Sorting through recycled silk curtains in Jaipur, India!
Meet the Mexicali Blues Makers; Anil, Gopal, his son Nikhil, and Diksha! One of our longest vendor relationships and most valued friends, we met Anil through a mutual friend on the very first day we were in India TWENTY-TWO YEARS AGO! Time really flies when you’re having fun, and it continues to be such a pleasure to work with and spend time with Anil and his family, who have become wonderful friends over the past two decades. Our visit this year was cut short but we know it will be just like old times when we go back to visit.
Carly and Diksha picking out block printed textiles together!
Our children grew up playing with his children, and we are all so happy that now our two daughters are working together as part of our respective family businesses! Carly and Diksha working together feels even more special because women working together in this sort of business is not the norm in the male-dominated culture of India, though things are thankfully changing. When they first met and played together at Rajasthani themed village Chokhi Dhani many years ago, they had no idea that this beautiful future was where the path would lead them!
Carly sipping customary "chai before we buy!"
Both of our businesses started small and have grown over the years, and we always go to them for many of the uniquely magical textiles that we sell in our stores. Specializing in the traditional art of block printing, they are keeping an ancient art technique alive! We are proud to work with Anil, Gopal, Nikhil, and Diksha, both for the quality of their artistry and the fact that they also believe that a happy healthy working environment where artisans are paid fairly for their skills is paramount. On top of having such a positive business relationship, it is one that is based in true friendship. From sharing delicious home-cooked meals to celebrating traditional Indian festivals like Holi, when we get together we get work done while having FUN (and that’s the most important thing!)
Check out Diksha and Carly's tour of the factory:
