At Jeena LaVie, we're an online lifestyle concept store dedicated to redefining sustainable living and conscious consumption. We aim to create a nurturing space for artisans internationally, showcasing their crafts and celebrating diverse cultures. We're here to embrace life's beauty, foster wellness, and honor creativity. Jeena LaVie stands as a beacon of limitless creativity, celebrating ideas and recognizing talents from around the world. This special corner is dedicated to reviewing our community, Jeena LaVie’s 2023 journey. Let’s look back at how much we have grown and what we achieved this year. Let’s examine what kind of new field we ventured into and how we have transformed.
Our Strengthened Connection with the Indigenous Community:
Jeena Lavie's unwavering commitment to supporting indigenous communities and preserving their heritage is at the heart of our ethos. This year, our dedication to honoring indigenous heritage led us on an inspiring journey. We actively engaged with the vibrant culture of Native American communities, embracing the richness of their traditions and craftsmanship. Through valuable experiences at powwows and heartfelt interactions with native elders, we gained invaluable insights into their heritage, wisdom, and artistry. These encounters forged meaningful connections, fostering a deep appreciation for indigenous artisans and their invaluable contributions. Our collaboration includes an indigenous herbalist and a seasoned metal sculptor from the Mesa Grande Indian Reservation. Our commitment to supporting and preserving indigenous culture remains unwavering and it motivates us to carry on telling their tales and promoting their crafts among the Jeenalavie community.
Our Endeavour to Preserve Ancient & Endangered Art Forms:
At Jeenalavie, our mission is rooted in the preservation and elevation of ancient and endangered art forms from across the globe. In line with this commitment, our journey took us to Dariyapur in West Bengal, India—a revered hub known as the Dhokra art village. Here, we immersed ourselves in the essence of Dhokra art, which is a 4000-year-old craft, unraveling its heritage and techniques, and endeavoring to provide a platform for this ancient art form to enhance their reach.
Expanding our quest, we went to Channapatna, Karnataka, India, a town steeped in history for its centuries-old tradition of crafting exquisite lacquered wooden toys. Our exploration revealed the captivating beauty of this art form, showcasing the remarkable skill and dedication that has preserved this craft through generations. These experiences solidified our dedication to preserving these fading arts and offering them a global stage to thrive and endure.
Our Cultural Exploration & Celebration of Life:
Our community Jeena Lavie is all about appreciating life's beauty and the rich diversity of cultures found all across the world. Our ethos revolves around honoring and cherishing the traditions and heritage of communities far and wide. We therefore immerse ourselves in a wide range of colorful festivals, fairs, and cultural events that highlight the unique aspects of various cultures. In 2023, our exploration led us through a range of interesting experiences, from the bustling energy of the LA County Fair to the historical charm of the Renaissance Fair. We eagerly indulged in the flavorsome delights of the 626 Night Market in Arcadia and savored the beauty of the Ecuadorian culture at the 23rd Taste of Ecuador Food Festival. We also witnessed the Japanese Nisei Week Parade which honors the rich traditions of Japan.
These experiences allowed us to embrace the colors, flavors, and customs that make each culture unique. By taking part in these occasions, we honor the rich diversity of humanity in addition to enjoying the festivities. Jeenalavie is dedicated to promoting a profound respect for cultural heritage and uniting people via the shared language of celebration.
Jeena LaVie’s First Pop-up Event:
With great pride, Jeena LaVie celebrated a major milestone this year by throwing its first pop-up event at the energetic Jai Ho 2023 - India Independence Day celebration. Arranged against the scenic backdrop of Torrance, California's Levy Adult Center, the celebration honored every facet of India. This inaugural pop-up event provided us with a unique opportunity for face-to-face interactions with our customers, forging personal connections that solidified our brand's trustworthiness and reputation.
Engaging directly with our audience not only allowed us to showcase our crafts but also nurtured genuine connections, enabling us to better understand their preferences and needs. Moreover, our participation amidst the festivities allowed us to join hands with numerous Indian entrepreneurs and artisans, setting up booths adorned with exquisite Indian crafts.
This remarkable event was instrumental in establishing Jeenalavie as a trusted and approachable brand, further cementing our commitment to serving our community with integrity and authenticity.
The Launch of Our YouTube Channel:
We started a new journey in February 2023 when our YouTube channel was launched. This platform provided us with the opportunity to reach a wider audience with captivating visual narratives of our numerous adventures and explorations. Our channel showcases our different experiences, from immersive powwows and exciting festivals to nature's beauty and lovely cityscape. Beyond mere visuals, the content delves deep into the essence of our brand and community. It offers a closer look into the compelling stories of artisans we collaborate with, shining a spotlight on their craftsmanship. Additionally, the channel provides a glimpse into the varied and traditional art forms from all around the globe, encouraging a more profound comprehension and admiration for cultural legacy.
Growing Together; Our Expanded Artisan Community in 2023:
Expanding our global footprint, Jeenalavie has proudly broadened its horizons by collaborating with an even wider array of artisans from around the world this year. Our platform serves as a global stage for these talented creators, offering them a space to showcase and sell their crafts to audiences worldwide.
This expansion hasn't just grown our family; it's enriched our community with a diverse range of skilled creators, each with their unique stories and remarkable craftsmanship. Among our esteemed collaborators is a tribal jewelry artist from Spain, an indigenous herbalist specializing in traditional methods, a Moroccan artisan crafting home decor from famed zellige tiles, a mosaic artist from Lisbon, a metal sculptor rooted in the Mesa Grande Indian Reservation, an Egyptian jewelry maker from Australia, a skilled ceramic artist hailing from Florence, a painter from Ukraine, a Peruvian creator making spiritual kits and many more. Together, we continue to celebrate and showcase the beauty and heritage embedded in their crafts, bringing the world closer through the artistry of our global artisan community.
Looking Ahead to 2024; Our Vision and Aspirations:
As we step into the new year, Jeenalavie is fueled by a fervent commitment to further expand and enrich our community. One of our primary objectives is to continue collaborating with artisans from across the globe, cultivating their talent that reflects diverse cultures and traditions. We aspire to provide a platform for the preservation of unique and age-old art forms, honoring the stories and heritage behind each craft.
Moreover, in the coming year, we aim to reach and engage with a wider and more diverse audience, creating awareness and appreciation for these crafts. Our goal is to share the narratives behind each creation, nurturing a deeper understanding and connection between people and the art they cherish.
In 2024, Jeenalavie is dedicated to cultivating a global community where different cultures thrive, where the stories of artisans are being told, celebrated, and where the appreciation for the beauty of life knows no bounds. Thanks for supporting us till now and please keep supporting us in the future as well. Let’s continue to connect the disconnected and reach the unreachable in the upcoming year. Cheers to a prosperous 2024!