The ‘Why’ ..

My ‘why’ – right here. Photo by Erin Wallis.

A little update – I’m moving to Vancouver but keeping production on Vancouver Island.

It’s like I’m back in my early 20’s setting up a new place. I’ve half way moved into our apartment in an area called Mount Pleasant in Vancouver. It’s been a real joy setting up, I’ve gotten rid of so much stuff, it feels so liberating. I’m not even a ‘stuff’ kind of person but it’s crazy how quickly it accumulates. I’ve set up house based on this amazing book called ‘The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up‘.  One of the philosophies in there is that if it doesn’t ‘spark joy’ in you, toss it. If you are only surrounded by things you love you and not things that carry baggage then your mind can be clearer and more relaxed. I’m going to be working in my home until I can find a suitable studio so I want things to be as uncluttered as possible.

I’m equal parts excited and nervous about this new venture. As with the paring down in my home, I feel like I’m paring down in my business and really getting back to the ‘why’ of what I do. (I HIGHLY recommended you watch this Ted Talk ‘It Starts With Why’). The past year or so has pulled me away from the why of what I’m doing – stresses from running a business, being away from my family, finances, and then all that attention after our award (which was amazing, yes, but a bit of a trip!). I always took solace and comfort when I spent those 3 days a week in my chair sewing the faces on- doing what I love – bringing the dolls to life. Those times would act like an anchor.

So, why do I do this? What is my ‘why’? To spread joy and delight through my creations. Through the art of handmade we embed magic into our dolls for people all over the world to feel and be connected by. And from a social and political standpoint – that ‘making’ matters in ways that go far beyond the end product. People have a choice on what they want their future to look like and that this business model has far reaching benefits.  Describing your ‘why’ is so difficult – it’s in the emotional/feeling part of the brain and hard to articulate, so this is the best I can do.

In the 12 years or so I’ve had Bamboletta I’ve experienced many expansions and contractions – much like breathing. Right now, I’m in a contraction, getting close in again to why we do what we do. I’ll huddle around it for a bit and let it warm me to my bones. Then I’ll be ready for my expansion – whatever that may be – and the not knowing is the great adventure.

Much love,
Christina

 


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6 responses to “The ‘Why’ ..”

  1. monique Avatar
    monique

    You truly are an amazing person! Xo

  2. Laura Avatar

    You know I love this. So much. xoxo

  3. Trisha Cunningham Avatar
    Trisha Cunningham

    Dear Christina,
    When I opened our special package from Bamboletta this past Saturday it was as if I opened a box of magic. I had ordered three dolls, and was getting ready to put them in Easter baskets for the next day. Well let me tell you those dolls took my breath away. They are works of art Christina!! The pictures on line do not prepare you for what you will receive when you actually see them up close and hold them. Each hair tendril is thoughtfully placed and the faces are so sweet and unique to each doll. The clothing so perfectly put together. I was shocked at how truley beautiful they were. You included a darling pair of tights that I was in search of for the one doll I named Opal. But then there was also a delightful little soap to wash their hair down the road, and….then! GASP!! A coveted unicorn frock! I actually had to go sit down. I held that little unicorn dress in my hands for about ten minutes just dizzy with delight. I have seen Bamboletta lovers asking about that dress on your facebook site. Your generosity is so very appreciated and shows your love towards people. It is not a marketing trick, you are the real deal. You didn’t have to do that, or put the little soap or tights in or give people credits on their combined shipping or let people make name and hair changes or add freckles on. But you do. Even though it is a huge time gobbler for you, you do it. Because you really care and have a passion for what you do. You bring happiness and magic to people big and small. You bring something real and organic and lovely to this world…I cringe at all those plastic junk things that go straight to landfill. You make heirloom dolls, and comfort companions, a gift to be treasured and handed down. I cannot speak to your “why” but I sure know why I chose to buy your Bamboletta Dolls. Because we all need less junk in our lives and more meaningful beauty. I sure hope you continue to live a good life for yourself and for those who love you. Whatever path you choose just know you cannot make everyone happy, and that is not your responsibility. Your responsibility is to follow your heart for it will never lead you astray. Thank you for your kindness and generosity and for sharing your gift of doll making with us. Many blessings to you and your family during this transitioning time. Out of total darkness and hard closed-in walls does the most beautiful butterfly emerge! Sincerely Trisha : )

  4. Sharyl Henry Avatar
    Sharyl Henry

    Christina, Thank you for sharing your heart and journey. As you already know, there are many of us who love you and love the enchanted entity of Bamboletta which you have envisioned and brought to life and love the precious dolls. There are so many different levels and aspects of what you are doing that are beautiful, magical, soulful, heartful and very much needed in these strange times in which we are living. I wish I could honestly find the right words that would express what I am trying to say, but they are eluding me. The beautiful business model that you are continuously creating and the beautiful and unique dolls that are so very special that they practically leap from their sending boxes and into our arms already filled to the brim with personality, love, adventure and possibilities, are very much needed in this rough world. (I realize that I basically just repeated myself using different words and an English teacher would fail me here, but I guess I just needed to say it all twice). Just sending love, prayers and best wishes as your journey continues. Smiles and Hugs, Sharyl

  5. Ilene Chalmers Avatar
    Ilene Chalmers

    Beautifully put Christina. Definitely words to live by. Love and Hugs from David and Me.

  6. Nicole D Avatar
    Nicole D

    So right on

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