Sunday, August 1, 2010

Officially introducing the new biz


I have been very busy lately (less time to paint...yeah, yeah, excuses) starting up a new business (much busy-ness) with The Husband (pictured above). He is in India right now doing preliminary studies, making contacts, fundraising, working with artisans...

Our new business is DESIGNatural, and simultaneously we are initiating and promoting the "Slow Color movement." We will be offering products (clothing "for real people with real bodies" to begin with; later home textiles as well) made from all-natural fibers, and dyed with all-natural plant-based dyes...reviving "dying" dyeing traditions around the world.

These will not be "hippie clothes" but rather premium products, beautifully and professionally made. It will be a sustainable business in every sense--for people and for the planet. We will be providing livelihoods with fair living wages and working conditions, and our practices will be exemplary...well, you can read about it via the links if you're interested in knowing more.

We are still in the very early stages and it's quite insane and overwhelming.

In the photo, The Husband is showing some samples of linen that have been naturally-dyed at the Weavers' Center in Hyderabad, India, this week, working with local experts. I too have interest and expertise in natural dyeing.

And I promise I will get back to painting (whenever I have time!) now that I've plugged our new business. Oh, and showing you more of that crazy white kitty, of course.

Cheers.

18 comments:

Judy Jones said...

What a great idea, Jala. I think people are getting so tired of the "made in China" label knowing that the makers were paid barely livable wages. All natural is great, too. I wish you and The Husband every success.

TSL said...

How exciting, Jala!

Anonymous said...

Good luck in your new business ventures. I wish you much success.

Anonymous said...

Very exciting....I look forward to reading more.
Maggie

JANE MINTER said...

goodluck with your joint venture jala ...sounds really intresting look foward to seeing the spring collection

Caroline Simmill said...

I agree with Judy, folk here in Scotland are turning once again to the Artisans and to purchasing something of quality that means something to them. A favourite jumper that stays with you for a few winters. I wish you all the best Jala.

Sonya Johnson said...

What an exciting venture you and The Husband are beginning! Look forward to seeing updates and photos of the clothing.

Just don't get so busy with this new business that we lose you as an art & animolecule blogger! ;) That would be a major bummer for all yer readers.

Pam Holnback said...

Good luck! Sounds exciting.

Cynthia Schelzig said...

How interesting. Good luck,,,

Mona Diane Conner said...

Best wishes with the new biz Jala, it sounds very well thought out. I've loved seeing your photos of India too.

Nancy B. Hartley said...

Jala, Congratulations to you , and the husband! Can hardly wait to see the new designs! Sounds so exciting!
Already, I love the colors, looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Bonnie Luria said...

Jala- this is so exciting and I think, so timely. Among your many blog posts, there were backgrounds of textiles that I knew were Indian and they always stood out as some of the most beautiful.
With your husbands' knowledge of the region and your superb color sense, I'm looking forward to seeing the next steps.
And I love the title " Slow Color Movement ".
I'd be one of your first customers. Linen is one of my favorite fabrics.
You may have to personally deliver it to me....

Unknown said...

All the best. I look forward to hearing more!

Gwen Bell said...

What exciting news! The Planet needs more businesses like yours. Thank you! Can't wait to see the product.

suzanneberry said...

How incredibly cool are you and The Husband!! Wow! What an incredible idea and exciting news!! I can't wait to see it all. Good luck with everything and I wish you both the most unimaginable success ever!

Jala Pfaff said...

Thank you all SO much for your well-wishes. I really appreciate it. (Suzanne, I don't know if we're really "incredibly cool," but hey, I won't argue.)

P said...

Brilliant! Best of luck to you. Can't wait to see your 2011 collection.

ArtPropelled said...

This all sounds very exciting, Jala. I hope you post progress reports here. Wishing you all the best for your new business .