I know you’re DYING to know.

How to pronounce “mandala”

Man-DA-luh

It’s not that important, but I’m a geek about etymology and words and stuff.

What it means, and what it means to me
According to Google, mandala – “a geometric figure representing the universe” or “a symbol in a dream, representing the dreamer’s search for completeness and self-unity.” It’s also Sanskrit for “circle.”

When I look at a mandala, I see balance and harmony. I would love to live in a world that exists in harmony. Mandalas are usually very colorful, representing diversity and coexistence. Great goals, right?!

Why I chose it to symbolize my business
On my quest for happiness and general contentment, I’ve learned some things.

I feel the happiest when I give to others. Many times, I have found myself stuck in selfish ruts, only to realize that as soon as I send the focus elsewhere, I climb up and out.

Also, my FAVORITE thing to crochet is a mandala. With each round, there is no right or wrong way to do it, as long as you’re consistent and stick with it to finish the round. Then you can do whatever you want the next round, in any color. No matter what, it will always look beautiful, and it’s a story of what happened. It’s about discipline, imperfection, and whimsy.

Regarding my business and how I want to run it:
– I care about how manufacturing impacts the planet. I make things as eco-friendly as anyone can, using secondhand, recycled or easily renewable materials and minimal packaging.
– I care about ethical treatment of workers. People hired to do a job deserve a living wage, and they should be allowed reasonable flexibility to do the job in a way that works for them.
– I care about making useful and beautiful things.
– I care about giving back to my community.
– Finally, I care about life>work balance. Time with our families and friends is the most precious thing we have.

Since I’ve started selling my items at community markets, I’ve learned the joy of actually participating in my community. I’ve gotten to know so many other small business owners in the area, and it is AMAZING to be a part of my community in this way.

Community is something we can easily miss out on in our digital world these days, and it’s something I want to foster here. I want us to connect, and I want this community to grow! Share my website with a friend or two. Then they get to be part of the fun, too!

Thanks for being here, and for taking the time to read this. If you haven’t heard it recently, your presence really does make the world more beautiful.

With love,
Jen