The good news is that our world is more interconnected than ever and there seems to be a global-shift happening in terms of sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices. Platforms like social media sites have also made the Internet a giant melting pot of styles, trends, and standards in terms of fashion and design, particularly among the Gen Y crowd. In terms of "conscious fashion" and environmentalism, there has truly never been a better time to find fashion-forward yet authentic, ethically-produced pieces for your home and wardrobe. 

Habitation was ultimately born out of my own desire to buy/use/wear more sustainable and ethical products without compromising my personal style or twenty-something budget. I simply didn't like having to choose between something stylish and something that wasn't made using slave labor. When many people, myself included, think of "fair trade" products they think of expensive coffee, chocolate, tie-dye, felt, and incense- your local health-food store probably has an entire aisle dedicated to these products. While I think all of the above are great, I knew that there was a much bigger, untapped market of "fair trade" products out there... I would just have to go find them. 

And here's how:

1. Online

I started my hunt for merchandise by combing through websites of larger players in the ethical/sustainable movement: The Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade Africa/India, World Fair Trade Organization, etc. and searching through hundreds of individual websites and thousands of products picking items out one at a time. I have also connected with other vendors through social media and platforms such as Etsy and Pinterest. I now have a dozen or so companies that I repeatedly order from whose quality is in line with my (very high) standards. 

2. Travel

I also made a running list in my phone each time I came across a product in a shop or while traveling that I felt would be a good fit for Habitation. Some of the smaller vendors may have only an email address or a Facebook account, whereas larger companies have distribution centers right here in the U.S.. Some of these orders have looked like shady wire transfers and inconspicuous cardboard boxes miraculously showing up on my porch days or weeks later. Others have been through PayPal, Square, and other handy tools. 

3. Merchandise Markets

One of my goals for last year was to attend 1-2 merchandise markets which was super easy as there is a smaller show in LA twice a year. In terms of variety and quality of vendors, the bigger shows in Vegas, New York, and Texas likely have a lot more to offer, but the LA show was a good taste of what a merchandise market is like- which, as it turns out, is not very different from the markets in India and Africa. In the end I did find a few local vendors ( tea towels, and jewelry) that have been a great fit for the shop. I am hoping to be able to attend a bigger show in the future when a business trip is in the budget. 

4. Recommendations

Another way that I have found products for the shop is through recommendations from friends who have either stumbled across a great item while on their own travels and adventures or know of an artist or maker who they felt would be a good fit. I love discovering new people to work with, and the more eyes out there searching for treasure, the better! 

What products would you love to see more of at Habitation Co.? Home Decor, accessories, etc... what's on your "wishlist" for this season? 

Do you have a favorite ethically-produced or sustainably-sourced product that you think would be a great fit for Habitation Co.? I'd love to support other creative businesses and share them with our corner of the world. Drop me a note at info@habitationco.com

Me and "my woodblock guy", Girish in his shop in Khan Market, New Delhi. 

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Enjoy the process!

Hailey

The Process of Living: Highly Creative Home Offices

For the past few years, the design world has been dominated by chic minimalist spaces furnished sparsely with low-profile decor in neutral palettes. These spaces may promote feelings of peace and quiet, but creative inspiration is often found in spaces where visual stimulus, color, pattern, and imaginations can run wild. If you are an aspiring artist or small business owner, one of the most important things you can do for your creative journey is to have a designated space where you can work, create, and experiment freely. 

When I managed a local art store I met a particular artist, mentor, and now friend, who told me that the most important thing you can do as an artist is to have a designated space where you can keep your tools (paints, brushes, canvas, etc.) out at all times. For him, it began as a small card table in the corner of his kitchen, though he has since expanded into a loft studio space he shares with his equally talented wife. But your "space" doesn't have to be big, fancy, or furnished perfectly, it just has to be a place where you can keep your creative supplies within view. If your materials are out of sight, they are likely out of mind, and you're lessening your chances of finding time, energy, and inspiration to create before you even begin!

If you're wanting some inspiration for your own highly creative home office or studio, here are a few spaces that are full of personality!

images via 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Where do you create your best work? What tools do you keep out at your space at all times?

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Enjoy the process!

Hailey