Lydia

What does it mean for you to have it all? It means that for the most part I am happy.  This seems only to be attained through risk-taking and experimentation in work; life adventures and love shared, gained, lost, spoiled and remembered. It means having the bravado to believe that you can actually make a difference in this world—motherhood, art, design and an ecologically-sound, rich and diverse community and life.  

What has been the most rewarding about motherhood? There are too many rewards, with no gauge for how to qualify them. From the amazing intimate physical connection with my girls as babies, to all our bonding throughout their lives, especially as a single mom. Observing, role-modeling and letting them discover, fail and develop into prosperous young citizens. This motherhood experience has forever changed me for the better.

How does your work feed you personally? To be creative and productive—making goods that not only appeal to people, but benefit their well-being and the planet as an ethically- and ecologically-beneficial business. This is food for my soul. I know that if I continue to grow my small company with love and dedication to its ethos, I can support more clean jobs and healthy agriculture. I love the people-connections with all its rich lives and stories and lessons. I never stop learning through my work. And, my daughters seem genuinely proud of their mom’s work—which is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive.

Portrait by Vivian Johnson