California Home + Design

So pleased that my Braid rug was featured in the June issue of California Home + Design magazine's Trend Report. 

Braid's chunky, naturally patterned combination of eco-friendly sisal and leather makes it perfect for summertime beach environments. 

PERU JOURNAL, #1

Spare me from Starbucks!

For me, the whole point of traveling, or the pleasure of travel, is to experience different things. Obviously in our global world this gets harder and harder. Stepping off the plane in the Lima airport I was looking forward to my usual freshly squeezed naranja/piña juice, queso y Jamon croissant and a cup of hot mate de coca. So I was very disappointed as I reached the top of the escalator to be confronted by a Starbucks, which I'm sure was not there in January when I was in Peru. No surprise, they have several in Lima proper together with Hooters, but I immediately felt as if I was back in the US instead of on another Peruvian adventure. (And I have to confess the temptation for an espresso fix was strong...but not that strong!)

PERU BOUND

I can only go so long before feeling the strong pull to Peru. I've been going to this magical country for almost 8 years now and each time I go, I come back loving it more. It's a country that has claim to such interesting history and, of course, there are the Andes mountains - home to the treasured alpacas (see photo at left) who produce the fiber for so many of my products!

For my visit this June, I'll be focusing on several new designs in development, as well as meeting with my artisans and checking out colors, fibers, and samples.

Women In Business

I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal that I would like to share. Titled "Why Are Women-Owned Companies Smaller than Men-Owned Companies," the piece is timely and relevant for those of us women, in particular, who own our own businesses. I would love to hear any feedback about this somewhat dismaying information.