Tuesday, February 04, 2014
this is a sponsored post
I'm wearing Belia Blouse (can't wait to team it with jeans and ankle boots come autumn)/ Elia Blouse + Kiki Skirt - photos by Luisa Brimble
A few years ago I "met" Em from Little Tienda via instagram. She posted a few photos of her beautiful Mexican blouses and I gushed and swooned and before long, a white cotton number was in my wardrobe. It's much loved and always worn.
I know many of you have experienced the same feelings; delicate embroidery and vivid colour has you hooked. But do you know Em's story? She travelled to Mexico as a child; her memories of that journey still strong. Twenty-seven years on she continues to treasure the souvenirs from her trip - a hand-loomed Falsa blanket and a pottery cat. She's visited Mexico many times (most recently in 2013) and with each experience her love of the country and its people grows. I spoke to her about Little Tienda, her support of hand-crafted and fair trade and what it's like to be a working mother of 3.5 kids (she's due soon!).
What inspired you to create Little Tienda?
After the birth of my third child, my brother asked me what I was going to do now. I answered: 'Raise three children.' He reminded me of my years in the corporate world and the many years of tertiary study and suggested a couple of things that I might want to try. I said to him that if I was going to do anything it would be the creation of a little shop from Mexico. So Little Tienda ('tienda' means store or shop in Spanish) was born.
Tell me a little bit about the craftsmen that create your products - where do they come from, how do they live and why do they make what they do?
We have artisans that supply pieces to us from all over Mexico. Most of our clothing comes from Oaxaca and Chiapas - both states are well know for their textile artisans. I have visited three of the families in their homes and have spent time with them and their children. They live in beautiful little houses, filled with laughter and joy. 3-4 rooms (living, kitchen and bedrooms) and the bathroom/ laundry outside of the home. Small by Australian standards but bursting with pride and love.
They create traditional Mexican clothing by using techniques passed down from their mothers and grandmothers (we make some modifications to suit the Australian style). They choose to create clothing because it allows them the flexibility to work from home (toddlers at their feet if need be) and take their older children to and from school. This resonates with me - it's how I have chosen to work and I know I'm lucky to have the opportunity to do so.
What are your best selling products?
Our most popular pieces are the Las Flores Dresses (all three of them) for their casual and easy wear, the Zita Dress for the exquisite embroidery, absolute comfort and undeniable style, the Florecer Blouse for sweet embroidery (perfect for everyday wear) and the 100% cotton serape, handwoven and ideal for the beach, picnic, couch or bedroom.
You're a mama of 3.5 kids - how do you balance work and motherhood?
I work really hard and know that the rewards for my efforts are being with my kids whenever they need me. I feel so blessed to do what I do, so grateful for the support that I receive from my customers and so proud to support women and men in their craft throughout Mexico - how can I not put in 100% everyday? I am so passionate about Little Tienda that is hardly feels like work (although book keeping -seriously, why?). I am also reminded by other incredible women that we are all doing our best. I am sure there are days when I fail someone, but on the whole I just focus on the bigger picture and work one day at a time to piece it all together.
Do you own a piece of Little Tienda? If so, how do you like to wear it?
Do you own a piece of Little Tienda? If so, how do you like to wear it?
20 COMMENTS
Labels: simple style
I love Em and her clothes. I have a las flores blouse and wear it constantly throughout these warm weeks. I tend to team it with a long, flowing linen skirt and my saltwaters. Hopefully one day I'll be able to add another blouse to my wardrobe. Luna. x
ReplyDeleteOooh what gorgeous pictures, love your earthy sense of style Jodi, I have just had a nosey at their website, im eyeing up the Belia blouse, D.I.V.I.N.E :-)
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous as always Jodi. I have one piece of Little Tienda, a Florecer blouse. I love to wear it with navy skinny jeans, tan Saltwater sandals and a white trilby hat from Elk. So cool and comfy. My daughter has the white Les Flores dress. I am trying to justify buying more pieces for myself and my daughter! It is lovely to learn a little more about Em, an inspiring lady.
ReplyDeletePS Jodi, may I ask where the cup and saucer you are holding in the first photo came from? Is it Mud?
ReplyDeleteisn't it gorgeous?! I bought it from a little boutique close by but I know that they post products - piccolopear.com x
DeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeletejodi... you are a beautiful momma and look gorgeous in Em's clothing. I'm haawing and humming about which items to purchase from her stores... love every piece!
ReplyDeletewell jodi.....i think if you turned this blog into a blog of just you wearing amazing clothes like these, that would be fab!! :) i've been hankering after something from this line since your last post about them -- i'm really going to get on it now! plus, your haircut --- bestest bob ever!
ReplyDeletealso where did you get your shorts? :)
ReplyDeleteI bought them a few years ago so doubt you'll be able to find them. They are a soft chambray - very comfortable and flattering x
DeleteI know you are talking about something else, but I just had to say:
ReplyDeleteThat shed behind you is just beautiful, and that door just have the perfect green colour :)
Jody, I think Em's chosen the most perfect model for her production: you fully represent their simple beauty and natural timeless elegance.veronica
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteJess | Malt Memories.
just lovely jodi, classy style with a casual feel.
ReplyDeleteThat blue top is stunning!
ReplyDeleteI have a floreca blouse in natural cotton and I wear it with tight black jeans and sandals. I'm so glad to discover such a caring and creative story behind the shop. This makes me feel good about my purchase. I have my eye on a few other pieces, I will definitely be saving up my pennies. You look so beautiful btw.
ReplyDeleteEm is pregnant???
ReplyDeleteIt's a different Em to the one you're thinking of x
DeleteOoooh sheesh. I was so confused! Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteyou look like Cleopatra with the blue top :)
ReplyDelete