BATIQUA

As a small business owner, it’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle and putting out of fires. Reviews are those gentle reminders to stop and smell the roses and how it does us so good to take those pauses! Thank you @rowancollective for this heartwarming spotlight! Seeing the impact that my small business has in the lives of others keeps me going!... Who has thought of leaving their favourite small business a review and has never quite gotten there because life happens? Continue showing your support for local businesses and small businesses even in simple ways like taking the time to leave a review. You just never know, it might be the pick-me-up they need to make it through these times. . . . . . #smallbusinessbc #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusinessbc #meanwhileblackinvancouver #blackbusinesswomen #womenownedblackbusiness #shoplocal #blackfemaleentrepreneurs #webuyblack #vancouverblackcommunity #blackbusinesscanada #blackfemalefounders #blackgirlmagic #blackownedcanada #blackownedhomedecor #blackownedsmallbusiness #artisanshop #fairtradefederation #fairtrade #fairtradeshop

Hello friends! February is Black History Month! Tag your favourite black owned small businesses below and share one product or service you love from them! And don’t forget to save this post so that you can revisit it! I can’t wait to see all the recommendations you’ll share in the comments below! ... . . . . . #smallbusinessbc #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusinessbc #meanwhileblackinvancouver #blackbusinesswomen #womenownedblackbusiness #shoplocal #blackfemaleentrepreneurs #webuyblack #vancouverblackcommunity #blackbusinesscanada #blackfemalefounders #blackgirlmagic #blackownedcanada #blackownedhomedecor #blackownedsmallbusiness See more

NEW PRODUCT ALERT! Want to add a little sophistication to your home’s decor without settling for a neutral color scheme? Try decorating with navy blue! The color adds drama and can stand up to bold colors. It also pairs beautifully with neutrals!... Swipe to see some decor inspiration! Navy and beige is so dreamy! Available now on my website batiqua.com . . . . . #cozylife #handmadegoods #vancouverlocalgoods #supportlocalbc #handmadepillows #handmadebedding #blackownedbusiness #africancraft #cozypillows #blackownedbusinessvancouver #womensenterprisebc #shoplocal #bedifferent #beconfident #shoplocalvancouver #founderlife #pillowdecor #pillowcases #pillowdesign #homestyledecor #bossmom #makerspace #blackownedbusiness #makersmovement #fairtradefederation #womensupportingwomen #ethicalfashion #fairtradehome #vancouversmallbusiness #vancouvershop

NEW PRODUCT ALERT! Want to add a little sophistication to your home’s decor without settling for a neutral color scheme? Try decorating with navy blue! The color adds drama and can stand up to bold colors. It also pairs beautifully with neutrals! ... Swipe to see some decor inspiration! Navy and beige is so dreamy! Available now on my website batiqua.com . . . . . #cozylife #handmadegoods #vancouverlocalgoods #supportlocalbc #handmadepillows #handmadebedding #blackownedbusiness #africancraft #cozypillows #blackownedbusinessvancouver #womensenterprisebc #shoplocal #bedifferent #beconfident #shoplocalvancouver #founderlife #pillowdecor #pillowcases #pillowdesign #homestyledecor #bossmom #makerspace #blackownedbusiness #makersmovement #fairtradefederation #womensupportingwomen #ethicalfashion #fairtradehome #vancouversmallbusiness #vancouvershop

Reviews like this keep me going! Swipe to see how Allison @ascreativeco styled her pillow! Seeing each product in its final home brings a lot of joy to our artisans. To see their handmade craft is so beautifully showcased and appreciated.... Seeing each product in its final home brings me a lot of joy. Because it all started with a sketch on a napkin. Designed in Vancouver & handmade in Zimbabwe. . . . . . #smallbusinessbc #handmadelife #makeitshow #makie #gotcraftmarket #refreshmarket #ooaktoronto #eastsideflea #craftculture #makersmovement #proudmakie #supporthandmade #artisanmade #shopsmall #makersgonnamake #refreshcommunity #darlingmovement #womensupportingwomen #risingtidesociety #fairtrade #shoplocalyvr #boholiving #mindshift #everythingisfigureoutable #handcrafted #instagramlab #thatsdarling #creativecommunity #risingtidemovement #interiordesign

RESTOCKING ALERT! My ALL TIME BEST SELLER is back! My vision is to continue bringing contemporary designs merged with ethnic influences and this simple GREY pillow is a perfect example!... Every product not only is well crafted by hand, but it actively gives back to marginalized artisans in Zimbabwe! A real feel good purchase! . . . . . #smallbusinessowner #shopsmallbusiness #shopsmallbc #smallbusinessbc #supportlocalbusinesses #womenenterprise #surreyboardoftrade #sbot #blackownedbusinesses #femaleentrepreneur #mompreneur #fairtradeproducts #nynow #vancouvershoplocal #vancouvershop #vancouverhandmade #handmadewithlove #etsycanada #etsyvancouver #etsysellersofinstagram #shopifybusiness #shopifystore #shopifyseller #smallbusinesstips #goaldiggersociety #instagramlab #goaldiggermovement #hello2021 #whiterockbc #whiterockbusinesses

This post is to all my maker friends and to my followers who loved attending craft shows! It’s NOVEMBER! For many small retailers and small businesses, November is the month that makes the ENTIRE year worthwhile!... This month is literally the month that would MAKE my business. A slower summer could be justified because November would be coming! I must admit, I had mastered the art of attending craft shows! With up to 10 events running in just one weekend! I had an awesome team around me that would travel far and wide in the month of November. They would be able to earn extra income for their families in the month of November. I would place my largest production orders for the month of November. I would meet SO many wonderful people in the month of November. This month that was typically my best month all year was suddenly met with so much fear and worry for me with everything going on this year. Until I walked into Walmart yesterday. Walmart has decided not to slow down. Walmart is business as usual. In fact it looked like a bigger Christmas season than before! And what a challenge that is to small handmade businesses like myself that might be forgotten because there are fewer platforms for visibility. I started thinking of all my fellow small business friends and how they might be navigating and coping during this season. This is my encouragement to every maker and conscious shopper out there. Don’t be afraid of this month or the upcoming season! It will not be like the other years we have known, but Christmas is not cancelled. It will be different. If you are a maker, post your promotions and let everyone know that you are still there! To all the craft show buyers, consciously seek out your favourite craft show brands and support your local businesses and small shops like never before. This is such a critical time for a lot of us. Choose handmade, choose local and choose community this Christmas. Comment below and let me know how you are navigating Christmas this year as a small business or as a conscious shopper! . . . . . #smallbusinessbc #handmadebusiness #shoplocalbc #shoplocalvancouver

#TBT To when I packed my overweight suitcase and ventured out to The Big Apple to attend one of the biggest trade shows in the gifting industry @ny_now! Having really no idea what I was going into, I ordered my booth display on Amazon and hauled my suitcase through the subway on the pursuit to chase my dreams! ... At some point of this leap of faith, I ended up at a subway station with no escalator or elevator. I went to ask at the information desk and they confirmed that not all stations were accessible I couldn’t believe this was even possible in a city like #NewYork. I looked at the seemingly insurmountable flight of stairs ahead of me, and remembered my overweight luggage. Life started feeling challenging as I started processing how hard and a real struggle this was all turning out to be. Then I remembered that I was in NEW YORK! Life was not hard, because I, Linda, a girl from Harare, was in New York. I remembered that I wasn’t carrying JUST a suitcase, but within it through our work, I was carrying the dreams of my community of artisans in Zimbabwe. Literally the dreams of a piece of my nation Life wasn’t hard. I just had to be stronger. I started going up the stairs with my head down so that I wouldn’t be overwhelmed with how many more stairs I had to go up and some moments later, I felt the suitcase get lighter. Someone graciously picked it up on the other side and together we went up the stairs. That was a moment of SO much gratitude in a city where everyone typically minds their own business. I went on to NY Now to land our first major retailer with hundreds of locations across the US and that’s a most beautiful story for another day! What is the ‘flight of stairs’ before you? Take the first step, and don’t give up! Life has a special way of surprising you with the courage and help you need to keep going up! Happy Thursday friends!

It’s A GIVEAWAY TIME! 2 lucky winners will get to choose ANY listing of handmade home decor textiles at batiqua.com! Pillows Table Runners... Wall Hangings Placemats YOUR choice! Here’s how you can enter: 1. Like this post 2. Make sure you are following @batiqua 3. Tag someone you are especially grateful for this year Is it just me, or is this year’s Thanksgiving is more meaningful than ever! Spread the cheer & thanks! Winners will be announced on Black Friday Short & Sweet! Happy Thanksgiving to all! . . . . . #smallbusinessbc #handmadebusiness #shoplocalbc #shoplocalvancouver #consciousshopping #consciousshoppervancouver #vancouverbusiness #shopblackowned #shopwomanowned #smallbusinessesrock #shoponline #fairtrade #consciousliving #christmasshopping #notamazon #smallbusiness #handmadegifts #handmade #shoplocal #blackownedbusiness #creativeentrepreneur #businessownerlife #christmasshopping #chistmasgift2020 #etsystore #thanksgiving2020

One of my most exciting upcoming collaborations is participating in the Virtual Holiday Marketplace being hosted by @aldo_shoes & @callitspring ! Today I received my last market cancellation for the year, a special thanks @newwestcraft for trying, not an easy feat considering the current conditions. This means I will have attended NO craft shows this entire year! For a business whose main revenue stream has been craft shows, to simply still be here, going forward is a gre...at thing! There is no ways I could have made it through thus far without each and everyone of you! Shopping, liking, commenting, sharing, tagging, listening! Every time I’ve wondered what’s next, an unexpected opportunity has come up! Swipe to see the email I got from @aldo_shoes & @callitspring which is such an exciting opportunity for me this Holiday season! Thank you so much to all the major brands and corporations literally carrying small businesses on their shoulders during this time! I can’t wait to be a part of this special virtual marketplace! Aldo, you’ve won my heart, and you’ve certainly won my feet forever . . . . . #generationspring #aldo #callitspring #supportsmallbusiness #smallbusinessbc #handmadebusiness #shoplocalbc #shoplocalvancouver #consciousshopping #myhandmadehome #throwpillows #consciousshoppervancouver #vancouverbusiness #shopblackowned #callitspring #aldovirtualmarketplace #howyouhome #founderfriday #myeclecticmix #shopwomanowned #shoponline #fairtrade #consciousliving #homedecor #fairtradefederation #handmadeisbest #pillow #ethicalfashion #bohodecor #artisan #artisanmade

@chezvargas_ thanks for sharing this all the way from Ontario! So many clients emphasize how the quality of our textiles is really what makes our products stand out! How they are created by many pairs of hands: artists, painters, tailors, each individual leaving a piece of their love with each product!... All the pillows are personally designed by myself in Vancouver BC and handmade by my community in Zimbabwe. Click the link in my bio to visit my website or my Etsy shop. . . . . #handmade #artisanmade #fairtrade #fairtradeproducts #decorativepillows #handmadepillow #vancouversmallbusiness #shoplocalvancouver #explorebc #smallbusinessbc #blackbusinessbc #blackbusinesscanada #bohodecor #falldecorativepillows

I love this season! Messages like this literally make all the difference! So excited to provide an avenue for people to purchase in a meaningful way through BATIQUA! ... My shelves are slowly emptying thanks to each and everyone of you placing orders! If I can help you with anything, send me a DM! Visit my Etsy shop @ BATIQUAGIFTS or check out my website, link in the bio! Happy Friday! . . . . . #smallbusinessbc #mompreneurlife #femalefounder #founderlife #ladyentrepreneurs #bossmom #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #handmade #vancouverbusiness #vancouversmallbusiness #vancouvershoplocal #vancouver #shoplocalvancouver #throwcushion #throwpillows #blackownedbusiness #myhomevibe #femaleownedbusiness #blackentrepreneurwomen #textilelove #pillows #pillowdesign #fallpillows #interiordesign

Happy Monday friends! One emerging design trend with everything going on is bringing the outdoors in! This design is my personal inspiration to create a vibrant colour and pattern that reminds us of nature. The color green in home decor can add an earthy, grounded feel to any space and let's admit it, that feeling of just being grounded is a something to be pursued, especially at this time.... This green says FALL and it'll be perfect for the upcoming holidays! Find these listed on my website and etsy shop at batiquagifts! What home decor items are on your wishlist to make it more cozy at this time? I'd love to know! . . . . . #smallbusinessbc #femalefounder #founderlife #textiledesign #bossmom #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #handmade #vancouverbusiness #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbrand #vancouversmallbusiness #vancouvershoplocal #vancouver #shoplocalvancouver #throwcushion #throwpillows #myhomevibe #textilelove #pillows #pillowdesign #fallpillows #interiordesign #homedecorating #holidaypillows

Every pillow is on a journey! The journey of hands, from when it is cut, to the drawing and painting. To the tailoring and packaging! The journey doesn't end when it gets into your hands, but rather it starts anew! This is the beauty with supporting #handmade products!... Love this picture of #batiqua pillows @insieme_house! I love always finding out where the products end up! Tag your post featuring any purchase with the hashtag #batiqua! . . . . #ethicallysourced #fairtrade #plantsmakepeoplehappy #blackownedbusiness #plantsofinstagram #femalefounder #jungalow #blackownedbrand #bohemianhome #apartmenttherapy #womenempowerment #livecolorfully #plantlady #styleithappy #womenentrepreneur #urbanjunglebloggers #myhousebeautiful #pillowlove #bohemianstyle #howyouhome #jungalow #thenewbohemians #mybohemianabode

Loving the memories that were created when markets were the norm (@knitcity)! . @shirleybrianyarn sending you wishes as warm as this pillow! Who else loves this cozy pillow she picked? .... . . . . #knitcity2019 #knitcity #smallbusinessbc #femalefounder #founderlife #textiledesign #bossmom #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #handmade #vancouverbusiness #vancouversmallbusiness #vancouvershoplocal #vancouver #shoplocalvancouver #throwcushion #throwpillows #myhomevibe #textilelove #pillows #pillowdesign #pillowchop #fallpillows #interiordesign #homedecorating

Some behind the scenes packing out some orders today! As I pack each order, I always find myself imagining all of the unique spaces these lovely products will occupy! I can’t pick which part of being a small business owner I enjoy the most:... -being able to support marginalized artisans through our sales and having such a great mission behind our work -designing the textiles and coming up with new patterns -sharing the stories behind the work @batiqua -packing products and getting them to their new homes -building heartwarming connections literally every single day! I love it all! Shopping small truly makes the biggest difference Happy Friday everyone! . . . . . #smallbusinessbc #vancouvermom #yvrmoms #mompreneurlife #femalefounder #founderlife #ladyentrepreneurs #bossmom #westcoastlifestyle #blackownedbusiness #makersgonnamake #blackownedhomedecor #blackownedbrand #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #handmade #vancouverbusiness #vancouversmallbusiness #vancouverparents #vancouvershoplocal #vancouver #smallbusinessvancouver #shoplocalvancouver #vancouver #decorativepillows #pillowsfordays

Is the happy dance I’m doing just thinking of hosting my first ever VIRTUAL MARKET! A virtual market because I miss markets, and most of all, I miss connecting with YOU! You are all invited!... Join me this Saturday at 10am PST for an Instagram Live! I’ll be sharing more about my business and will showcase some new designs while bringing back some of the sold out designs! Save the date! . . . . . #handmade #founderlife #pillows #pillowdecor #pillowcases #pillowdesign #cushionstyle #floorcushion #homestyledecor #bossmom #etsy #makerspace #makerslife #makersgonnamake #interiordesign #blackownedbusiness #makersmovement #craft #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #womensupportingwomen #handmade #ethicalfashion #sustainable #fairtradehome #vancouver #vancity #vancouverisawesome

Excited to announce that we are hiring! We are eager to meet the next change-maker who is going to be our MARKETING & SALES ASSISTANT! If you know of anyone who might be a fit, share our work with them! . . Link in bio to apply or check the careers section on batiqua.com! .... . . It means a lot as a small business to be able take these exciting and bold steps, especially at this time! YOU did it! Your support continues to make a difference! . . . . #smallbusinessbc #vancouvermom #mompreneurlife #femalefounder #founderlife #ladyentrepreneurs #bossmom #langleymoms #surreymoms #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #craft #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #handmade #vancouverbusiness #vancouversmallbusiness #vancouverparents #vancouvershoplocal #vancouverdoulas #vancouver #smallbusinessvancouver #shoplocalvancouver See more

I was so honoured to have been selected to speak about my business at the #shopifysummit2020! It was such a positive experience attending this virtual conference as a panelist, sharing about my entrepreneurial journey and how e-commerce has been a fundamental part of my success, thanks @shopify! . .... . . . As a business born in farmer’s markets and craft shows with face to face interactions, having an intuitive, easy-to-use e-commerce platform to showcase our work and sustain our growth has been a life-line especially during this time. I can’t thank the Shopify Support team enough for being so supportive on this journey as we pioneer sharing our fairtrade textiles with the rest of the world! . . . . . #shopifysummit #shopifymerchant #shopifyentrepreneur #shopifysummit2020 #shopifystore #shopifyseller #shopifyhandmade #shopifysuccess #supportlocalbusiness #vancouver #vancity #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #womensupportingwomen #handmade #ethicalfashion #sustainable #fairtradehome #vancouver #vancity #vancouverisawesome #vancouverbc See more

Hope everyone is having a restful weekend enjoying what’s left of the summer days! Currently updating the website with new pillows on batiqua.com! . This one is one is a popular one! .... . . . . #handmade #pillows #pillowdecor #pillowcases #pillowdesign #cushionstyle #floorcushion #homestyledecor #bossmom #makerspace #makerslife #makersgonnamake #interiordesign #blackownedbusiness #makersmovement #craft #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #womensupportingwomen #handmade #ethicalfashion #sustainable #fairtradehome #vancouver #vancity #vancouverisawesome #vancouverbc See more

#challengeaccepted. Thanks for the nomination @mrs.g_4lyf! . #womensupportingwomen #femaleentrepreneur #mompreneur #womeninspiringwomen #womenempoweringwomen #womeninbiz #womenoffaith

Table Runners & Wall Hangings! Many thanks @thinkific for choosing Batiqua for your corporate gifts! Pleased to see this #Vancouver based software company support local small businesses like @batiqua in such a significant way! . .... . . #smallbusinessbc #vancouvermom #mompreneurlife #femalefounder #founderlife #ladyentrepreneurs #bossmom #langleymoms #surreymoms #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #craft #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #handmade #vancouverbusiness #vancouversmallbusiness #vancouverparents #vancouvershoplocal #vancouverisawesome #smallbusinessvancouver #shoplocalvancouver

#BrandsILove A few weeks ago, my business went ‘viral.’ In my pursuit to discover who had tagged me in the post that was reshared HUNDREDS of times over, so that I could express my gratitude, I landed on the account of @feedingmama... We got to know each other, share our entrepreneurial journeys, and immediately connected about the work Mona did to provide ready-to-eat meals designed to help birthing parents heal from pregnancy, childbirth and the early postpartum phase. When she found out I was due literally anytime, she offered to serve me by bringing me her nutritious wholesome meals. So that I didn’t even have to worry about giving my body exactly what it needed after delivery. So that I could rest. So that I could enjoy the early, often hard days. So that I could be fully present for my family. So that I could be fully present for myself. After baby Hannah’s arrival, Mona personally delivered a cooler with breakfast, lunch, and dinner boxes with handwritten menu cards, thermoses of hot broth, hot tea and even homemade lactation cookies! Oh did I mention she did this TWICE! Asking nothing in return but my well-being. Mona, I can’t thank you enough. Your love was felt in every bite and beyond. Your action of love and service still resonates in our home and in our hearts. Your food is comfort and healing. I would recommend her delicious meals to anyone as a restorative source. For all these reasons and more, @feedingmama, YOU are a brand I love and I wish you all the success.

Sit with me a little while. Last month. I had the biggest month yet in my business. I didn’t attend a $10,000 trade show... I didn’t put out a single dollar in ads I didn’t hire a marketing guru to help me figure things out. . What did it? You. The follows. The shares. The mentions. The purchases. The word of mouth. The support. The CONNECTIONS. I am still in awe how truly life changing social media is. I’m paying it back forward by starting a series where I will be sharing ‘BrandsILove,’ businesses, brands, entrepreneurs that I resonate with. Because that’s what it took, just a share, a comment, a tag, a mention, to keep my business afloat at a time I was questioning if I would be able to keep this business going with everything taking place in the world. Cannot thank everyone enough. Let’s continue spreading the support around . . . . #mompreneurlife #femalefounder #founderlife #ladyentrepreneurs #bossmom #etsy #makerspace #makerslife #makersgonnamake #interiordesign #makersmovement #craft #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #womensupportingwomen #handmade #ethicalfashion #sustainable #fairtradehome See more

My store has only been on Etsy a few weeks and the support has been tremendous! 100+ sales, 20 FIVE STAR REVIEWS, and counting! Thank you so much for your orders! Getting everyone’s feedback is such a treat and I just love seeing how each piece looks perfect in its home! Swipe to read one of my latest reviews! .... . . . . #mompreneurlife #femalefounder #founderlife #ladyentrepreneurs #bossmom #etsy #makerspace #makerslife #makersgonnamake #interiordesign #makersmovement #craft #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #womensupportingwomen #handmade #ethicalfashion #sustainable #fairtradehome See more

It has been quiet around here. Swipe to find out why! So happy to welcome baby Hannah, the latest addition to the Batiqua family!... The past few weeks would have not been possible without my darling husband, #1 support, master shipper, chief of getting things done, best partner and super daddy to our 2 under 2! @davidadimora! Excited to be bringing new listings to the Etsy shop this week in between the snuggles! So many products are sold out! Thank you everyone for your support, it has been EXTRAORDINARY! . . . . . #mompreneurlife #femalefounder #founderlife #ladyentrepreneurs #bossmom #etsy #makerspace #makerslife #makersgonnamake #interiordesign #makersmovement #craft #makercommunity #instamaker #shopsmall #makersofinstagram #ethical #womensupportingwomen #handmade #ethicalfashion #sustainable #fairtradehome

Early last week feeling rather defeated by what was going on, I launched a gratitude giveaway on my page not knowing that in my pursuit of promoting gratitude, I would end up having one of the most life changing weeks in my journey as an entrepreneur! I am so thankful to everyone for rallying around my business at this time! Congratulations @tashchu & @jammie604 for winning the #gratitudegiveaway, look forward to seeing which products you pick!

#blackouttuesday . . . .... . . #changethenarrative See more

I have so many new followers, this is an excellent time for me to introduce myself to you all and have some #founderfriday fun! . My name is Linda and I am the founder of Batiqua! I was born and bred in Zimbabwe and I moved to Canada end of 2014! . Coming from an artisan family and community in Harare, Batiqua is a platform to support my community through sustainable employment while also sharing quality handmade products which I design with customers here and beyond. ... . If I had to choose my favourite sales channel, it would be a summer craft show! I love the sun, the good vibes, music, fun food, meeting people, sharing stories, awesome neighbouring vendors, amazing customers and event organizers who make it all worth it! . I sometimes think it would be fun to do a compilation of all the fun stories and encounters I’ve had at markets! Here’s one, once I share that our textiles are made using oatmeal or cornmeal porridge resist, the next typical question I get is Can we eat them I hear this 6/10 times and it always makes me laugh. My response is Unfortunately our textiles are not edible BUT you can get some placemats for a unique dining experience! . I really miss my markets this year, all the relationships I could have fostered, but I’m really thankful for social media platforms that have been so instrumental in building and maintaining those friendships and opportunities-though differently but still in a meaningful way. . Happy Friday everyone and stay safe. See more

Handmade, hand painted details! . Best selling design on the BatiquaGifts Etsy store this week! Check out my #Etsyshop for some unique textiles! Link in the bio! . .... . . . #ethicalshopping #votewithyourdollar #handmade #ecohome #shopconsciously #artisanmade #homedecor #shopsmall #handcrafted #consciousconsumer #etsysellers #etsyfinds #supportsmallbusiness #makersgonnamake #crafting #etsyshop #instagood #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysellersoninstagram #shopwithpurpose #bethedifference #shopforacause #tablescape #settingthetable #craftdesign #tablelinens #woventextiles #homesweethome #ethicalbrand

I am an African Not because I was born there But because my heart beats with Africa’s I am an African Not because my skin is black... But because my mind is engaged by Africa . I am an African Not because I live on its soil But because my soul is at home in Africa When Africa weeps for her children My cheeks are stained with tears When Africa honours her elders My head is bowed in respect . When Africa mourns for her victims My hands are joined in prayer When Africa celebrates her triumphs My feet are alive with dancing . I am an African For her blue skies take my breath away And my hope for the future is bright I am an African For her people greet me as family And teach me the meaning of community I am an African For her wildness quenches my spirit And brings me closer to the source of life . When the music of Africa beats in the wind My blood pulses to its rhythm And I become the essence of sound When the colours of Africa dazzle in the sun My senses drink in its rainbow And I become the palette of nature When the stories of Africa echo round the fire My feet walk in its pathways And I become the footprints of history I am an African . Because she is the cradle of our birth And nurtures an ancient wisdom I am an African Because she lives in the world’s shadow And bursts with a radiant luminosity I am an African Because she is the land of tomorrow And I recognise her gifts as sacred . By Dr Wayne Visser See more

Dinner time is family time, my mother would say! . Whether we were eating the most basic meal or had a buffet before us, growing up in my Zimbabwean family, dinner time was always a cherished time together. Ultimately it was never about the type of meals we shared, but rather the moments we spent together over the meal time. Enjoying each other’s company. Sharing stories. Priceless. . Now that I’ve also become a mother, I can’t help but see those simple traditions reflected ...in my home. Dinner time is family time. Even with a toddler who much prefers the food on the floor than in her tummy! It’s all part of a treasured phase filling up our memory bank as a family. . Whenever I get an order for placemats, it’s a real joy! To me they represent a conversation piece as customers go on to create unforgettable memories with their friends and loved ones around mealtimes. A perfect gift to give, the gift of family. . What do you cherish the most about dinner time? See more

One of my goals in this season has been to diversify the channels I showcase our products on! . I’m excited to be an #etsyshopowner! I had an official launch mapped out but the store started getting sales before this so I thought it’s a good time to bring my Instagram community along on the journey! . It’s been really great connecting with buyers in Quebec, the USA and even as far as the UK! Once again, bringing that sense of connection, even though we are in ‘isolation’! ... . A highlight of the season is discovering how positive the downtime has been for people to upgrade their homes and refresh their decor. More than ever people want to shop handmade! . Check out my store BatiquaGifts in the link in the bio! I’m offering free shipping and there are lots of new products. I’m adding new listings a few times a week! Placemats, placemat sets, table runners & wall hangings! . . . . . #etsy #etsyclub #smallbusiness #etsyshop #etsyseller #smallbusinessowner #womenownedbusiness #etsysellersoninstagram #etsyfinds #etsygifts #shopetsy #buyetsy #supportsmallbusiness #etsybestsellers #etsylove #etsyusa #homedecor #handmade #shophandmade #shoplocal #madewithlove #homedecor #etsyshopowner #etsysuccess #etsylove #fairtrade

Friends, join me on Friday, April 24th on MY FIRST EVER Instagram Live @kasandylocallyglobal at 5:30 PM PST for a session to discuss #Fairtrade and commemorate the @fashionrevolutionweek. Conversation will also feature Vancouver based fairtrade brand @indiartscollective! . Fashion Revolution Week happens every year in the week surrounding the 24th of April. This date is the anniversary of the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse. Rana Plaza, a building in Bangladesh, housed a number of g...arment factories, employing around 5,000 people. The people in this building were manufacturing clothing for many of the biggest global fashion brands. Over 1,100 people died in the collapse and another 2,500 were injured, making it the fourth largest industrial disaster in history. The victims were mostly young women. Thats when Fashion Revolution started and it’s in line with promoting #fairtrade principles. . Your voice can change everything. . Consider shopping small and slow, especially at this time when your support means the most. See more

This past week, I’ve seen other creative entrepreneurs like myself who rely on attending events like markets experience some really low moments. I’ve seen people who have taken the leap to be entrepreneurs forecast their livelihood the next few months and feel discouraged without the buffer of an emergency fund because their money is reinvested in inventory and postponed events. This past week, I’ve also seen admirable courage from event organizers, choosing the hard but nece...ssary & responsible decision to put the well-being of their collaborators first by cancelling or postponing events that they too, depend on. I’ve seen the community rallying around makers, sending words of encouragement and choosing to support and promote small businesses more than ever at this time. I’ve seen makers support each other choosing #communityovercompetition, because there is no choice but to weather the storm. No choice but to move forward, TOGETHER. I’ve seen makers find strength to not give up, to not freeze but to continue - differently. To see this time as an opportunity to keep going, to reset, to reconnect and to pivot to a greater purpose. Yes we may be apprehensive. We may be terrified. We may be sad, frustrated, anxious, disappointed, angry. We may be unsure. We may even feel unsafe. At the end of the day we have no choice but to move forward. What we do have a choice about is HOW we do that. How we handle our own emotions and our reactions to the tough things. We can choose to do so with kindness, with grace, with love, with extra patience to others and most of all, to ourselves. Keep trusting the journey! by the beautiful @taraogradyphoto @refreshmarket