Mon Égérie: Barbara Martelo
Who she is:
Spanish Stylist (former lawyer)
Why we Love her:
We love clever girls. Barbara is a lawyer turned stylist with a passion for leather, white shirts and gladiators. Us too!
How she inspired us:
Proving that you can always change career paths and truly live your passion, Barbara is proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
Why she would love Haiti:
Spaniards need sun. They thrive on it. Our waters are blessed with some of the most gorgeous seafood in the world. Perfect for a paella.
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
Spaniards have this “thing” for red bracelets. We would love to see Barbara in our red leather, that would look stunning with any of her many, many moto jackets. (We would include an entire bag of hair ties for her glossy mane. That’s a promise.)
If we had one question:
Can you style me, por favor? Gracias.
-CD
]]>Mon Égérie: Jane Birkin (Je t'aime moi non plus)
Who she is:
No. She isn’t French - she’s British! Model, Fashion Icon, Actress, Singer, Muse, Mother and Philanthropist. We especially like that last bit.
Why we Love her:
Jane has always been a free spirit. She first became know to many of us romantics as the epitome of such. She, and Serge Gainsbourg, had the passionate, creative and non-traditional relationship that we admired and, (let’s admit it), wanted. We also loved that she was completely herself. This was never, nor is, a woman who would ever need Pinterest as “inspiration”.
How she inspired us:
Perhaps it wasn’t one outfit - but an approach about “wearing” - that we have always adored about Jane. She used to wear a kerchief around her her wrist, like a bracelet. Why? Why not. And as fans of arm candy, we have added our own approach to do
ing the same.
Charity: Oh, dear. Many! http://www.janebirkin.net/uk/vigilance.html
Why she would love Haiti:
Clearly, Jane - an icon - could prance about being just that. But, she does not. We think that she would find kindred spirits here, in beautiful Haiti, where more fortunate women seek to better the lives of those less so. Especially for women and children. Our relentless dream of clean water for every Haitian would appeal to our fellow idealist and philanthropist.
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
We think that “Amour” would most appeal to her.
If we had one question:
Your only legal marriage ended before we were born. What are your thoughts on marriage?
- CD
]]>Mon Égérie: Inès de La Fressange
Who she is:
She was Lagerfelds muse, when she became ours. The epitome of Effortless French Chic, Inès is the reason we all bought our first Chanel flats, have too many blue blazers, and spend our summers in bateau shirts and white chinos. It was all so simple. Buy well. Buy basics. And then: accessorize at will.
Why we Love her:
Honestly? She made it so much easier to pack. A few staples + your own accessories - et voila! Check in only!
How she inspired us:
Yes, she is a model and muse well into...her non 20’s. But she is also a mother, author, designer and business woman - who gives back. That’s what we all want to be when we grow up.
Charity: Cancer
Why she would love Haiti:
Inès loves the sea, and speaks, (évident!), French. We also think that she would love the accessories and made to your foot beach shoes that our clever artisans make. A fan of the unique, we think we have quite a few bits and bobs that would delight her.
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
When we paired our waterproof clay bracelets with a typical Inès summer ensemble - we thought the red bracelet made the right amount of pop! Especially on balmy days when a red kerchief may be too hot
If we had one question:
What are your thoughts on fishnet tights under trousers?
- CD
]]>Scrub Up
We frequently visit our wonderful Clients in sun drenched coastal towns. As we live between Haiti and Florida, we know a thing or two about how wonderful, yet punishing, the sun and chlorine can be to our skin and hair. One of our favorite customers recently asked how we kept our skin and hair looking like we lived on a “misty moor in England”. That made us laugh. So, these next few home remedies that can be used on your face, hair, and cooking, are dedicated for her.
We hate the the term “age spots”. We prefer “freckles”. But, semantics aside, this is how the women in our tribe have managed to avoid them. (Note: this will not work for actual freckles. Those are just angel kisses that you need to embrace.)
1) When Life Gives You Lemons
Dissolve unbleached brown sugar with the juice of one or two lemons. Apply. Concentrate on any darker spots. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes and wash off. Only use this scrub up to twice a week. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to add honey to the mixture. We like Manuka honey.
2) Butter Me Up
Well. This honestly couldn’t be any easier. Soak organic cotton balls in…yes, clever you: buttermilk. You can tab this on your face, but do be sure to stay near the sink. It drips. We sometimes add Turmeric to the buttermilk, but it stains. Mercilessly. As buttermilk is so mild, you can do this as often as you like.
3) Sour Puss
If you have oily skin, this “spot remover” may become your favorite. (As you may end up smelling like a salad, we don’t recommend this treatment for date nights.) Mix honey and either apple cider, or coconut vinegar, to soak your cotton balls. (Vinegar fumes can annoy the eyes, so careful there.) Dab and leave on for up to 10 minutes before washing off. (If you don’t like the smell of the vinegar, a quick rise with rose water will rid you of it.)
4) Sticky Situation
Aloe Vera. It’s one our favorite plants, as we use it for everything, and have many around the office. Try to use a fresh leaf. Break it open and use the gooey magic as a spot treatment. You can do this twice a day, as the substance is so mild. Take a
before and after picture. In a month, you WILL notice that your spots have faded. Sensitive skin responds especially well to this treatment.
5) Smooth Moves
This is our favorite facial, because after you make it, you can eat the rest! Papaya. Make a mash of papaya, which you can add “adhesiveness” to with honey, and apply for up to 10 minutes. After you wash your delicious smelling face, you will not only glow, but you’ll have a lovely, and healthy treat awaiting,
A Hairy Situation
One of our staff made a mistake that many of us have made. She over processed her hair, and then didn’t prepare or treat it for the additional damage caused by chlorine. (In Florida, pools are as ubiquitous as mosquitos.) From a silky mane to…hair in desperate need of help.
If your hair has gone to a crisp, do not fear. There are three oils that we adore for conditioning that can be used alone, or in combination: coconut, olive and almond. (In a mist bottle, we also like to use these before we go into the sea.)
Get a towel that you are willing to sacrifice. Apply one, or a combination of all the oils to your hair, and wrap in said sacrificial towel. (A wet warm one works best.) Leave on for as at least half an hour. If your hair feels a bit greasy after the treatment, use a wee bit of apple cider vinegar, or beer, to rinse. This treatment is best used only once a week. In a month or so, you’ll have noticeably shinier hair, and your new growth will be healthier as well.
We love the sea and sun. But we also know that (natural) steps must be taken to keep us looking our Simbi best.
Simbi love,
Us
]]>Mon Égérie: Veruschka
Who she is:
Veruschka. An East Prussian born, model and artist that was molded from different stuff than we. A towering 6’3, she was actually the most pure version of what was eventually, and safely, watered down to become “The All American Girl” ideal. Blond. Legs longer than the list of places we want to go before we die - and the Ultimate Amazon.
Why we Love her:
Summed up in her own quote: “I have never followed fashion. I made my own fashion.”
How she inspired us:
Quite frankly, we can’t think of anyone, past or present, that looks more like a creature that emerged from the sea, or looks better near it. (Richard Avedon agreed.)
Charity: Hear the World Foundation, various Arts organizations in Gemany
Why she would love Haiti:
Veruschka has legs too long for crowded beaches. On ours, she could enjoy the freedom she so craves. As an artist, we think she would love the mystical and magical art that is on every corner of our fair island.
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
Our Simbi clay bracelets that are in blues inspired by the sea. They would compliment her bluest of eyes and are each a handmade gem, which would appeal to this artists soul.
If we had one question:
So. What do you know about Mrs Vreeland that you have never told anyone?
- CD
]]>Mon Égérie: Nicole Warne/Gary Pepper
Who she is:
Business woman, stylist, philanthropist, fouder at GaryPepperGirl.com
Why we Love her
Nicole Warne is a Aussie beach loving girl with excellent seaside style. She also wears hats. We love hats. (It’s sunny here, so we have a wall full of them.)
How she inspired us:
Running her first company at the tender age of 20, Nicole translated her breezy style into living a sartorial life as a top digital influencer - all the while using her growing influence to raise awareness for an increasing number of charities.
Charity:
Donate Planet, The Cancer Institute and The Ovarian Cancer Foundation
Why she would love Haiti:
An Aussie, Nicole would feel at home on our white beaches, and in our warm waters. We live in bathing suits and cover ups, so she can pack light and go native.
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
Nicole wears quite a bit of white. Lucky for her, we have a white clay bracelet that is water proof! We would also dress Nicole in one of our Simbi beach wraps or coverups. They seem made for her.
If we had one question:
How have you kept your skin so flawless after growing up under the sun?
]]>Mon Égérie: Giovanna Battaglia
Who she is:
Vogue Editor, Contributor to W and stylist
Why we Love her:
.
Just as French women can make jeans and simple t-shirt look chic, Italians can wear things that most should not dare - and look stupendo!
How she inspired us:
Giovanna is always elegantisima, polished and daring. Not one girl in our office could pull off most (any) of her looks. Where we might look silly, Giovanna looks sublime. Yes. We are jealous.
Charity: The Naked Heart Foundation and Charity:Water
Why she would love Haiti:
No one looks more fabulous at the beach than Giovanna! We think that she would go “pazza” over our colorful fabrics, that we hope would inspire a swimwear line. (We own a factory: hint, hint.)
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
Our deepest red and shiniest gold clay bracelets would suit our Italian muse. We also think that our trio necklaces are bold enough for this formidable ragazza.
If we had one question:
Do you dress differently in Milan than you do in New York, where you now work?
]]>Mon Égérie: Emmanuelle Alt
Who she is:
Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Paris
Why we Love her:
Clever, casual, chic and a jean lover, like someone in our office. Her look says “I’m too busy running a magazine to dress for lurking photographers”. We also like that she doesn’t “pose”. We strongly suspect that she isn’t a selfie taker.
How she inspired us:
Emmanuelle wears a uniform of boyfriend shirt + jacket + trousers. We are big fan of “uniforms”, which allow us the time to focus on things that are actually important. When all of your closet works together, you don’t have to.
Charity: Emmanuelle is a contributor and supporter of celebrity style auctions that benefit a variety of charities.
Why she would love Haiti:
Again, we find that we are inspired by a French girl that wouldn’t have much difficulty understanding our Creole. We would like to think that our colorful isle would inspire a Summer editorial, and that she would allow us to help her stylists. (A girl can dream.)
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
With her formidable collection of jeans, and obvious taste for arm candy, we think that our various green hued clay bracelets would look gorgeous with her military jackets. (She may actually have more than our military jacket collecting Style Editor. But, it would be close.)
If we had one question:
Who makes your favorite button down?
]]>Simbi MUM’S
Recently we wrote about our Mum Muse for Mother’s Day - a woman who left her home in England, to live on (another) island, raise a family, and begin her business.
Our Style Editor asked that I jot down a few thoughts about having done the same.
Just a few, as I’m German.
So. I was born in NY from German immigrants. It was cold. And yes, I wore “Heidi” plaits/braids.
My family eventually moved us to Florida, (where I met our Style Editor in Grade 6. This article was her idea).
Eventually I grew up and went to uni in Washington D.C., where I met my future husband.
I married young, and began a family. My husband is Haitian, so off to my new home we went. Though I had a degree in Business, it was important for me to “stay home”, and raise my daughter, and two sons. My degree in business and organization was the perfect one to prepare me for the Family Management that I practiced for the next decade and a half.
I fell in love with my new home, and especially the almost mystical art - which prompted me to to become a Haitian Art dealer for a time, while still maintaining primary presence at home.
Eventually, my “babies”, grew up. As my two eldest trotted off to uni, and my youngest spent more time with his horses than mama, (he’s off to the Junior Olympics next year!), I knew that my life would change.
Then. The earthquake. Shattering. Life altering. Heart breaking. Inspiring.
As the earth trembled and shook our island to her core - so did it shake me to mine.
From the rubble: my new foundation. I would finally use my uni degree, my life of “management”, my love of art and Haitian style - and my broken heart for the children that did not have access to the clean water that my own children did, to create a business that would purify water, and provide jobs for other mothers. So. That’s my mother’s day story. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you! Especially to all the mums that make Simbi, clean water and an even brighter future for Haiti possible. Bòn fèt a tout manman yo!
]]>
Mon Égérie: Charlotte Rampling
Who she is:
A British model slash singer slash proper actress, swinging 60’s icon, Charlotte Rampling was who our mothers wanted to be. (Our fathers would not have minded.)
Why we Love her:
The quintessential English Rose, Charlotte has aged naturally and beautifully. She’s the reason we will never get our eyes “done.” She also transcended her “kitten” phase to become a seasoned and highly acclaimed actress. In a “LOOK AT ME!” world, we love that she is almost feline in her attention avoidance.
How she inspired us:
Her maturing gracefully with #nofilters, reminds us that we should look forward to seeing who we actually are. Oh. And her favorite place her bed. (Us too.)
Charity: Many, but smaller local ones in her community.
Why she would love Haiti:
Charlotte loves France and her beaches. She speaks our language, enjoys a peaceful beach spared of glittery hotels, and can’t be bothered with “scenes”. Plus, we would love to show her our solar panels, as she is a staunch supporter of a mitigated carbon footprint.
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
Anything black. Simbi Luxe leathers, may suit best. They are perfect for her “uniform” of the black trouser and smoking suit. Something, but nothing showy.
If we had one question:
Did you ever have your own style Icon? If so, whom?
- CD
]]>Mon Égérie: Aymeline Valade
Who she is:
French model/actress that we imagine Hitchcock would have fallen in love with
Beautiful, in that untouchable cool Grace Kelly blond kind of way, talented, in that everything-comes-easy-to-me way, and a lover of “boy” shoes, (as are we), Aymeline is our “Annie Hall”.Why we Love her:
How she inspired us:
We adore the masculine chic look. Though we confess to having worn our share of Laura Ashley in our youth, when Calvin Klein and Armani hit the scene, we knew. Out went florals and prints, and off to our dads closets we went. In high school, we bought shoes and jeans in the boys department. Our lifelong obsession for the perfect blue blazer, smoking jacket and leather jacket, began in earnest. It hasn’t ended.
Charity: The AEM Association Children Of The World For Rwanda
Why she would love Haiti:
Haiti is a tricky place to wear heels, so Aymeline can leave the few that she owns at home. She also supports children’s charities, so we think that she may like a tour of the orphanages for which we purify water.
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
Gray clay. The perfect color for a blond, and a girl that wears as much black as we do. (We didn’t think that was possible.)
If we had one question:
Can we do a collaboration with you? Pretty please?
]]>Mon Égérie: India Hicks
Who she is:
The mum that we aspire to be: Woman with flawless style leaves a rainy isle for a sunny one. Becomes mum, (several times over), creates a business that we island mums are particular fans of, and somehow still manages to look like a “just-here-on-holiday” uni student. Yes, she is a true aristo. But, her grace, work ethic, mumming and utter lack of pretension are what we believe make her a true blue blood.
Why we Love her:
What is the antithesis of vulgar? She’s that.
How she inspired us:
Mums who run businesses, all the while doing all the things that must be done for her family, are our favorite. Whilst we live in an age where many Social Medialies their lives - we are comforted that India is completely herself, with no need for approval. (Right. We’ll be brutally honest: we are also slightly covetous of India’s Classic English Rose beauty. Honestly. Please may we have her cheekbones?!)
Charity: Too many to mention.
Why she would love Haiti:
A fellow equestrian, we think that India may enjoy a sunrise hack about our beautiful mountains and beaches, and that she would be inspired by the color, art, and handmade accessories that are to be found on every road and bend of our magical island.
What piece we want to see her wear Simbi with:
Simbi linen! We honestly can not think of another that would look more natural in our Cyrile Tank. We would add a few gray and white Simbi Clay Bracelets. Well. 5, actually. One, for her every child.
If we had one question:
What does your family do for you for Mother’s Day? And, do you celebrate just British, or American Mother’s Day, as well?
-- CD
Promo Code "india" for 20% off through Mother's day.
]]>Breakfast
In addition to gorgeous tropical fruits, which are common as our go-to breakfast, Haiti is blessed with delicious free range, organic “vyann kochon”, or, “pork”. It’s not that we are hip and trendy, but rather, that we haven’t the room or infrastructure for “commercial farming”. (Every cloud....) So. We have included pork into each recipe for our Mum’s Day menu. (Of course, one may edit per taste buds.)
Unless you want to clean up the sticky flurry that is left by making homemade waffles and pancakes, we think that bacon and eggs, (and perhaps a mimosa), are breakfast enough for mama. (The sizzled ham is actually gorgeous when wrapped around a side of melon, should she still want a spot of fruit.)
How to make it special?
We found these sweet iron heart rings on Amazon, and can’t wait to debut them in a few weeks. As you can see, one egg each will suffice - we experimented with two. That didn’t go as well as planned.
The fat? Oh! Save that! Our next recipe will require that savory flavor infused coconut oil (our fat of choice).
Lunch or Dinner
Chances are, mum is being deservedly squired off to her favorite restaurant for either lunch or dinner. We love this combination of lighter fare to serve her for her post decadent lunch, or pre dinner feast.
Vanilla-Butter Brussels Sprouts
2 lb. Sprouts, halved
2 cups broth
1 cup coconut water
1/4 cup fat
6 cloves garlic
2 tsp. vanilla bean paste (we are hopelessly addicted to this nectar)
1 tsp. salt (Black Himalayan is our favourite. Yes. It does make a difference. Promise.)
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup Pomegranate Syrup
As much bacon, or the like, as mama may want
1/2 cup of cashews (we love these in Haiti)
A splash of Grand Marnier
Brussels, garlic, pork, cashews and broth to be baked, slow cooked or pan cooked together, along with salt and pepper in your favorite fat, (perhaps with a bit left over from breakfast).
Syrup and Grand Marnier to be reduced for a few minutes, and added in a flourish once the Brussels are plated.
Voila!
A healthy, but slightly naughty light meal.
If men are about: A side addition of meat balls, may be in order. Here is our favorite starter, that will accompany the Brussels beautifully. (Make in large batches if expecting guests.)
Little Sweet Sausages
For this special recipe (one typed by our Style Editors late grandmother, and lovingly saved for over 15 years), you need only the picture.
We add a splash of Rose Grenadine and/or Grand Marnier to this as well. (We grew up watching Julia Childs and Two Fat Ladies - so we too believe that spirits add soul to most recipes.)
Dessert
Though fruit and cheese are lovely, with just a wee glass of Port, who doesn’t like Carrot Cake?
Exactly.
Not only is carrot cake a lovely dessert, but it works as a surprisingly perfect next day breakfast, with cafe.
Here is grandmama’s version.
Cake
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups flour
1/2 cup crushed fresh pineapple (with juice)
2 1/2 cups grated grated carrots (that have been marinated overnight in two tsp. of brown sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla paste, 1 splash of coconut water, and a splash of Grand Marnier).
1/2 cup of grated coconut
Beat eggs and sugar together, before adding the oil
Sift the next 4 ingredients together
Mix in the next three ingredients
Mix well and bake for an hour at 350 degrees for an hour or so.
Frosting
8 oz. cream cheese
1 box of confectioners sugar
3 tsp. vanilla
1 stick of butter
1/4 cup of mascarpone cheese
2 tbs. melted WHITE chocolate
Mix the room temperature softened frosting ingredients together and refrigerate, as the cake bakes.
You know the rest.
If you want to make the cake “special” for Mother’s Day, add gold edible sprinkles. We get ours from: http://www.fancyflours.com/product/Edible-Gold-Leaf-Sprinkles-100-mg-shaker/Edible-gold-leaf
Your mum cooked you many a meal. Thousands. Each year.
It’s your turn. She’s tired. Trust us.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums that somehow manage to make it all seem so easy.
Love from Haiti,
xo
Use promo code "india" for 20% off Mother's Day special.
]]>No matter how loose you make em', high pony tails can still ruin the shape of your hair.
Time to go for a low pony instead! Just see how our intern solves her problem with a handy hair bracelet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0E-Q3xPoXQ
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>Do you have our 5 in 1 lariat and LOVE wearing chokers?
Follow this fun tutorial and transform yours into a full on choker!
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>Ever get tired of wearing Simbi bracelets on your wrist? Neither do we!
But here’s a creative way to use your 5 in 1 Lariat: just wrap it around your wrist.
Now you give it a try!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0jEorJDspM
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>You don’t need to be a dude to turn your luscious locks into a Man-bun.
Just watch and learn as our intern shows you how its done with a Simbi hair bracelet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qzwcbLj2Vk
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>Our 5 in 1 Lariat can accessorize your waist like never before!
In this tutorial we’ll show you one of the simple art of making the most out of your Simbi Lariat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuJQrT4osy0
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>The Boss Bun
For when you need to look smart but don’t know where to start.
It’s quick, easy and always does the trick! Your time to feel like a boss is now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr8TJ1eU7D0
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>A half-up pony tail is the solution to those days when we want our hair out of the way but not ALL the way.
Just see our happy and hard-working interns grab a Simbi hair bracelet and give it a shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q33gm_RTOYU
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>Ever thought of pairing your choker with a longer necklace?
Our 5 in one Lariat can kill two birds with one stone!
Just follow our lovely intern and transform a single accessory into what would takes two to create!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmBjsASqJFo&feature=youtu.be
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>
Good morning Birgit, thank you for joining me, let’s get right into the thick of things here –
What’s the story behind Simbi?
Simbi® was founded in 2013 by Birgit Grossmann Coles and Haiti native, Lori Manuel Steed, who decided to launch the company after experiencing the devastating results of the 2010 earthquake. We saw the need for Haitians to have access to clean water and in doing so realized that job creation and sustainability were as important. Creating inexpensive accessories seemed to be the quickest way to get money back to Haiti as soon as possible.
Did you always want to own your own business? If so, did you always want to have your own fashion business?
As I was full in mommy mode for so many years, it never really crossed my mind to have my own business. It happened by sheer coincidence that my kids were old enough to fend for themselves when I started this business with my friend Lori. I certainly had no intentions of going into the fashion business, but always had an eye for it.
Where do you see Simbi Haiti in 5 years? 10 years?
I see Simbi as a name in which people will recognize and associate all the good and positive energy that comes from Haiti. I also see Simbi partnering up with a larger corporation to help us get bigger and stronger in order to make a real impact in the lives of Haitian's.
How do you come up with the designs for your pieces? Do you use certain trends?
As my partner and creative director says, we get it from just being aware of our surroundings. It’s a natural instinct for the both of us to fell what is and will be popular in the coming seasons. We also try to find materials unique to Haiti, which gives Simbi it’s edge in the highly competitive accessories market.
You’re very successful for a young business owner, what would you say to anyone looking to start their own business or jewelry line?
Patience, a willingness to listen, and of course obsessive work ethic.
]]>
Welcome Readers!
We are extremely excited to launch the new Simbi blog! Our blog platform will give us the unique opportunity to share everything fashion and jewelry related such as jewelry tips, upcoming trends, how to mix and match our jewelry, and all things Simbi with our customers. We hope that you find the entries entertaining and helpful. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have and we will answer them in our weekly posts. The purpose of our blog is part of an effort to continually connect and improve our service with you, our valued customers and friends.
The CinnaBUN
Watch our lovely intern turn her hair into a tasty “Cinna-bun” with a trusty Simbi hair bracelet.
WARNING: video may cause viewer to feel hangry!
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>Let your inner greek goddess out with the Greek SANDal! Get creative and tie your Simbi Lariat around your foot like this or however you like! This is perfect for walking barefoot on a sandy beach.
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>Hey sexy lady, are you having one of those lazy mornings? The Missy Bun is just what you’ve been looking for!
Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
]]>Shoot us one of YOUR video ideas. BEST VIDEO will be reposted along with surPRIZE bundle!
In our first video see how easy it is to stack your handmade Simbi Clay Bracelets
]]>After a long day at work, my friends and I went out for a gorgeous dinner to discuss how we might increase our commitment to increasing our use of Haitian suppliers. (Sadly, we must sometimes source from off the island, due to a lack of local resources.) Ideas were tossed passionately about, frustrations were voiced, napkins were scribbled upon.
After an hour or two, we were ready to return home, when I realized that I had barely touched my meal, so engrossed in the subject at hand, had I been. (Though many refuse to take home food from a restaurant, our experience with hunger in Haiti prevents such conventions.) I asked to have my food packaged to take home, and was duly presented with my well wrapped Mahi Mahi. Nice bag. Good paper. Sound form. Who makes these? I asked. Reginald Laviolette, they answered. I would be in touch with him, I knew.
The next day, after much needed rest, I called Mr. Laviolette, and asked him about his bags. Was he busy? Could he manage our orders? Should he like to? How many people did he employ? When could he start? Could we meet? When? And so forth. (My apologies to this patient, talented, and kind man.)
Oui. Oui. Oui. Deux. Demain. Oui. Demain.
Reginald Laviolette is 53 years old, married with 2 children a boy 15 and a girl 7. He lost his house during the earthquake of 2010. He also managed from his house a small bakery. He had to start over and reinvent himself to survive with his family. He found refuge in his father’s house where he still resides and makes brown bags. He started small selling bags to street food vendors and eventually offered shopping bags to stores. One client led to another. Reginald Laviolette makes his lovely bags by hand. Every. Single. Piece.
His dream is to become the largest brown bag seller in Haiti because as he puts it "that way people will use less plastic and that will help the environment". Reginald shares one of Simbi's greatest missions, which is to reduce the impact of our existence on this beautiful earth.
It was done. Mr Laviolette would now produce our gorgeous packaging, and we would be accomplishing just what we had wanted at that fateful dinner: more jobs created in Haiti, by Haiti and for Haiti.
We tend to celebrate women at Simbi. Today, we celebrate a gentleman.
Happy weekend!
]]>As millions of eggs are dyed, decorated and hidden this weekend, we wanted to share our favorite tropical hydrating facial with you. We know that you have the eggs to spare, and hope that you have an avocado and small yogurt about. You’ll need a moment to yourself over Easter weekend, (we know we do!), so here is your excuse to escape the cooking and hostessing for a brief moment.
All you’ll need is one egg yolk, 1/4 an avocado, and a tablespoon of plain yogurt. Mix these three ingredients until smooth, and apply to your face for 15 minutes. After you wash the mask off: Voila! You will have the same glow as after an unexpected kiss. Your skin will be more nourished and hydrated, and you’ll be even more ready to celebrate the weekend with All. That. Family. Yes. We understand.
Happy Easter!
Few of us realize how much, or how many we touch, throughout an ordinary day. The face of the children that you kiss good morning. The plates of the meal that you made for your family. The phone that keeps you in touch with ones that you love. The door handle that you turn as you rush out to get to work. The coffee cup that you bring to a friend that has a deadline on a rare day that you do not. The ring that you mindlessly turn on your finger as you are sorting out a solution; (a habit that the one who gave it to you notices, that you never do). The hundreds of things at work, and later at home, that keep your world, and world of those around you, organized and manageable.
Sometimes, your smile, a nod of appreciation, or an encouraging word are the "fingerprint" that you leave.
This week, for us, it was a picture.
One of our customers sent us a picture of the fingerprints that she noticed on her clay bracelet. Though as far from our palm laden island as possible, our Chicago Simbi Girl, wrote to us to share that the fingerprint of the woman that she could "almost picture" making her bracelet, made her better appreciate the job that she was off to on a sluggish Monday, as well as reminded her of how important supporting women's education and job training was in countries that were burdened by financial strife. It was the fingerprint of a working woman like her, she said. But, a woman who perhaps did not have all of the advantages that she, herself, had been privy to.
That made us smile.
Yes, everything that we sell allows for continued water purification for children in Haiti. But on every bead, tassel or strip of material, are the fingerprints of the women that shape and make our wares, so that they can go home, and leave their fingerprints on the most important thing they ever created: the face of the children that they love and are providing for.
Simbi was founded by two working mothers. Thank you to Jen for reminding us why we love what we do. You left your fingerprint on us today.
- CD