MARIA LUISA’S INSPIRED – AND INSPIRING – TRAVELS

Catching up with Maria Luisa Whittingham on a recent morning proved more than a bit, we have to say it, inspiring.
She was just back from a trip to Cuba and shared not only stories and memories but also how the trip had impacted her in so many ways.
“What it has definitely done is (it) ignited a fire under creativity for me,” she said, already talking about plans for both her shops based on things she saw and experienced in her time there.

She talked about visiting with artists and seeing work exhibited, of meeting artisans at work and most important, getting a sense of the local communities during her time in both Havana and in short trips to other parts of the country.

CUBA = Inspiration

In particular, she spoke of Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a modern, multi-level space in Havana that features art, artists, music, digital elements, food and more. Its invigorating environment was, she said, “so awesome” and it was, truly, a place “where life is happening.”
It was one of so many experiences that she had – and a real step toward what she has been saying 2019 would be all about – a year of change and forward motion.

“For me, it’s a year of exploration and more of really ‘walking the walk,’” she said.
To that end, she said the trip has sparked her to once again re-commit to her goals, to “dive deeper into the authentic areas of Fair Trade and artisan-made” products.
And, she added, she’s even more enthusiastic about “creating the opportunities for our community to explore its own creativity within our space.”

 “creating the opportunities for our community to explore its own creativity within our space.”

Maria will be off again in a few weeks, this time traveling with like-minded retailers from across the country to India. They will be meeting with local artists and artisans; Maria said she looks forward to connecting with those whose work is carried here, while also be cultivating new contacts and sources.
This trip will also be about, she said, learning firsthand, from face-to-face conversations with some of the artisans already supported in the shops. Once again, she knows she will have many stories to bring home and share.

TO INDIA WITH LOVE
Image Credits-Matr Boomie

It will, she is confident, also continue to provide her with even more inspiration for growth.
“At Maria Luisa, it has to be more,” she said. It’s about creating a vision that “feeds our community.”
And though India is ahead, she’s not ready to leave Cuba behind.
After all, the visit to Cuba had indeed kicked her 2019 vision into high gear – and though she had already been home a few days, the journey’s impact was tangible.
It wasn’t at all surprising, then, when she said, “I still dream that I’m in Cuba.”

But as we all know, what Maria Luisa dreams, she makes come true – so stay tuned to see how her travels will continue to impact what she does in – and brings into – the world of Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.
– Mary Shustack
Maria Luisa Newsletter Editor

SHOP NOW

JOIN OUR MOVEMENT and SIGN the BYOB PLEDGE

ML Faves for GOOD 
Learn more about about our collaborations 

ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund

Follow our BLOG

MINDFULLY… AT MARIA LUISA

As you know, we put a lot of thought into what we bring into both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.

Goods, whether a fall sweater or a scented candle, are not selected solely because they “look good” or “smell just lovely.”

No, all of our sourcing for products goes much deeper – and we believe that is one of the reasons why you continue to be a loyal patron, something we never take for granted.

This autumn, we are really putting the spotlight on what we call “ethical shopping” – once again calling your attention to products and designs that have deeper meaning.

As Maria Luisa Whittingham says, “Just because something is made in a particular region doesn’t mean it’s made ethically.”

We do research on what we bring into the shops, as we continue our search to supplement our longtime brands and designs that you know and love with new finds from around the world that add something more to the mix.

That’s why we will continue to share the stories behind our goods with you, whether they are items made following Fair Trade practices, designs that benefit women across the globe or even products that directly support our local artists and artisans.

Feel free to always ask us about anything that catches your eye; we like nothing more than to share the story behind what fills our shops.

And to keep that conversation going – both literally and figuratively – we ask you to “save the date” of Nov. 8 when we host a special evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

We will officially introduce one of our newest brands – MacKenzie83, a New-York based, made-in-America company that designs eco-friendly, responsibly sourced accessories featuring organic, free-range and vegetable-tanned leathers, organic cottons and recycled metals.

We plan to not only showcase its handcrafted creations but also host a “sip and chat” about Fair Trade and ethical shopping options, focusing on why we decided to carry the brand – and how you can get more involved in how you shop and what it all means.

The evening will also serve to raise funds for one of our important local nonprofits, the Center for Safety and Change, with 20 percent of all product sales to be donated to the organization.

And a bonus? You’ll also save 10% that evening on MacKenzie83 purchases above $200.

It’s really a win-win, don’t you think?

Sign up through our Facebook events page (Link HERE) - and hope to see you there!

• And speaking of supporting local artists and artisans, we hope you’ll also make a plan to stop by Oct. 13, when we offer a Trunk Show featuring jewelry from Nyack-born designer and artist Jane Cowles. Coinciding with Nyack’s Fall Sidewalk Sale – another “shop local” event not to be missed – Jane will be on hand from 2 to 4 p.m. showcasing her one-of-a-kind fine jewelry, inspired by the gardens of Paris and handcrafted in New York. We know you’ll just love her work, which also includes custom designs – so we hope to see you then, as well.

(And speaking of happenings this month, remember the final Nyack Street Fair of the year is set for this Sunday).

RESERVE YOUR SPOT