Dekko Trading | We design and handmake unique jewelry, paper products, photo frames, sari purses and Kantha sari scarves. - Blog

See you at MAINx24 Festival!

2017-12-01T03:06:00-05:00

Happy belated Thanksgiving, everyone! We hope it was a great holiday of rest and rejoicing with family & friends.

One of the things we’re most thankful for this year is our neighborhood. We just marked 10 years of living in our house in Tennessee. We bought it at the pre-recession market peak, and paid too much, but we’ve long since learned that this little corner of the universe is right where we needed to be. This house has been the only home our kids have ever known, and given us some great experience in what it means to be a neighbor.

When we moved in, every house on our street was almost solidly filled with retired couples. We were the youngest people there by at least 30+ years! I’m pretty sure we now hold the record for most children in one house (3 and one on the way!). Our kids are an endless source of entertainment and curiosity for the rest of the neighborhood. Our neighbors love seeing the girls climb in our trees or run down to the road to tell passersby the latest news in life.

When you have that built-in welcoming committee, starting relationships is easier (as Shane & Alicia can also attest to with their kids!). We’ve learned about all the different cultures represented even in our immediate proximity. We’ve got neighbors who are lifelong Tennesseans who could write the book on Southern hospitality, Midwesterners who are always willing to tell things straight, and others from Mexico who are embracing American life right down to the backyard trampoline.

This is certainly true for our next-door neighbors, who lived in Japan for decades. Whenever we have extra food (or dessert) leftover, someone in the house will run over and give them a plate of something. Per Japanese custom, when our Tupperware is returned, there is always a gift for us in it. They have given us tasty leftovers, pepper jelly, and various other things over the years. This is their way of showing thankfulness, and not returning a gift with a gift is considered rude.

Speaking of community... if you're in Chattanooga this Saturday, come to the Southside for the MAINX24 festival! Come visit our warehouse boutique just off Main Street, and see all the new items that our artisans have lovingly made! You can express your thankfulness in giving and receiving, especially during this Christmas season. Our artisans have poured their heart and craftsmanship into the great items available right now, and your purchase is a way to show them how much you care for them, while also providing a blessing for your loved ones with a great gift.

This year, Dekko has a lot of wonderful new items, from hand-crafted metal jewelry to baby clothes. You can check them out in person at our open house, this Saturday, December 2! Be sure to visit during the Mainx24 festival.

What: Dekko Trading Open House

When: Saturday, December 2, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Where: Dekko Warehouse, 1458 Madison St. (just off Main Street) Chattanooga, TN 37408

Who: Everyone!

Photo credits: Susie Helton, Daniel Foley

We Need Imaginative Play

2017-09-29T02:01:00-04:00

Ah, the dress-up box.

My Facebook feed full of young parents tells me the quintessential childhood practice of playing “dress-up” is still alive. I imagine that many of you probably remember having homemade costumes too—putting on your mom’s heels or getting your cowboy chaps on. Freely embodying a character of your choosing was the stuff of childhood memories. In our home, the girls have everything from old dinner theatre aprons to my outlandish 90s dance outfits. What I see in their box is not just my own memories, but a chance for them to make new ones with the same outfits.

I love laughing at them when they show up downstairs in crazy wigs, pretending to cook and picnic with plastic food, or when I overhear my toddler’s silly improvised songs about what pink items she likes in her room. We have other opportunities to enjoy creativity with our older daughter’s music class where interpretive dance has a place. During the end of the year program, the music teacher lets the children use colored scarves to represent fish as they scurry around to the glockenspiel in Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals.
Unfortunately, it’s no secret that teachers say that imaginative play has been edged out to make room for academic rigor in Western preschools and schools. Many conclude that play has no place when measured against kindergarten readiness for STEM jobs and technological advances. But what if the opposite were true? Dekko Trading wants to add a voice to bringing back play.

It’s not all bleak. There are many voices that have advocated for imaginative play for over a century. Educational pioneer, Maria Montessori was a major proponent of believing children capable of much creativity when given hands on learning and “practical play”. Over 65 years after her death, Montessori schools are still in high demand all over the world (especially in India!).

Another voice comes through in a book I read recently. In The Tech-Wise Family, Andy Crouch strongly recommends leaving margin in our lives to create wonder and memories by having the tools to do so readily available. He approaches this by placing things that reward creativity at the center of his family’s home such a piano, an art table, or a journal, and pushing things that encourage passive consumption (TV, computer, stereo, etc.) out of the limelight.

A child’s dress up box certainly fits that bill. Hours of creative fun is at your child’s disposal with a box of assorted clothes. No beeps or electronic voices. Just exploring the limits of childhood creativity.

This line of thinking is what inspired Dekko to start carrying wonderful play silks made from recycled saris. The fabrics are beautiful and distinctly Indian in color palette and design. They come in a bag for organized play at home or on the go.

Get one (or a bunch) today!

Writing credit: Rachel Lonas
Photo credit: Samantha Willis

Making Margin for People

2017-04-11T08:20:00-04:00

“It seems like, then, that we should be encouraging people to make margin in their life so they are freed up to serve others”. This comment, from a community leader in Georgia at a poverty alleviation seminar, sums up a train of thought we’ve been on recently. What he caught onto was the idea that perhaps the best way to help others and ourselves is to chill out with our Western propensity to over-commit.

Now to some people, making margin in their life might seem like common sense. What’s so earth-shattering about that? Maybe it’s the fact that we know it mentally but don’t apply it practically. Why is that?

We Don’t Know What to Cut out
There are SO many things vying for our attention. Jobs. Spouses. Kids. House. Homework. YouTube. Relatives. Neighbors. Meetings. Emails. Sports. The list is never ending, but how often do we sit and categorize these things by Good, Better, Best? Every decision holds such emotional weight that it’s hard to know when to say no.

We Don’t Have It Consistently Modeled for Us
Americans have a particular thorn in our psychological side, a special brokenness in our relationship with ourselves—we’re workaholics. We climb the ladders (social, work, community, etc.) by the only shibboleth we know—never saying no. If our bosses, our community leaders, and our families aren’t showing a better way, a grander vision if you will, we have to generate it ourselves. That’s a monumental task—one I argue can only be done well in a community.

We Don’t Have a Vision for Community
Have you ever started talking with a loved one or a dear friend only to realize that 3 hours have already flown by? Have you ever had a really hard week with your family and someone unexpectedly drops by to offer a meal or a dessert? In those moments you realize how starved you’ve been for the blessing of community and meaningful conversation. In the midst of our busyness and staunch American individualism, how quickly we forget that we were meant for relationship!

Through interactions with our artisans, we at Dekko Trading see this clearly in India too. Broken relationships abound, so we try to meet the need for acceptance, loyalty, and true community we see here. It is a blessing to work with such generous people who at their core have fears, apprehension, heartache, and aspirations just like us. Humanity binds us and compels us to cast a bigger vision for our broken communities wherever we are. Sometimes taking the time to look for what we’ve been missing is the first step.

Photo credit: Aaron Nystrom

Real Community in 2017

2017-02-14T03:08:00-05:00

There has been a trend of late to shorten the traditional New Year’s resolutions into a single word—one word to define your year, to help you frame it or give you a goal to work toward. It could be something like “hope”, “courage”, or “adventure”.

If I had a word to frame 2017, it would be “community”. A lot of the things we have taken for granted in the settled order of things seem to have been shaken. There is always a great irony that community is the thread that binds us together as humans. Yet it’s the thing we seem to lack the most.

We’ve certainly been thinking a lot about what community means this past year. November marked our 9^th year as homeowners in Tennessee, in an older suburb that is somewhat looked down upon (as less well-off and well-development) by the larger city around us. In spite of that, it’s been a great place to live and raise our family.

We would like to see our town’s image change, but it’s been hard for us to get connected beyond our immediate neighborhood. We didn’t grow up here, neither of us have worked at local businesses, and most of our social outlets are located in other parts of the metro area or in our home, including school.

When our children were little we pushed the stroller up and down our street a lot, but as our children have gotten older and more numerous, our vehicle for chatting with the neighbors has diminished somewhat. So we find ourselves asking how we can start building or rebuilding relationships here in our city. In 2017 we are excited about making commitments to help get to know our town better through activities our children can be involved in.

Part of what we’ve come to realize is that “community” never happens without simply and patiently “being there.” It’s only through consistent presence that we walk with our neighbors through shared hardships and joys. Only by always showing up that we earn the trust to really get into deep, meaningful relationships with others.

In India there's a saying - a true friend is the one who shows up when hardship hits your home.

Knowing that community is the heartbeat of Dekko encourages us. They are doing in India what we seek to do here in Tennessee—building relationships to empower families and strengthen their communities. Every piece of clothing, jewelry, or décor that you get from Dekko is a little window into the extended family of our artisans, partners, and distributors.

What about you? How have you seen your community grow or been a part of developing deeper relationships in your neighborhood or through your business? Tell us your stories through comments, or on Facebook or Instagram .

Photo credit: Brady Black

Open House this Weekend!

2016-11-28T02:17:00-05:00

Get a head start on the holiday season by coming to our OPEN HOUSE in Chattanooga on Friday 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Dec 2 and 3). We're at a new location, 1458 Madison St (just off Main Street) in Chattanooga, TN 37408. We hope to see you there! Tell your friends too!

Here in the U.S. (particularly in the South) it's been fall festival season. If you are not familiar with these annual celebrations, they’re times where schools and local communities come together to play games, enjoy the weather, catch up, eat, and shop, with pumpkins, apples, mums, and burlap as the décor staples.

All of the festivities are generally open to the public, so anyone can join in and see what’s going on—more to the point, so they can come and spend money on games, crafts, and raffles to fund clubs, teams, or academic programs. It’s a nice quid pro quo for those of us who come to these events too. The vendor’s selections give us a good excuse to make a head start on holiday shopping.

My favorite thing about these events is the unique selection you find coming out of the woodwork. How do you decide what you truly want to buy and filter out all the rest? Fall festivals bring out just a taste of the anxiety that I hear people from the majority world experience when they come to America for the first time -- they are overwhelmed by the choices. They go to the grocery store and see 200+ boxes of cereal. They want to go out to eat, and they have 50-100 restaurants in a 10-mile radius to choose from. For me at the festival, I can purchase lotions, vitamins, hand painted decorations, fragrant oils and diffusers, HUGE hair bows for my girls (did I mention we lived in the South?). I can also find local services to connect with for braces, insurance, tutoring, and the list goes on. Sometimes there are even multiple vendors with similar products. So do I choose based on price? Personal story? Size? My mood and intuition? Who I need to buy for?

Luckily, there’s a way I always come around to a decision. My husband tells me that I’m “anthropologically curious”—I like knowing what makes people tick and what motivates them. So I talk to a vendor and know why they are selling the item and what drives them to spend their free time at a weekend booth. That wooden snowman might be made from a tree in the vendor’s backyard because they find art therapeutic. It could be that the items were crafted by Syrian refugees. Maybe profit from these products help supplement their one-income household. To me, the value of a product is enhanced by the story. When I buy the item I get to pass on the item and the story to the loved recipient.

Folks who choose to buy Dekko products are impressed with the quality (which I can personally vouch for!), but also deeply care about supporting the artisans behind the product. When people ask our Dekko customers about their earrings or sari pillows, it means they get to tell others that they represent a dignifying job for an artisan mother or an education for a child in India who would otherwise not have it. It’s a chance for others to look at the item and at the same time beyond the item and that’s the true spirit of gift giving.

This holiday season, give the story of Dekko.

Some Like It Hot

2016-10-06T08:51:00-04:00

It’s October, the “dog days” of summer are (hopefully) over here in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, at least in our neck of the woods in Chattanooga, it was a long, hot, dry season. Some of us take great joy in complaining about this, symbolically wiping our brows and retreating back into our air-conditioned homes, cars, and workplaces.

On the Jaipur end of our Dekko team, though, what those of us in the Eastern U.S. think of as “hot” feels normal or even “cool”. To top it off, the economic and cultural realities there mean that A/C is a high-dollar luxury.

How “hot” is Jaipur? Wikipedia says that they have “hot semi-arid climate” with an annual average high temperature of 89 degrees Fahrenheit. The average high is over 90 from April through October, and nearly 105 in May and June, with hot days regularly getting past 110! It makes sense when you think about it, as Jaipur is at the same latitude as South Florida, and without the nearby ocean to moderate things.

It’s hard for many of us to imagine how a city of millions of people can function in that kind of climate. Of course, in some of the worst heat waves, people don’t cope well even there, with many deaths from heatstroke.

The normal, everyday heat, though is so “baked in” to Rajasthan that it is responsible for much of the aesthetic appeal of the region’s culture. The traditional architecture that draws so many tourists to the city reflects it—with thick stone walls and high ceilings to draw away the heat and trap the cool of the earth indoors. The lightweight, colorful clothing most Rajasthanis wear is a direct response to the heat as well, shielding wearers from the sun and wicking away sweat to provide what comfort can be found.

When we think on it, much of the charm of the great products Dekko’s artisans craft reflects the dry, warm, heart of Jaipur—from the cool stones, bones, and metal of jewelry to breezy sari scarves to the smoky-sweet smell of wood crafts. They naturally go so well with summer, and when the gray wet of winter (or monsoon, for our Jaipur partners!), these items bring a bit of sunshine back into our lives.

We all talk about the weather, but perhaps it’s not just idle chatter. Maybe weather matters because the climate of our places shapes so much about who we are and how we live.

Enjoy the autumn!

Photo credit: Sylvia King

Weaving Cultures Together

2016-07-14T05:59:00-04:00

If there’s one thing that seems to be close to almost everyone’s heart, it’s food. It’s not just that it sustains us and gives us energy for life—it is loaded with emotion as well. We eat certain dishes to celebrate holidays or accomplishments. We remember childhood according to tastes and smells in the kitchen. We attach special significance to regional specialties.

Remarkable (and a bit odd) as it is, food on television (food we can’t even taste!) has taken on a life of its own in the West. Our family doesn’t watch much TV, but when we do watch something together, it is often a cooking show. It’s entertaining but also practical, as we regularly put ingredients, recipes, and techniques from these shows into our meal rotation.

Lately, one of our favorites has been the BBC’s Great British Bake Off, which airs in the U.S. on PBS as The Great British Baking Show. Contestants are usually encouraging to one another, and the judges are honest and fair, gently goading everyone to do their best.

A recent season we watched had contestants from all over the U.K., including Chetna Makan (pic above) who grew up in India. Every creation she made throughout the series contained a nod to her Indian upbringing, helping her stand out among some of the more traditional contestants. She confidently infused classic cakes, cookies, and breads with cardamom, garam masala, mangoes, and more, usually meeting with much praise and success from previously skeptical judges (and she just published her first cookbook!).

Also we are LOVING her necklace in the photo above (!!)

Watching the way she wove together her culinary heritage with Western baking styles reminded us of the difficulty and skill of communicating and working across cultures. Because she was both unashamed of her background and willing to learn from the traditions of her adopted home, she was able to mesh the cultures together in such a way that both shone through. She also has a Youtube channel with helpful videos on how to make her recipes, if you are intimidated at the thought of making Indian dishes.

That’s a little slice of what the Dekko team tries to accomplish with the products we produce. On the one hand, everything you buy from us is handmade in India by our artisan families. On the other, our products also fit the needs and styles of our customers in the West. It’s a beautiful marriage of cultures that tries to bring the best of both together; learning from each other without losing what makes each one unique.

This world is full of sights, sounds, smells, and colors. In every little corner of the globe, people put these things together in astonishingly different ways. In today’s global economy, the corners get folded together, often bringing new and beautiful things out of these differences. Why not wander over and “have a dekko” at some of our artisans’ handiwork to add a bit of Indian flavor to your life? Or take a look at some of our favorite Indian recipes from our blog.

Open House in Chattanooga!

2016-06-15T17:12:00-04:00

Thanks to all of you who keep visiting and buying—your support means a lot to all of us at Dekko! Don’t forget that you can keep up and get in touch with us through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

So what's happening right now?

It’s Open House Time!
We are especially excited about our Open House on June 18^th. We’ll have new Dekko products to feature, but this isn’t just a chance to shop for impact, it’s going to be fun, too. There will be a grill with hamburgers and hot dogs, music, snacks, and a special treat—our operations managers (Shane and Alicia) are in from India to answer all your Dekko merchandise questions.

Quite often through the blog and social media, we share about the impact your purchases make for our Dekko artisans. This Saturday, you have the unique opportunity to pick up any item at the Open House and say to Shane & Alicia, “Tell me about the women who made these scarves,” or “What is the significance behind the design in the silver bracelet?” If you’ve purchased items through the site or at a previous open house, they would love to tell you the story behind about those items, too! This really is a special opportunity to experience some of the cross-cultural partnership that goes on in India when you browse Dekko items.

So what new Dekko items are to be featured?

Pillows made from recycled saris...

Beautiful hand-carved stamps...

And a great selection of new jewelry, scarves, paper diaries, and more you’ve come to expect from Dekko...

We hope to see you there, shopping for yourselves and picking up gifts for friends and family! Your purchases are a tremendous vote of confidence for our artisan families in India, and we hope they brighten your day here in the States as well.

What: Dekko Open House with Shane and Alicia
When: June 18^th 10am-4pm (lunch from 11 - 1pm)
Where: Dekko Warehouse Boutique, 1823 Rossville Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Photo credit: Trish Riley, Susie Helton, Shane Hatton

Helping Kids Be Global Citizens

2016-04-29T05:21:00-04:00

***Written by Rachel Lonas***

Our two older girls and I went to a Book Fiesta recently—a literacy project being put on by a local community organization in a Hispanic neighborhood. The weather was perfect, and the public park was filled with so much joy that it swirled with activity long after the 3 hour window for the program. Though we don't live in that neighborhood, we went in support of the good work being done, and were three of about thirty non-hispanohablantes there.

This experience got us thinking about how our generation is helping raise children to be “global citizens.” In our world where even small cities bring together people from many different nationalities, learning other cultures is as much about neighborly courtesy as it is education. Exposing your children to different cultures isn’t as complicated or time-consuming as it sounds—you do not have to know a lot about a culture to be interested in learning its customs!

Food

My husband is a foodie, and I have become much more of one since marrying him. He loves to cook and tries his hand at making ethnic dishes all the time. The kids aren’t always as gung-ho about it as we are, but they have learned through his cooking about ingredients like coconut milk, fish sauce, turmeric, ancho chiles, etc.

Not everyone enjoys cooking, so perhaps try a trip to the grocery store and buy one ingredient you’re unfamiliar with, red lentils, say. When you get home, type it into Pinterest or Allrecipes.com and make a commitment to cook something new one night or for a potluck! It’s been said that smells tend to evoke the most potent memories, so creating those memories around food is a great way to open up a new world (and maybe your sinuses) for your children. Try some of our favorite recipes too!

Audio

Learning another language is one of the best ways to “think the thoughts” of another culture. However, when you’re busy and your children are little, you can’t just sit down and teach a language to them. I talked with some Spanish teachers, and they said the best thing for young ones is to teach simple vocabulary, mostly through song. Now that’s something I can do. Toddler tunes were numbing our brains anyway, so why not vary it up and do it in another language? Our library has supplied us with a “Playground” series from many different cultures, countries, and continents. We’re all about free resources. Our oldest enjoys figuring out what the songs mean thanks to the translations in the liner notes.

It doesn’t stop with languages. We’ve found (again, free from the library!) the Story of the World series to be a helpful tool to getting some world history in with a big dose of storytelling. Understanding a culture’s past is crucial to understanding its present and future, and this series has been of tremendous help in unlocking art and mythology for the kids.

Enjoy Cultural Events

Sometimes, learning finds you. Keep your eyes open for cultural events going on around town and free admission days for museums. Our city started an annual event called Culturefest where they have a parade of nations (like the Olympics) and booth set up with information, and global food tastings. We also went to last month’s Open House for Dekko Trading here in Chattanooga. Three generations of my family (my mom, me, and my girls) were there to try, buy, and drink some deliciously spicy chai.

If you feel like the world is passing you by, look around and you might discover instead that it’s on your doorstep and at your fingertips. Before you know it, you AND your children will be global citizens :)

Photo credit: Rachel Lonas

Spring Open House in Chatt!

2016-03-31T04:09:00-04:00

Although you can buy great Dekko Trading items on the website at any time, we know it’s important to see, feel, and try on the items you want—we want you to love what you get from us!

With that in mind, we’re excited to offer our Spring Open House this weekend, April 1^st and 2^nd. Our first event in November last year was a big hit, so if you came then, we are ready to show off brand new items from our skilled Indian artisans!

Here’s a visual feast of what you can expect to see if you come!

Scarves sewn from vibrant Indian saris

Sleek Necklaces
Certified-cuddly Baby booties

That’s not all, though: remember these amazing Jeera Biscuits from last time (see recipe)? We’re going to be serving up more tasty Indian treats for our guests this time as well!

Here’s the scoop:

What: Dekko Trading Open House
When: April 1st, 4:00-8:00 p.m.; April 2nd, 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
Where: Dekko Trading Warehouse, 1823 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37408 (just off Main St.).

As always, with every purchase from Dekko, you know that the clothing, jewelry, and gifts you buy are not only giving you joy, but transforming lives in India.

We can’t do what we do, unless you buy, enjoy, and share our artisan families’ handiwork.

We hope to see you there this weekend. Stop in and say “hello”. Stay and enjoy the cookies and conversation. Take home the joy of knowing that the beautiful pieces you just bought are giving the gift of hope to the ones who made them!

Photo credit: Susie Helton, Rachel Lonas

Discovering the Real India

2016-03-10T06:52:00-05:00

***Written by Justin and Rachel Lonas***

As stateside partners with Dekko, we are still more than a little mystified by Indian culture. Looking outside-in, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by India’s “other-ness”, to settle an image in our minds of all the exotic flair (food, music, clothes, architecture, Bollywood, etc.) this huge country brings to the cushy, sanitized world Westerners are used to. The trouble with that approach should be obvious—do we like it when people from other countries base their impressions of us on hot dogs and Hollywood?

Seeing India (and other places) as the “other” can keep us from engaging with the people there as individuals and fellow men & women. Part of overcoming that hurdle is to listen, learn, and spend time with people. When you hear their stories, the pieces of understanding slowly begin to fit together.

This was on our minds the other day when we re-watched the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire (2008), which follows two brothers from growing up in a Mumbai slum, through several awful circumstances, and down the very different paths they took (one noble, one not). Instead of getting lost in the sea of trying to explain India, the movie works precisely because it keeps a narrow focus on the two brothers. In the process of doing that, it shows the viewers more about the whole country than 2-hour documentary could. Again, it’s the stories that teach.

Of course, the folks Dekko works with don’t have much in common with the Mumbai criminal underworld depicted in Slumdog. Some, like the younger brother in that film, might be chasing a dream despite starting from a place with few resources and few prospects. Others are seeking more stability for their family as they make life work where they are. Some, to be sure, are thinking about the future, working for a better life for their children.

A “better” life doesn’t have to be a Western one. Sanitation and security are worthy aims (both of which are high priorities of an India eager to find its place at the table of world powers). Other aspects of Western life aren’t much to aspire to—endless consumerism and constant entertainment can enslave a people just as surely as material poverty.

Full disclosure—we (Justin and Rachel) have not even been India yet, though we have visited several other countries outside the U.S. Still, we are completely sold on the strength of businesses like Dekko in fighting poverty by giving families the opportunity to earn both income and respect through their hard work. This kind of thing is basic to human nature in every culture.

This addresses the problem of poverty (and oppression of women, child labor, and many other issues) by coming alongside individuals and families, to learn from them even as we work to help them. That’s a big difference from “us” sending financial aid to “them”. The needs of our artisan families are real, but through Dekko, you are meeting them on two levels—providing funds and giving them the satisfaction of a job well done when you wear or use the things they’ve made.

There is a lot to be gained from exploring cultural differences, which are real and need to be navigated well to avoid giving unnecessary offense. Often, though, the more you learn, the more you realize how much the “other” folks around the world are not as different from you as you thought. It’s not all sunshine-and-roses then, either, but once you know someone you begin to learn how to really help them.

Photo credit: Brady Black

The Spirit of Buying Local

2016-01-25T08:01:00-05:00

Back in the States these days, you see a lot of “buy local” bumper stickers and billboards. From tires to turnips to takeout, consumers are encouraged to keep their cash in the community. It’s become more than just a fad, and the ranks of “locavores” keep swelling.

The “buy local” movement is a push back against the faceless global business that separates us from the people who grow or make the things we need to live. Its supporters stress the importance of knowing how your spending directly affects the people you live near—every item you purchase from them is helping them pay for electricity and other essentials for their homes and business. At its best, this is using economics to build relationships, trust, and secure neighborhoods.

If you’re reading this from the U. S. or Canada, you might be wondering why a business that ships handicrafts from Jaipur, India, to a warehouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee to sell to customers in many different locations would be talking about this. Rajasthan is about as far from “local” as most of you could imagine!

Hang with us though. It occurred to us that buying items through Dekko is a lot like buying local (despite operations being thousands of miles away from most of our customers) because the intent behind your purchase is the same. The items you get from Dekko are unique not because of what they are in themselves (though we’re always very proud of the quality work our artisans do!), but because of the care and craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Seeing that handiwork and knowing that your purchase is directly impacting the life of the person who made it for you is powerful.

When you shop Dekko and encourage your friends to get to know the story behind our wares, you’re opening a door for them to be difference-makers. Every piece of jewelry or sari scarf that adds a little beauty to your life is also adding joy and accomplishment to the family that made it. Your purchase is putting food on the table for hard working families. It’s helping them send their kids to school, helping them save for the future, encouraging them to keep going.

So when you’re at your own neighborhood farmer’s market or that mom & pop shop on the corner, remember to get into the spirit of “buying local”, not just the letter. The artisans behind all of Dekko’s great products are certainly “local” to us—they’re our friends and neighbors, the people we do life with every day. You may not see the ways you are touching their lives, but we surely do.

Thank you!

Writing credit: Justin and Rachel Lonas
Photo credit: Rennie Abraham

Buying More than an Object

2015-12-29T00:58:00-05:00

***Written by Justin and Rachel Lonas***

In a small city in Western North Carolina, there is a law firm downtown named Eggers, Eggers, Eggers, and—you guessed it—Eggers. According to their website, the Eggers family has been a fixture in their county since the 1700’s, and the law firm started there in 1950. This family has passed on the lawyer trade for 3 generations now! There’s a certain authenticity to any trade when the wisdom and skills of the elders get passed down like this.

The same types of generational workmanship are happening here in India, too. Over here, our friend Hanif may not have a prominent sign with the family name repeated four times, but people in the area know his family and his trade as a tailor. They know he’s very skilled because he learned the work from his father and relatives. They know Hanif's wife, who works in their home sewing as an additional means of income. They know his children, some of whom can attend school and some cannot—it all depends on the number and type of jobs he is able to get.

So why is it that we can see the true value in some things more readily than others? We can look at a Pieter Bruegel painting and instantly recognize the years of practice it must have taken to master his craft. You could even say that his artistry “ran in the family” as his father was an artist, too. But art takes many forms, and sometimes the better a craftsman gets at his chosen work, the less noticeable his “hand” is in the finished product.

Do we think this way about the things we buy? Can we look at a piece of jewelry and know the generations of knowledge that was passed down in order to make it? Do we look at its components, and wonder how the artist knew animal bone could be so sturdy and beautiful if polished or how a seamstress figured out a particular stitch would hold the best in a particular cloth?

Recently, we saw the sign above and couldn’t help but think about our artisan families. What is a person’s work worth?

We work to live. True, but there is more to the transaction than this simple math. Should our work be sold to the highest bidder, a straight swap of services for compensation? Or does the act of employment itself create something greater than either party can produce alone?

Any craftsmanship or skilled labor is art in the sense described here, and in whatever capacity we are employed, we are selling a piece of ourselves. It is the value created by our knowledge, experience, strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures that makes buying our labor worthwhile.

Work runs deeper than paying the bills. Difficult and stressful though it may be at times, it is a good gift. Perhaps if we remembered that the work of our hands is an extension of our person, we could serve others and be served with greater honor and love.

We see the art of Dekko products from the artisan’s perspective and the generations it took to make it. We hope you can too.

Photo credits: Rennie Abraham, Justin Lonas

You're Building Community!

2015-12-11T07:02:00-05:00

Over the past several weeks, there have been bunches of Dekko home parties happening all over the States. We're thrilled to see YOU building this community! Thanks to everybody for clearing their calendars, opening their homes, and giving their time. You're making a difference, locally and globally!

Did your pic get clicked at a Dekko home party?? (Is that our famous masala chai recipe?)

Love how men are a big part of our Dekko community too. It takes both! (Love that eternal beaded scarf!)

This little guy was a great helper at a recent home party. He cleared off a shelf or two so that more products could be displayed. We love our hosts, including the kiddos!
And if speaking at Dekko home parties was like training for a triathlon, this woman would be an Ironwoman by now. You're amazing, Susie! And she'd be happy to speak at your next home party too ;)
Community as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. We believe community is local AND global - local heart, global feet. Love being connected with the beautiful people in our global Dekko family - the artisans, home party hosts and guests, management and design team, all our friends. You're helping to build this caring community, which believes in empowerment, hospitality, generosity, right to work and education, just doing the right thing. Love being in this community with you!

Got more home party pix? Please send to us!

Photo credits: Susie Helton, Devan Draper .

Cumin Cookies (Jeera Biscuits)

2015-11-23T07:33:00-05:00

These cookies are really yummy! They are more of a savory cookie than sweet, though there's sugar in there. They were served at our recent Open House in Chattanooga, and they were a big hit! These savory cookies taste great with our sugary masala chai too :)

Cumin Cookies/Jeera Biscuits
1 Cup + 2 Tb all purpose flour
1/2 Cup butter (unsalted) at room temperature
1/4 Cup + 1 Tb white sugar
1/4 tp salt
1 Tb cumin/jeera seeds

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
2. On a cookie sheet, put 1 Tb of cumin seeds and roast them 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees or until you get a nice fragrance from them. Set aside.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar.
4. Add the flour, salt, and 3/4 Tb of the roasted cumin seeds to the butter and sugar. Reserve the remaining cumin seeds to sprinkle on top of the cookies. Mix at low speed until the mixture comes together as a ball.
5. Sprinkle flour on a flat surface and shape dough into disc shape.
6. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Using a small round cookie cutter, cut and sprinkle with remaining roasted cumin seeds.
7. Place cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and bake at 350 degrees for 14 minutes, or until they are light golden brown on the edges.
8. Place on wire rack to cool completely and store in airtight container.

Photo credit: Susie Helton

Open House in Chattanooga!

2015-11-17T07:32:00-05:00

This past weekend saw our first Open House in Chattanooga - amazing! The warehouse was transformed into a fancy boutique through a remarkable group effort. Thanks to everybody who gave their time, talent, and creative energy for this incredible event!

People checked out new creations by our amazing artisans - like these adorable baby shoes. Great choice!

Yummy and warm Indian chai (recipe here), also tasty authentic sweets and savories were enjoyed by all. We almost ran out of chai on the first night!

The main star of the show - our artisan families. Their stories, their hopes and dreams reflected in every product. We wouldn't be doing what we're doing, if it weren't for these amazing and brave families. Never forgotten, always close to our hearts.

In every bracelet, scarf or diary, you and I stay connected to these beautiful people in our global Dekko family. Love being a part of the local AND global community! Check out their new creations here.

Want to host a Dekko home party? We can help!

Photo credits: Susie Helton, Kay Newton

Our Favorite Bollywood Films

2015-10-14T08:43:00-04:00

One of our favorite ways to learn about India and her culture is to watch Bollywood films. It also helps with our much-needed language practice (!). Of course, there are a fair share of ridiculous movies, but there are also some very good and fun ones. Check out our favorite Bollywood films, and tell us which one is your favorite!

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1988)

A fun and mischievous story, this one's a classic. Millions of Indians adore this movie and know all the songs by heart.

It begins with a special friendship between Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Anjali (Kajol). Their friendship is disrupted with the arrival of a lovely new student, Tina (Rani Mukerji). Things progress quickly. Rahul and Tina decide to marry, and Anjali, in her broken state, flees. Rani never recovers after the birth of their first child, Anjali. On her deathbed, she writes eight letters to little Anjali, one for each birthday. In the eighth letter, she challenges her to find her daddy’s old friend, Anjali (her namesake). From this point, an adventure unfolds.

Three Idiots (2009)

Three Idiots is a favorite for many middle-class Indians and foreigners. It focuses on the insanely high pressure situation that college students face in India.

This film follows the story of three engineering students as they pursue excellence in their field. One of the students has a passion for science and invention and irritates the staff by his non-conventional answers and ideas. He challenges the traditional ideas that force students to live for the purpose of passing exams, getting high paying jobs, or pleasing their parents. This film presents the serious impact that these societal pressures can have on students. It is profound and hilarious at the same time.

Chak De India (2001)

This movie is fun for the whole family and deals with the tension between regionalism and national loyalty in sports.

Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), who plays India’s field hockey team captain, has missed his opportunity to score a penalty shot in the Pakistan vs India world cup match, which cost his team the victory. His reputation is muddled as people accuse him of siding with Pakistan, a life long rival of India in more than just athletic fields.

Several years later, after an extended break from field hockey, Khan is given the opportunity to prove himself by coaching an Indian national women field hockey team. The development of the team from a bunch of disconnected individuals proud of their different states to a cohesive India team is quite amusing. A unified group is more than just the sum of its parts.

Black and White (2008)

This is a powerful film set in New Delhi, India. An Afghan suicide bomber arrives in the city pretending to be an Indian who had lost his parents in communal (Hindu/Muslim) riots when he was a child.

A Hindu University professor, who teaches Urdu, takes him under his wing and promises to help him adjust and find work. As Independence day draws closer, and the plan for the bombing solidifies, the suicide bomber finds his beliefs and ideas challenged by the love he sees between the professor's family and their Muslim and Hindu neighbors in the old city. He begins to see that everything is not as black and white as he had supposed.

Barfi (2012)

Barfi is a heartwarming story of a dumb and mute boy (Barfi) and two women that he cared for. In the beginning, Barfi falls in love with Shruti, a wealthy engaged woman, who also comes to love him. However, she continues with her family’s plan for her to marry an unpleasant rich man. Her mother assumed that Barfi, as a man with special needs, could not provide for her, and he would be an embarrassment to her family.

Years later, she reenter’s Barfi’s life and finds him caring for Jhilmil, his childhood friend who has Autism. Jhilmil, who loves Barfi, is threatened by Shruti’s reappearance and grows jealous of Shruti. She disappears. As Barfi ad Shruti search for Jhilmil, Shruti can see that she missed her opportunity of a pure and beautiful love. Barfi now loves Jhilmil.

This movie reminds us that wealth, status, and the approval of people do not create happiness. Sometimes those with simpler lives and thankful hearts turn out happiest!

Jodha Akbar (2008)

This film is based off of 16^th Century history. The colors and scenes are brilliant in their attempt to portray what royal life in the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan would have looked like.

During the Mughal Empire, the Muslim Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) was known for his kindness towards his Hindu subjects. In order to forge an alliance with the established local Rajput leadership, he married a Hindu Rajput princess (Aishwarya Rai). This film paints a beautiful picture of how that relationship may have developed.

Bajrangi Bhaijan (2015)

This is a powerful film that has just come out this year. Highly recommended!

Shahida is a Pakistani girl who has been mute her whole life. In a last ditch effort to find healing for her daughter’s infirmity, her mother makes a bold decision to take Shahida into the mysterious and foreboding land of India. After the visit, during their train travel back towards Pakistan, Shahida is separated from her sleeping mother. When her mother awakens near the Pakistan border, she is horrified to discover Shahida is not on the train.

A sweet story unfolds as Shahida is discovered by Pawan Chaturvedi , AKA Bajrangi (Salman Khan). Initially, Pawan tries to rid himself of the nuisance. However, he soon realizes that he and the little girl, whom he dubbed “Munni,” have formed a bond. Over time, Pawan, and his Fiance, Rasika, discover that Munni is not Indian but Pakistani. This creates a stir in Rasika’s family. From this point, Pawan commits himself to returning Munni to her mother and father in Pakistan, inspite of great financial cost and risk to his life. This is a beautiful movie that could stir up emotion even in the toughest hearts.

Photo Credit: 4ocima via Compfight cc

Thai Chicken Satay recipe

2015-09-17T07:52:00-04:00

I just made this recipe last night! One of our Home Party hostesses sent it to us. She loves to serve this recipe at her home parties. It's easy to make, with a taste of Thailand and India. It's sure to please your friends and family. Perfect for Dekko Home parties too! (Adapted from Rachael Ray)

Chicken Satay
1/3 cup peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
1/2 cup chicken stock
4 Tb soy sauce
2 Tb honey or brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 Tb lime or lemon juice

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts OR 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/4 vegetable oil
1/2 tp ground turmeric
1 tp ground cumin
1 tp coriander powder
salt and pepper

1. Simmer first 7 ingredients over low heat for 15 minutes.
2. Coat chicken with oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper.
3. Grill or broil chicken.
4. Serve with Indian naan, peanut sauce, and our Asian Cucumbers (recipe here).

Photo Credit: avlxyz via Compfight cc

Take Me There

2015-09-04T08:52:00-04:00

Check out some of our favorite photos from around town recently. Color, history, and texture around every corner. It's hard not to be inspired in this amazing country. India!!

Photo credits: Brady Black, Sylvia King, Alicia Hatton

Tips for a Fantastic and Fun Home Party

2015-08-21T06:24:00-04:00

Two of our Home Party experts share their tips and experience on how to host a Home Party, have fun, and make a little cash too! Thanks to Ann and Kauri for your excellent thoughts. Both of these ladies have hosted several parties, and they've made close to $1,000 each, while having fun and sharing our Dekko story. We appreciate you, ladies!

1. If the party is at someone else's home, I like to arrive 30 minutes to an hour early. That way I have plenty time to set up, then I can greet guests as they arrive.

2. If the party is at my own home, it can be a little stressful to answer the door, introduce guests, serve refreshments, share the story and take orders. So ask a good friend to be your helper. She can set up ahead of time, help serve drinks, answer the door, and just be extra hands for you!

3. I print out the prices of most items on card stock in a pretty font, cut them up, and place them next to the items so people know how much items cost.

4. Have a mirror so that people can try on pieces and feel confident purchasing them.

5. Fill out the after party form the next day before you forget or get mixed up. It is easier when it's fresh in your mind.

6. It might help if you don't think of it as a Home Party at all. I think of it as an opportunity to get a group of friends together for good food and fun.

7. It may be just as easy for you to provide a meal for your guests, instead of snacks. Your friends may work all week and want their weekends free. So perhaps Thursday night is a good time to offer a meal to your working friends, as well as the chance to socialize and shop.

8. I believe in what Dekko is doing. Knowing that these products are ethically made, that the artisans are being treated humanely in a caring community makes all the difference for me in my purchasing and hosting.

Want to host a Home Party? Click here to connect with us. We want to chat!

Survival Tips for Driving a Scooter in India

2015-08-10T06:12:00-04:00

Survival tips for driving a scooter in India (by Jane Mellema)

Always expect the unexpected.

Learn to love horns. Honk as you approach intersections. Honk as you pass. Imagine your horn as an invisible magical shield and cling to its imaginary power. Remember, not all horns are directed at you, but most probably are.

Always drive extremely defensively. Keep your guard. You never know what vehicle, person or animal may pop (or poop) out of nowhere in front of you to test the quality of your brakes.

Always drive offensively, without thinking. If you hesitate, you will never move.

When turning onto a road, never look to see who is coming. Just drive out. You have the right of way. Or is there a right of way? Just GO! The others will maneuver around you.

If you find yourself caught in a swarm of motorcycles and scooters, get out quickly. It can easily become an erratic, dangerous mess of maneuvering individuals.

Just because you have a green light, don’t assume it’s a straight shot. Proceed with caution.

When attempting to cross busy streets, slip in with a pack of vehicles as they inch across the road; traffic is more likely to slow down for a group.

It is okay to drive into oncoming traffic temporarily until you get a chance to merge over onto the left side of the road.

Remember, driving is not a game.

And if you have a problem with anger or cursing, you should not drive in India!

Photo credit: Brady Black

From Dropout to Doctor Hopeful

2015-07-07T08:05:00-04:00

***Interview by Jane Mellema***

Insha* is daughter of one of our lady artisan managers. She is a bright teenager with a keen mind and excellent work ethic. She is not a whiner. Recently I interviewed Insha about her schooling and her hopes for the future. She just received her exam results, and we are thrilled to say she passed! She can continue her studies to the next level! What are her hopes? What are her dreams? Because of who she is, it seems that her hopes could become reality. We can't clap hard enough!!

My questions and comments will be in bold print and Insha’s in normal print.

Jane: How did your exams go?
Insha: All went well!

What was the best?
Sanskrit, yes. Sanskrit and SST – History.

Now which class are you about to begin?
Eleventh

When you were young, you went to school?
Yes

Until what age?
There in the village? I studied until the 6^th class.

How old were you?
Twelve.

After that, you stopped?
Yes

Why did you stop?
Because we moved to the big city.

And why did you come to the big city?
Difficulties

(we know that it was because of financial and health difficulties that the family moved).

And when you were young, how did you like school?
I liked it.

And when did you start again?
When I was fifteen.

So between twelve to fifteen, how did you like it?
It was strange. For three years I didn’t go to school.

The first day you went back, what were you feeling?
I was feeling afraid?

Of what? People?
Kids, teachers, how the studies would be.

And in the beginning, was it hard?
Yes.

It changed?
Yes

When did it become better?
After ten to fifteen days.

Only ten to fifteen days?! Why did it get better so quickly?
I found friends?

You found good friends?
Yes

They helped you and now you have caught up?

Yes

What is your favorite subject?
Sanskrit, Hindi, also science.

What is the hardest?
Math

Why?
The questions are difficult

You like math?
It’s hard

So it’s not good? She shakes her head

When you finish, what do you want to be?
A doctor.

When you weren’t in school, what were you thinking about the future?
I wasn’t thinking anything at all about the future, Jane sister.

What were you thinking?
I was just working and passing time.

And now what are you thinking about the future, about marriage and children?
She wrinkles her nose and shakes her head.

The coming days?
More study. More study.

So no marriage?
Just study

How long will it take?
Five years after school

So this is your dream? She nods

My dad liked it very much that you wanted to be a doctor. He said your mind is bright, and it is possible. For this to happen, what will need to be done?

(my dad is a doctor and visited in February and met Insha – he was impressed by her)

For this, you need to study bioscience.

And you like that?
Yes

So this is a five year program?
No – not at this school. I will have to go to college. In this school, two years, then after that a three year college.

And after that, doctor?
Yes

So will you need to save money?
For whom? Papa and my brother will…..

So they will pay for all? They like that you want to be a doctor?

Yes, it is papa’s dream.

That’s great! Do you think it is harder for girls to become a doctor or to study?
No, if you will study, nothing is difficult.

And after you are a doctor, will you marry?
No

Never?
Now there is no plan, Jane sister.

So when you were younger, when you went back to school, how did that happen? Did someone tell you you should go?
A teacher came to the store.

To teach?
To get clothes made. At this time, I went to the shop a lot to learn the work, to learn to sew. The teacher saw me and asked papa, “who is that?” Papa said “It’s my daughter.” She asked “she’s not studying?” “no” papa said, “she has stopped school and is working.” The teacher said “put her in school.” Papa said “I will.” It happened like this continually and two years passed. Every week she came. Eventually, she took me.

So after two years, Papa let you go and he thought it was a good idea?
Yes

And at the same time, your sister?
Yes, both

So now you don’t feel fear?
No

Good. Sometimes at the beginning, new things can be scary or cause tension.
Yes. But slowly, slowly it will be okay.

How encouraging to see that Insha has a dream, and her father wants to make it happen! There are many fathers in Indian culture (especially in poor and uneducated communities) who do not find education of any value for their daughters. Marriage is what these girls are destined for. We rejoice when girls and young women are given the opportunity to study and have their minds opened and their worlds expanded! We can't clap hard enough!

Photo Credit: mrbichel via Compfight cc

An Indian Wedding in the Village

2015-05-20T08:38:00-04:00

***Written by production manager, Jane Mellema***

Where I come from, the father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle to meet the groom. In North India, there is a different practice! In a procession, the groom is seated on a white horse, flanked by dancing friends and relatives, and rides to the wedding location to meet the bride and family. Until recently, I had only known of this type of procession. However, I learned that some groom processions involve a little more adventure than a horse ride down the street.

One of our artisan's sons was getting married, and I was happy to attend the multi-day affair. We arrived in the groom's village the day before the wedding. I assumed that all the wedding events would take place at the groom’s family home in the village. I was wrong. We had to travel by jeep three hours farther to reach the bride’s village where the main wedding event would be held.

Against the family’s wishes, my friend and I had decided to stay at a hotel in town rather than the family’s village home. We were concerned that if we did not rest well with the fifty or so relatives in the home, we would find the wedding day unbearably long. It was decided that the procession of jeeps would stop and pick us up on the way to the bride’s village. We wondered how long it would take to get the whole family rounded up. The hotel clerk helped us figure that it would be at least 2 pm before they would come for us.

An uncle of the groom told us he would come take us to his home at noon to pass time until the wedding procession arrived. At 11 am, we heard a knock on the door. We were not ready! It was the uncle. He asked if we wanted to go sight seeing. The wedding was our priority, so to conserve energy, we declined. We reminded him of his plan to come get us at noon. When twelve o’clock rolled around, we were dolled up in our sparkly wedding suits and sitting in the lobby of the hotel. After waiting a half hour, we decided to go back to our room.

As time ticked on we thought, maybe the uncle really did not want to take us to his home? I began to fear, what if they forget us and just leave us at the hotel all day?

At 2 pm, the uncle came to the hotel to find us. When he arrived, he asked, “How would you like to get to my house?” I wondered, how do I answer that when I have no idea where you live? Shouldn’t you be the one to tell us?

He ran off and returned with an auto-rickshaw. We spent 45 minutes at his home eating snacks and talking with his wife. Soon we were back at the hotel and instructed to rest. The uncle figured the groom's family would not come until 4:30 or 5 pm.

We decided to change out of our fancy clothes to prevent wrinkling. We relaxed a bit. At 5 pm, I picked up the phone to a frantic voice that said “Hurry and be ready, somebody is on the way in a half hour.” We got dressed again. Time ticked by. 5:45. 6:00. Finally at 6:30, there was a pound on the door. The groom's mother rushed in in a panic. “It’s time to go! We need to hurry!” Here I was thinking, we’ve been waiting for you all day, and now we don’t have time to use the bathroom before we leave because you are in a hurry!?

After exiting the hotel, there was a dilemma. There was no car for us. After much drama, confusion and concern that there wasn’t room, they piled us into their jeep – we got to be with the groom’s parents! We began our journey around 7:30 pm, bouncing and jostling along the highway, packed into a jeep with the groom’s father sitting on the lap of another man in the front seat. After an hour and a half of driving, we suddenly pulled to the side of the road and parked in a line of ten jeeps that had stopped for a snack. We bumbled our way in the dark up multiple levels of stairs to the roof of a building. There were crowds of people dressed in their wedding finery eating grapes, apples, and bananas in complete darkness. Many pictures were taken at this mysterious roadside stop. After food and multiple short chats, we were herded back down the stairs and into our jeeps. We were almost to the wedding!

We reached the village at about 9:30 pm and were hustled to the rooftop where chow mein, chai and other snacks were being served. We were cornered multiple times by people who were curious about these random foreigners. After an hour of milling about on the rooftop in the crowds, we were led down the stairs onto the lawn and seated on two plastic chairs. Within minutes, 50 people had gathered in a semi circle around us and just stared. Some stared and laughed. A few were bold enough to ask questions. Some tried to sneak pictures. We were like nothing they had ever seen before.

The groom’s aunt came to find us and whisked us away from the crowd to a large meeting room. Mats and blankets were spread out, and people were sleeping. Some were sitting and talking. We were seated on plastic chairs. A group of girls gathered around us and stared.

Eventually, the groom’s mother found us. She could tell that I was frustrated with the crowds of people staring and watching, so she led us to a small closet room that was padlocked shut. She had the door unlocked and pushed us inside where there were more piles of mats and blankets. She admonished us to “rest” and shut and locked the door behind us. We were prisoners!

We lay down on the mats. Within minutes, five sets of eyes were staring at us through the barred windows. I got up and tried to tie a quilt up through the bars to block their vision. My attempt was foiled as they pulled the quilt out through the bars into the main hall. After propping a mat against the wall, I had successfully blocked the window. We had a few moments of peace.

After a half hour, the groom's mother returned and released us. It was 11:30 pm and time to eat. We sat at long tables. Though I had no appetite to eat so late at night, I struggled to get down some of the food. After a short time, we heard a commotion, and people began to run off. The groom had arrived on his horse. We joined the crowd to watch.

After dismounting, the groom was escorted to where the ceremony would be. The bride’s family dressed the bride in clothing and jewelry that the groom’s family had brought for her.

Once again, the waiting began. We were brought back to the large room with the mats, and many people were asleep. It was getting close to 2 am. My friend and I began to play games with some of the groom’s family – making little Origami type creations out of newspaper and laughing. We were waiting for the bride to get ready to leave her village.

Around 3 am, wailing was heard. The bride was crying in agony, and many others also cried. Her family had tied a red fabric over her head and picked her up to carry her out to the jeep. She would leave her family and join a new family.

We were all tired and ready to go. When the bride got in her jeep, we all began to make our way to different jeeps. Once again, we got the honor of driving with the groom’s parents. Everyone fell asleep in the jeep. We reached our hotel about 5 am and had to pound on the door to wake the hotel staff. We collapsed into our beds.

This day seemed to be removed from the normal realm of time. At times, it seemed to stretch on forever, and at other times, I could not believe it had passed so quickly. It caused me to think about weddings in my home country, and how people get frustrated if they are longer than one hour. I had to laugh as I imagined Americans taking a nap on the floor while waiting for the ceremony or waiting for the bride to leave. In a culture oriented towards efficiency and saving time, this kind of wedding would be crazy! Yet what a unique time it allowed us to have as we sat and waited with family.

Hurry up and wait. Never truer.

Shop here for one-of-a-kind scarves that this artisan family is proud to make!

Photo Credit: TimothyJ via Compfight cc

The Best Aloo Parathas Ever!

2015-05-11T07:26:00-04:00

One of our favorite artisan families is always trying to feed us aloo paranthas (potato stuffed flat bread). Such a sweet family who has taught us heaps about hospitality. Not only do they cook fantastic food, they pour the same amount of love into the scarves that they hand-sew for us. Shop here for scarves that this wonderful family have made!

These aloo paranthas are hard to resist, especially after a long work shift in the summer heat. Add a side of yogurt, a cup of masala chai, and Indian pickle or chutney. You have yourself an excellent Indian breakfast!

Aloo Paranthas

5 medium potatoes, boiled peeled and well mashed
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1⁄2 teaspoon cumin seed
1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon red chili powder
salt
3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves
2 inches piece ginger root (peeled and grated fine)
2 tablespoons oil
water, to mix

DIRECTIONS
1. Put the flour, oil, and all the ingredients (except the water) into a large mixing bowl.
2. Rub together to form a crumbly mix.
3. Now slowly add water, a little at a time, and knead well to make a smooth, pliable dough.
4. Cover and set aside for an hour.
5. Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions and roll between your hands till they are smooth and without cracks.
6. Very lightly flour a rolling board or clean counter surface and roll each ball into a 7-8" circle. For convenience roll out as many paranthas as you like, stacking them, ready to cook with a layer of cling film between each parantha.
7. Heat a griddle and fry the paranthas one at a time like this: Put a parantha on the griddle. Do the first flip when you see tiny bubbles rise on the surface of the parantha. As soon as the first flip is done, drizzle a bit of oil on the top and spread well over the surface of the parantha. Flip again in 30 seconds and drizzle oil on this surface too. The parantha is done when both sides are crispy and golden brown.
8. Serve with chilled yogurt and your favorite Indian pickle or chutney.
  
  Photo Credit: becker.abigail via Compfight cc

Who is Most Happy?

2015-04-12T06:58:00-04:00

***Written by Alicia Hatton***

Conversations on happiness and beauty come up often with our artisans. First read this folktale, then I'll chat about how this affects me and our artisans every day in India....

A crow lived in the forest and was absolutely satisfied in life. But one day he saw a swan. “This swan is so white, and I am so black. This swan must be the happiest bird in the world,” he thought.

He shared his thoughts to the swan. “Actually,” the swan replied, “I was feeling that I was the happiest bird until I saw a parrot, which has two colors. Now I think the parrot is the happiest bird in creation.” The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot explained, “I lived a very happy life until I saw a peacock. I have only two colors, but the peacock has multiple colors.”

The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo and saw that hundreds of people had gathered to see him. After the people had left, the crow approached the peacock. “Dear peacock,” the crow said, “you are so beautiful. Every day thousands of people come to see you. When people see me, they immediately shoo me away. I think you are the happiest bird on the planet.”

The peacock replied, “I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But because of my beauty, I am trapped in this zoo. I have examined the zoo very carefully, and I have realized that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage. You, my friend, must be the happiest bird in the world, because you are free".

******

Our artisans often admire us for our light skin. The lightening cream industry is big business in India. Some of the most famous Bollywood stars promote lightening creams. 48% of people in Indian matrimonial ads are described as 'fair' and 22% as 'wheatish' (Little India, Achal Mehra, 2/1010). The majority of young ladies in our city will cover their faces and arms with mask and gloves because they do not want to get darker. Many people in India equate fairer skin with beauty and better marriage prospects.

Does fair skin equal happiness?

Our artisans often ask Dekko production manager Jane about her marital status. They feel strongly that she needs to get married (even offering to help her find a groom!). Our artisans ask me when I am going to have another child. They say I would be secure and happy if I had more than one child.

Does being married and having sons equal happiness?

Money, power, status, material possessions, vacations, hobbies. How do these things factor into the equation of happiness?

The first time I read the folktale above, it really struck me with the utter importance of freedom. Every time I see a caged parrot, I am overcome with sadness. Maybe it's the American in me, the "Give me liberty or give me death" attitude that I can't escape.

Freedom seems like a basic human right to me, and empowerment is the road to freedom. Women especially are denied this basic human right, which makes the vision and outworking of women empowerment all the more crucial. As we work with artisans who are often uneducated, the process of empowerment can be slow and arduous. However, I see the fruit of freedom growing in our artisan families. The spark of dignity and hope in their eyes.

Happiness isn't about fair skin, fast cars, or a hundred sons. Happiness starts with freedom.

Photo credit: Sylvia King

Glorious Okra

2015-03-23T01:10:00-04:00

Sometimes okra gets a bad rap. If you make a face when you think about okra, this recipe may very well change your mind. It's easy to make. It's also the most favorite dish for most children in India (ours included!).

Bhindi Masala (Okra fried with spices)
1 pound of fresh okra, cut into bite-size rounds
2 Tablespoons oil
2 red chilies
5 cloves of garlic
2 large onions, finely sliced
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
2-3 Tablespoons of tamarind paste
sale
2 teaspoons cumin powder
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
1 Tablespoon sugar

Heat oil in non-stick pan. Add in the red chilies and garlic. Once the garlic starts to turn golden, add in the onions. Fry until the onions become translucent. Add the okra, fry on medium heat until it is soft. Add the turmeric and fry for 2 minutes. Add the tamarind paste, salt, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. When the okra is done, add the sugar, cook briefly, then take off the heat.

Enjoy!

Photo Credit: NatalieMaynor via Compfight cc

Unlocking the Culture

2015-03-17T03:24:00-04:00

***Written by production manager Jane Mellema***

Most of the clothes I wear to work with our artisans are tailored for me. This is a common practice in India. After perusing a variety of fabrics, colors and designs, we purchase cloth and bring it to the tailor. One pet peeve I have is when the excitement I have about wearing a new suit is squelched by the question, “How much was that fabric?” and the response to my answer, “That was too much!” The implication often is that we as foreigners are tricked into paying too much or are just willing to pay too much. I sense my pride prickling up when I feel judged by how much I spend. Time and time again, I have been frustrated by this question (!)

One day to my surprise, I realized that this question that seemed so demeaning to me was not just aimed at foreigners. I was sitting on the floor in the home of one of our artisan ladies. She had recently become a grandmother and had a stash of gifts piled in the corner of the small room. Another local friend had come over, and our friend began to exhibit the gifts she had bought for her granddaughter. One little outfit was especially beautiful, and the guest questioned the cost. I was surprised when our artisan boldly and proudly declared the amount. A bit of pride was in her voice. Interesting. This cute little outfit was expensive, but there was no sense of shame in having paid too much.

A new realization dawned on me. People are proud when something is expensive; it shows that they could afford to pay the amount. It implies financial capability and status. They do not mind when others ask the price. In reality, there may be very little financial assets or status. But for this moment in time they have managed to save money to buy something expensive that will catch the attention of others and a moment of admiration, respect, or maybe even a bit of envy.

I appreciate these small keyholes that unlock more of the culture for me. India is such a fascinating and complex society, unfurling for those who are patient and observant. Just don't ask me what I paid for my clothing (!)

Shop here for beautiful products made by empowered Indian women, our friends!

Photo credit: Brady Black

Generosity

2015-02-27T06:48:00-05:00

***Written by production manager Jane Mellema***

Did you ever think that how you drink from your water bottle might reveal something about your culture and its values? Spend just a few hours in India on a hot day, and you will observe this.

Along with the snacks they had prepared, my friends offered me a water bottle taken out of their fridge. Of course I would want water! I tipped my head, lifted the bottle a few inches above my lips, and attempted to dump water into my mouth. As usual, a stream of water trickled down my chin and splashed onto my shirt. Many times I have been thankful for how fast heat dries cotton! The ladies chuckled at my attempts. Could I ever perfect this action to perform it as easily as they do? A bottle is not kept to oneself. Precious water is shared with anyone who is thirsty. Since the bottle will be passed around the group, no one touches it with their lips.

I quickly learned that if I give a toy as a gift to a small child in one of our artisan families, I might never see it in the home again. It took time for me to realize that this is probably because the toy has been passed on to other families and friends. Often when I bring gifts of food or sweets, my friends open them and quickly offer some to me. They want to share the pleasure.

One recent encounter tops my list of generosity...

I knocked on my neighbor’s door. “Come in, sit down. Chai?”

Every time I come, they seat me and offer chai. This visit had a different purpose for me; something was heavy on my mind.

As our conversation ensued, Fatima confirmed what she had told me two days before. It seemed that I would have to move unexpectedly in the next year. In a sad turn of events, my landlord had recently died, and his widow was considering moving into my apartment. After a year living there, it had just begun to feel like it was truly my home.

Fatima was obviously concerned about my plight. She began brainstorming. An apartment one floor up was free, but it would be three bedrooms and more expensive.

Fatima and her husband quickly reached a consensus. “Our daughter is gone now, and we don’t need all this space. You are welcome here.” They were very concerned about me. I was concerned too – packing up and moving is a lot of work. As they spoke, my first thought was “No, I could not live here.”

I told myself to stop thinking “no” right away and just listen. I found myself saying thank you again and again.

The proposal was that in addition to their spare bedroom, they would build a new wall, shutting out what currently was their TV/living room and sitting area. As they showed me the bedroom, they followed my eyes to the Indian style squatty potty. “We will put in a western toilet if you want it.” The balcony would be mine, and they assured me they would put in an additional kitchen if I wanted my own. A modest two-bedroom apartment could be carved out of their large three-bedroom place.

I did not need to decide at the moment. They said, "Think. If you want it, let us know".

As I walked away, the initial refusal I felt in my mind was replaced by amazement at the kindness of their offer. They would permanently alter and lessen their living space to help someone they hardly knew.

The generosity of many Indian friends has overwhelmed me. They do not cling to things with clenched fists but freely give to those who enter their lives. Their big hearts make my heart grow bigger too.

Shop here for beautiful products made by Indian artisans, our friends!

Photo Credit: Philippe Put via Compfight cc

Eat Your Carrots!

2015-02-12T07:42:00-05:00

The winter season in North India ushers in a variety of special foods and sweets that are not found in other seasons. One of our favorites is called “gajar ka halwa.” Gajar is the Hindi word for carrot, and halva originates in the Arabic language and means “sweet.”

This dessert was introduced during the Mughal period of history and has continued to be popular in North India and Pakistan. Red carrots are available in the cool months, which adds fun color to this dessert! In this recipe, a large cooking pot called a kadai is used. It is similar in shape to a wok. Assuming a kadai is not available, use a thick bottomed pan.

First rinse, peel, and grate 8-9 medium sized tender juicy carrots.
In a kadai or wok, add all of the grated carrots.
Pour four cups of full fat milk (whole milk).
Stir the grated carrots and milk and keep the kadai on the stove.
Cook this mixture on a low to medium flame. The milk will start frothing and start reducing slowly.
Keep stirring the milk/carrot mixture. Scrape the sides of the pan to remove the milk solids and mix them back into the halva
After the mixture reduces by 75%, add 4 tablespoons of clarified butter (in India, ghee is often used). There will still be some milk when the butter is added.
Add 10-12 tablespoons of sugar.
Add 1/3 tablespoon of cardamom powder.
Stir and continue to simmer on a low flame until mixture starts to thicken and reduce. Stir at intervals.
When the halva has reduced a lot, and you see just a little milk (like that of a pudding consistency) add 20-25 whole cashews and a handful of golden raisins. (recipe also calls for a pinch of saffron strands, if available)
Continue to stir and simmer until the whole mixture becomes dry. The milk should evaporate completely, and you will see fine milk solids in the halva. Remember to keep scraping the milk solids off the side of the pan back into the halva. Some moisture is okay in the halva.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Taken from: http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/gajar-halwa-recipe-gajar-ka-halwa/

Photo Credit: Genista via Compfight cc

Love and Marriage

2015-01-29T07:48:00-05:00

***Written by production manager, Jane Mellema***

“You people fall in love, then get married. We get married, then fall in love,” my friend once told me.

If only love and marriage were that simple!

I would say that within five minutes, almost every conversation I have with a person from India quickly turns to the issue of my marital status. “You are not married? You should get married. Are you searching for someone?” Some people think my parents have failed me.

Traditionally India has the practice of arranged marriage. When a child reached a certain age, his or her family would begin to talk to other families of a similar socio-economic level and religion. Families would then decide if their children were a proper match.

India is a rapidly evolving country. As technology and global exposure have proliferated and urban centers have grown, the idea of marriage has been gradually changing. The concept of a “love marriage,” which in the past was unthinkable, has become more accepted.

There is a broad spectrum of how marriage is approached. Many parents will search but will allow the young people to meet, interact, and decide if they would like to move forward in the relationship. Matrimonial ads appear in the daily newspaper with tantalizing descriptions, hoping to draw in potential spouses. Some couples will still meet for the first time on their wedding day.

One young professional woman told me in a conversation, “It is not what I want that matters, but it is what my family wants.” I met another young lady who was dating a young man in university that she declared she was in love with, but she sadly acknowledged the reality that his parents had someone else in mind for him, and their relationship would eventually have to end. This is a difficult reality for many young Indians whose mindsets are changing and clashing with their families’ plans.

This theme of love marriages and arranged marriages often becomes the focal point of movies produced by Bollywood (one of the big Indian film industries). I know of one famous actor who, in his films, seems to specialize in walking into girls’ marriage ceremonies, declaring his love for them, and stealing them away from the man that had been arranged for them. There is something dramatic, romantic and appealing about the idea of a love marriage.

However when it comes down to it, most people still will have arranged marriages, and many prefer this familiar route. To people from the western world, where independence and freedom are some of the highest cultural values, this might seem like surrendering your future to the hands of others.

In my mind, as with most things, there are pros and cons to arranged marriages. In some respects, I think it is a good and healthy idea to have community help and support in making a decision that is probably one of the biggest decisions in a young person’s life. One young Indian, in response to a blog poll that asked: “Love marriage? Or Arranged marriage?” said the following, “Arranged marriage is made by two families and love is made by two people. Family sees all the aspects and love is blind. The eyes open after the marriage and things are different.”*

I think this person hit on the head one of the strengths of arranged marriage. When you have been arranged for each other, emotion is not the guide but rather the knowledge that you need to make this relationship work. You need to be committed to each other. Hopefully, as my friend at the beginning of this blog post stated, the couple will then fall in love, secure in the knowledge that they are committed to each other.

Sometimes in love marriage, the attraction is strong, and people can imagine the other person to be the answer to everything they lack in life. As was said in the film, Jerry McGuire (which I never saw, but I heard the famous quote), “You complete me”. Of course, any time we expect someone to magically fill the empty spaces in our lives, we are going to be disappointed. Many love marriages are founded on solid relationships that have been built and established over time and are not based only on feelings.

A potential positive aspect of arranged marriage is common ground for a couple to build off of. In reality, after the glimmer of the honeymoon phase passes away, a couple needs common interests, common goals, and common passions to hold them together. At the end of the day, when you sit down together, what will you talk about? If your family chooses qualities that are truly important to look for, if they know you well, and they are looking for someone who truly fits you and complements you, they could be the best matchmakers possible! Unfortunately, if a family is only focused on money or status, they may actually choose someone whose character is lacking, leading to potential miserable times.

I personally would not mind if my family found someone that they knew well and believed would fit me well. They may be the best ones to know. I know my family would want the best for me. If a family truly wants the best for their child, and their idea of what is best and their child’s idea of what is best matches up, it could be incredible.

I believe there are strengths and weaknesses to both arranged and love marriages. Both have incredible success stories and stories of failure. Maybe the ideal includes elements of both?

*quote taken from: https://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20130503105033AAJpyEb

Photo Credit: rajkumar1220 via Compfight cc

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DIRECTIONS

Who is Most Happy?

Glorious Okra

Unlocking the Culture

Generosity

Eat Your Carrots!

Love and Marriage