Hey everyone! It's Rui here, your friendly neighbourhood visual artist, yogi, and owner of KAMA Yogic Shop! Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes to see how our beautiful yogic jewelry comes to life. ✨
Here's the story behind the magic:
- My Vancouver Studio: For the pieces specified as handmade in Vancouver, that means they're created by me with my cat Schnappi's supervision (you can imagine the micromanagement intensity there!). Each piece is infused with a touch of Vancouver spirit. 🇨🇦
- Ethical Sourcing: I also partner with an ethically sourced factory that shares my values of sustainability and fair labor practices. I'll talk more about this in this blog post.
VANCOUVER STUDIO
Throughout my journey, I've been always enchanted by expressionism. My time at UBC studying visual art deepened my love for this artistic movement. The freedom of expression, the bold strokes, the raw emotion—these are the elements that fuel my creative fire.
When it comes to my jewelry creations (especially the handmade ones by me), I tried my best not to be bound by rules or convention. I embrace the freedom to explore, to experiment, to let my hands and heart guide me. Each piece is a canvas, waiting to be transformed into a wearable work of art. I would like to share with you the creation of my recent work of crystal necklace as an example.
ETHICAL SOURCING
When it comes to creating my jewelry, ethical sourcing is at the core of everything I do. That's why I've chosen to collaborate with makers from a factory in China. But this decision wasn't taken lightly—it was based on a few key factors close to my heart.
Firstly, quality was non-negotiable. I wanted to ensure that the products being made were of high quality, crafted with care and attention to detail. But it wasn't just about the end product; I also cared deeply about the working conditions of the artisans. Fair pay, safe environments, and absolutely no child labor were essential criteria for me.
That's why I made the decision to fly to China myself to select the factory. I wanted to see firsthand where my jewelry was being made and to talk directly with the people behind it all. It was important for me to build a personal connection with the makers and to ensure that they shared my values.
Even after the partnership was established, I continued to stay involved. I make it a point to visit the factory at least twice a year to check in on the quality of the products and the conditions in which the makers are working. Their well-being is just as important to me as the jewelry itself.
Choosing the right factory wasn't easy. It required thorough investigation and a lot of soul-searching. But in the end, I found a partner who not only met but exceeded my expectations. They've passed the AMFORI BSCI test, which reassures me that they're committed to ethical business practices.
For me, ethical sourcing isn't just a box to tick—it's a fundamental part of me and my brand. It's about creating beautiful jewelry in a way that's respectful to the people who make it and to the world we all share. And with every piece I create, I hope to spread a little bit of that love and respect into the world.
As we conclude our journey into the world of ethical sourcing and the heartfelt stories. I want to thank you for reading and understanding where and how the jewels were made. Thank you for the support.
Love,
Rui