#mela artisans

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Hey all you snow birds - come visit our newest pop up in Boca Raton, FL! We’re showing all of our newest collection + the classics you love. This is something you won’t want to miss!

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Celebrate Holi with Mela Artisans

On sundown March 1st to sundown March 2nd, Hindus celebrate the holiday of Holi, also known as the “festival of colors.” Each spring, Holi celebrations around the world spread infectious cheer wherever Indians gather. Marked by the light hearted tradition of throwing colored powder at family and friends, the festival is known for bridging the usually strict social divisions of caste, sex and age, bringing Hindus together as one joyous community. As with typical Hindu traditions, Holi originates from an ancient religious myth in which the demon Holika was punished by Lord Brahma for his hubris in challenging the supremacy of the gods. Brahma sent a destructive fire to consume Holika and it is this triumph of good over evil that is celebrated in the holiday of Holi.

On the first day of Holi, colored powder and colored water are arranged in preparation for the festivities.

People light huge bonfires to commemorate the burning of Holika, singing folk songs and praying for blessings, while making offerings of fruits and grains to the fire.

Women decorate the floor of their entryways with thin ribbons of colored powder in floral and geometric patterns known as ‘rangolis’.

The next day men, women and children form separate groups and visit the houses of neighbors and friends, playfully smearing each other’s faces and bodies with colored powder while squirting colored water and throwing water balloons on everyone they meet.

Lathmaar Holi is a reenactment from Lord Krishna’s life where the village men throw colored powder on the women who pretend to drive them away with sticks and are squirted with colored water in ‘revenge’.

In Mathura Vrindavan, the reputed birthplace of Lord Krishna, the celebration of the festival goes on for about a week. Devotees of Krishna fill the temples, seeking the blessings of the deity and passionately chanting the names of Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha.

Celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring, this festival breathes an air of romance and social merriment into the entire community. Holi is one of the most popular and keenly anticipated Hindu holidays. People travel from around the world to participate in this uniquely colorful and joyous experience that so perfectly expresses the essence of India.

*note no images selected are the property of Mela Artisans*

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Spring is really smashing into NYC today and we are LOVING IT  It has got our spring refresh gears turning - get that fresh-cut-grass vibe happening in your space with our 100+ new items! (Pro tip: our Valentine’s Day promo code maaaaay still be active until Sunday..... *cough* LOVE30 *cough*)

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The Romance of Rajasthan: Jaipur

Traveling through the northwestern state of Rajasthan is a feast for the senses.  Hot winds blow over the desert dunes; villagers in vibrant traditional dress celebrate with music and folk dances; traditional artisans gather in local markets to trade and share news.  In this state characterized by its stark landscapes and harsh climate, the irrepressible spirit of a creative, resourceful people is richly expressed in art and music as they joyfully embrace life.

Having stopped along the way in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur, we arrive, finally, in Jaipur, the state capital and truly its brightest jewel.

Jaipur was built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a powerful Rajput ruler, whose ancient capital of Amber, had become too congested and difficult to secure against invaders.  Jaipur was chosen because of its location near two rivers which provided a plentiful water supply in this arid region.  One of many palaces in Jaipur, the Jal Mahal is located in the middle of the Man Sagar lake and is only accessible by boat.

Today Jaipur is a center for the production of many traditional handicrafts.  Block printing and screen printing of cotton fabrics for clothing and home furnishings provide employment for many master craftsmen.  

On a natural hill within the city limits, the forbidding Nahargarh fort was constructed for defensive purposes.  The city itself was surrounded by high walls with 7 strong gates.  Broad streets were laid out in a grid pattern with separate areas allocated for administrative buildings, the palace complex and residential and commercial purposes.

Jaipur’s skilled metal workers continue an ancient tradition of crafting hanging lamps and lighting fixtures in a style reminiscent of the grandeur of the Mughal period.

The sprawling palace complex includes formal gardens and a lake as well as several public reception areas and secluded living quarters for the royal family.

Jaipur’s renowned gold and silversmiths work with precious gems of all kinds.  The traditional ‘meenakari’ style shown here features brilliant precious or semi-precious gems set with silver or gold leaf in elaborate floral designs.  

A five-story palace, the Hawa Mahal, was built into the wall of the royal complex and features myriad windows to allow the ladies of the royal family to view life on the street outside without being seen themselves.  The Rajput royal families followed strict rules of seclusion for women.

Hand embroidery using beads and mirror work is used to decorate all manner of clothing and fashion accessories.

The Jantar Mantar, now a Unesco World Heritage site, was built in the early 18th century, and consists of several masonry structures designed for astronomical observations and calculations.  It is the best preserved of India’s ancient observatories and reflects the most advanced understanding of astronomy at the time.

Hand painted in floral designs using bright blues, greens and yellow, Jaipur Blue pottery is popular throughout India.

Now home to 3 million people, Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the salmon pink color of many of the palaces and administrative buildings.  This custom dates back to 1876 when the city was first painted pink to welcome Prince Albert on a tour of the then British Empire.  

This Valentine’s Day, shop Mela Artisans collection of handcrafted jewelry by our incredible artisans in Jaipur. It’s the perfect gift for that special someone (or, you know, to romance yourself). Shop the collection here.

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Kiva + Mela Artisans: Why Artisans are a Good Investment

Kiva surfaced over ten years ago as a microfinance platform that connects people in the States with entrepreneurs around the world, enabling one person to lend to another.

It was built on a simple belief: trust.  And a yearning to connect with people halfway around the world.

Similarly the Mela Artisans story has been about connecting people over vast geographies. We do it through art.  Kiva does it through finance.

Almost five years back, Kiva launched a new program, one that enabled small businesses like ours, focused on supporting artisans, to apply for small loans.  These loans came with 0% interest.  Basically, they were built on trust and generosity -- what a novelty in finance.

We were one of the first companies to sign up for a small loan (under $6,000). To our amazement, the loan was fulfilled in a matter of hours. Hence, we’ve continued to work with Kiva to support our artisan groups.  The reality is that artisan businesses are often overlooked by traditional lenders.  The Artisan Alliance, a non-profit organization working to link artisans to international markets, will tell you all about it.

That’s why they set up this unique partnership with Kiva. And we’re grateful they did. We’ve now completed four loans through Kiva, supporting a variety of artisan groups, from the women weaving in Kashmir to the wood carvers in Saharanpur. The loan size has grown: our last loan was for $20,000 and again, completed in a day. Over 580 compassionate individuals decided to back our vision.

The Kiva loans have allowed for Mela to advance funds to artisans so that they can get paid prior to Mela getting paid.  As our business grows and as we bring in more products into inventory to support our web customers and online partners, this becomes very important.

But Mela Artisans is not the only group utilizing this financing option. The Artisans Alliance has funded 28 loans for artisan businesses with Kiva. That’s nearly $250,000 from individuals around the world who chose to lend through Kiva.

Here are some of the other wonderful artisans that received funds:

Zhypara in Kyrgyzstan received $8,000 to buy wool. A female entrepreneur, she learned the craft of felt from her mother.  Now she employs 12 other women who also make felt items for her shop, and she trains young women in the art.  Passing on the heritage is key.

Tsultrim in China received $8,000 to support Tibetan artisans.  Given the cultural tensions in the region, Tsultrim started a small business to employ women weavers who work with yak khullu, the softest part of the yak’s coat.

Olivia in Uganda received $20,000 to fund her artisan-based enterprise in Kampala.  She employs 12 artisans who work with Ankole cow horns, a traditional art form in Uganda.

What inspiring company to be in. The artisan movement is clearly a global one and Kiva is helping all these lovely artisans connect the dots with finance and markets.

Here’s the kicker. Every single one of these loans has been repaid in full. The average loan has been about $8,400. And they’ve spanned 11 countries.  

Bottom line: Artisans are a good investment.

(Artisan images courtesy of Kiva and Mela Artisans)

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Where to Buy Artisan Goods Made in India

Beautiful home goods made in India bring stable jobs and economic development here's why.

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Taking a look back, and some huge steps forward

2017 was a busy year for the Mela Artisans team: we collaborated with lovely brands who share our ethos and vision for an artisan-made home; hosted a TV festival in our Vermont store; fulfilled our fourth loan through Kiva (in less than a day); and grew our team.

Here are some of the highlights of the year:

We collaborated with Urban Ladder, India’s hottest online startup in the home and decor space. This unique collection by Mela Artisans, featured wood-based designs from our artisans in Saharanpur. We were so thrilled to be able to offer our designs to Indian customers, many of which are keen on buying consciously but with a modern flair.  Read more about this collaboration on our blog.

We gave our branding a fresh spin.  Check out our latest catalog, our improved website with over 100+ new items, our updated blog layout , and collaborations with blog partners, Social Flourish and three3fold.

Our Vermont store turned into a VIP lounge this year at the ITV Festival in Manchester which brings together independent artists, up-and-coming talent, and the creative forces behind our favorite shows. Over 100 high level industry execs and talent from production houses such as HBO, Comedy Central, and Bravo all made it to our small town.  And Mela Artisans got to be at the heart of it.

We completed our fourth Kiva loan to support our artisans. Working with Kiva has been a dream; they believe in the power of micro-entrepreneurs and are passionately helping companies, like ours, do so.  Our loan of $20,000 was fulfilled in one day!

We took part in Target’s first artisan collection. Getting shoppers to buy more handmade products means that we have to go where the shoppers are.  Given that so many American families go to Target to furnish their spaces, we were elated to accompany a host of mission-driven brands in the retailer’s first artisan collection.

We did some fun collaborations with like-minded brands, such as Nest, Ubuntu Made, Mata Traders, and Purse & Clutch. Go give them some love as well.

We had our first pop up shop in New York City, giving us a new footprint in Soho, and an opportunity to show off our new product line to all the delightful folks who stopped by.

Lastly, and very importantly, we added two respected, and incredibly experienced individuals to our board: Frank Guzzetta, former President of the Ralph Lauren Home Collection, and William M. Smith, Managing Partner at Global Reach Capital, LLC.

We’re looking onward to 2018, hoping to reach more conscious consumers, collaborate with more pioneering brands, and give work to more artisans in India.

Thank you for your kind support thus far.  We are just getting started.