Maria Luisa Blog: india

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